Citizenship by Descent
Discover If You’re Eligible for a Second Passport Via Your Family Tree
Are you interested in obtaining a second passport and citizenship through your ancestry? Citizenship by descent (CBD) allows individuals to acquire citizenship in another country if their parents, grandparents or sometimes even great-grandparents were citizens there.
CBD offers an affordable and relatively straightforward path to a second passport compared to options like investment migration. It also provides a chance to connect with your roots.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about getting dual citizenship through your family history:
- What is citizenship by descent?
- Countries that offer CBD programs
- Benefits of obtaining a second passport
- Who is eligible to apply for CBD?
- How the application process works
- Documents required
- Costs involved
- Processing timelines
- Alternatives if you don’t qualify for CBD
Let’s get started!
What is Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent allows a person to acquire citizenship in a country where their ancestor was a citizen. It is based on the legal principle of jus sanguinis which confers nationality by right of blood-relationship.
Many countries have jus sanguinis laws which permit citizenship to be passed on from parent to child across generations. Some countries allow claims stretching back multiple generations to grandparents, great-grandparents or beyond.
If your parents, grandparents or possibly even great-grandparents were citizens of another country, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship there by descent.
How It Works
The process involves providing documentation like birth, marriage and death certificates to prove your ancestral connection to that country. Once approved, you gain citizenship rights similar to someone born there.
It allows you to avoid typical naturalization timelines which can take years. With CBD, you leverage your family history to expedite the path to naturalization.
Key Advantages
Some notable benefits of obtaining citizenship by descent include:
- Cost: It is typically one of the most affordable options for dual citizenship, with just small application fees.
- Speed: You bypass normal residency requirements, making it a much faster route.
- Ancestry Connection: It allows you to connect with your roots and family history.
- Generational: In most cases, citizenship can be passed down to your children and beyond.
- Visa-free Travel: You gain visa-free access to the country and often many others.
- Living Rights: You can live and work in the country long-term without needing further visas.
- Business Advantages: You can own property, operate a business, have bank accounts, pay lower taxes, etc. in that country.
For wealthy individuals, the business, tax and travel benefits alone make CBD an appealing option for a second passport strategy.
Which Countries Offer CBD Programs?
Many countries have citizenship by descent programs, but eligibility criteria and benefits vary. Some of the most popular options include:
Ireland
Ireland has one of the most accessible CBD programs. You can claim citizenship if you have an Irish parent or grandparent born in Ireland. It allows you access to live, work and study in any EU country.
Italy
Italy permits citizenship for those with Italian parents, grandparents or great-grandparents, with no limit on how far back you can reach. It offers access to the EU and a highly valued passport.
United Kingdom
You can claim British citizenship if born outside the UK to a British parent. Certain grandparent connections may also qualify. It offers access to the EU and extensive visa-free travel.
Poland
Poland has an open policy allowing citizenship for those with a Polish grandparent or great-grandparent. You gain EU rights and access to one of Europe’s fastest growing economies.
Hungary
Hungary places no generational limit for ancestry claims. If you can demonstrate an unbroken line of descent from Hungarian ancestors, you can obtain citizenship.
Greece
Greek citizenship is available to children and grandchildren of Greek nationals born abroad. You gain access to the EU and can own property in Greece.
Other European countries like Germany, Spain, Portugal and many eastern European nations also have CBD programs. Several Latin American, African and Asian countries allow it too.
Who Is Eligible for Citizenship by Descent?
Eligibility criteria for CBD varies by country. But generally, the following rules apply:
- You must prove a blood relationship to an ancestral citizen in that country.
- The number of generations you can reach back differs (often parent, grandparent or great-grandparent).
- The ancestor must not have relinquished citizenship before passing it on.
- Dual citizenship is permitted, but some countries prohibit it.
Proving the unbroken link and required documents can be challenging. Hiring an immigration lawyer well-versed in that country’s laws is advisable.
Some countries allow claims through one parent only, while others require both maternal and paternal lines. Specific requirements depend on each country.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, many providers offer ancestry consultations to assess your eligibility before proceeding.
Can I Take a DNA Test to Prove Eligibility?
While home DNA kits can indicate your genetic ancestry, they are generally not accepted as proof alone by immigration authorities. You still need to provide the paper trail linking you to an ancestral citizen.
However, DNA evidence can sometimes help overcome gaps or missing links in documenting your ancestry. When combined with official records, it may support your claim to citizenship in more ambiguous cases.
How Does the CBD Application Process Work?
The process to apply for citizenship by descent generally involves three main steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Research requirements to confirm you qualify based on ancestral ties.
- Document Preparation: Gather and authenticate all required documents proving your ancestry.
- Application Submission: Submit your application with all supporting documents to the relevant authorities.
The application is normally submitted through a consular office in your country of residence or directly to immigration authorities in your ancestral country.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
Documents required often include:
- Your birth certificate
- Photo ID (like a passport)
- Your ancestor’s birth, marriage and death certificates
- Any other documents proving your relationship
All foreign documents require certified translations and notarized apostille stamps. Any name changes must be supported by marriage certificates or legal documents.
Ensuring you have the complete paper trail is vital. If any links are missing, authorities may reject your claim or request further records.
What Are the Costs for CBD?
Costs are generally low compared to other citizenship options. They include:
- Document fees like translations and apostilles
- Lawyer fees if using one
- Government application fees
- Courier fees to submit your application
Total costs typically range from around $1,000 to $5,000 on average. More complex cases with missing ancestry records can incur higher fees for research and document retrieval.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Processing times vary greatly by country. Some take just 3-6 months, while others 1-2 years. Factors impacting timelines include:
- Complexity of your ancestry claim
- Thoroughness of your documentation
- Workloads and backlogs at immigration offices
You may need patience waiting on bureaucracy in some cases. However, using an immigration service provider experienced in that country’s processes can help expedite the process.
What If I Don’t Qualify for CBD?
If you don’t have a clear ancestral connection to a CBD-allowing country, there are a few options to still obtain a second passport:
Naturalization
Become a naturalized citizen by residing in a country for a set period, usually around 3-7 years. Nations like Panama, Paraguay, and Mexico have straightforward naturalization laws.
Citizenship by Investment
Invest a minimum amount in a country’s economy in exchange for citizenship rights. Popular programs exist in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond starting around $100-200k. Read our article covering Citizenship by investment in detail.
Citizenship by Marriage
Many countries allow foreign spouses of citizens to apply for naturalization. Timeframes are typically shorter than normal naturalization.
Citizenship by Birth
In some countries, children born there gain citizenship automatically even if parents are foreign nationals. This may provide future options for your descendants.
While not as fast or affordable as CBD, these options offer alternative paths to dual citizenship if ancestry claims aren’t feasible.
Is Citizenship by Descent Right for You?
Before pursuing CBD, consider carefully whether obtaining a second passport fits your needs and life circumstances. While benefits like travel freedom and living rights are appealing, citizenship obligations like taxation and military service may apply.
If simply wanting to live abroad long-term, permanent residence may offer you similar benefits without the commitments of naturalization.
However, for many who highly value the advantages of dual citizenship like asset protection, business opportunities, and generational inheritance, CBD can be an efficient and affordable option worth pursuing.
Connect with your family ancestry while opening doors to new possibilities.
