Q&A: Who can buy property in Ireland?
I had an interesting question from a reader today. Michael F. from Ohio asked something that I'm sure has crossed the minds of many other Americans before. Here's an excerpt from his email:
I have often thought of buying a home in Ireland. I have visited on a number of occasions and want to know can American's, with no ties to Ireland, buy a home there?
Thanks for the question Michael. My initial thought was that there may be restrictions, but as it turns out, anybody, from anywhere, can buy property in Ireland. I've spent the better part of an hour searching for a reference to quote, but all I can come up with are other blogs, websites, lawyer sites etc, that say there are no restrictions in place. However, I could not find an official source for this information.
Keep in mind, that even though you can own property in Ireland, this does not grant you the right to live here. Unless you qualify for Irish citizenship or residency in Ireland, then you will not be allowed to live in the home you purchased. I would refer you to the Citizens Information website for rights of residence.
From my limited experience with the Irish property buying process, I can honestly say it is frustrating and complicated. I am actively searching for a home to purchase, and when I have information to share, that I am confident will be useful to other movers, I will write up my thoughts.
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Please also check out the article and comment section at this link for some insight into the home-buying process in Ireland.
Something along these lines is many people may actually be dual citizens without realizing it, and have the right to work/residence in Ireland because of dual Irish or dual EU citizenship. Countries determine citizenship based on one of two possible ways, or use a mix of both. “Jus Sanguines” or “Jus Soli” by descent or by soil. Either be descent or by being born in that country. Some countries will recognize you as a citizen if your grandparents or parents were born citizens in that country, even if you were born in another country. Some countries are if any direct line ancestor was born or lived in that country at a certain year. EU citizens can work and live in Ireland. The UK doesn’t recognize by descent past one generation born outside of the UK. Ireland recognizes it as long as your grandparent or parent was a citizen before you were born. If the (grand)parent was born outside of Ireland they would have to have their birth registered in Ireland before your own birth either directly or in the Foreign Births Register, and you would have to have your birth registered in Ireland in the Foreign Births Register. It is complicated by many records were lost in Dublin (but not as many as most believe) in 1922. http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/irish_citizenship/irish_citizenship_through_birth_or_descent.html
Portugal and Spain both have offered citizenship to descendants of expelled Jews that were expelled about 500 years ago.
Italy is supposed to be relatively easy to claim citizenship by descent.