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Citizenship by Ancestry

Citizenship by ancestry, also known as citizenship by descent, is a legal pathway that allows individuals to claim citizenship in a country based on their familial ties. This process can provide a valuable opportunity for those seeking to reconnect with their heritage, gain access to new rights, and enjoy the benefits of a second passport. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the concept of citizenship by ancestry, its requirements, application process, and the advantages it offers.

Citizenship by Ancestry Benefits

  • Ability to live, work and study in the destination country without getting a visa.
  • Ability to seek consular assistance and protection from the destination country’s diplomatic authorities.
  • Opportunity to obtain a second passport to enhance one’s global mobility.
  • Opportunity to apply for social securities, healthcare subsidies, and education benefits from the destination country.

Citizenship by Descent Requirements

  • Each country has its own requirements for eligibility.
  • You may be eligible for citizenship through ancestry if you have ancestors who are/were citizens in the destination country.
  • If you’re eligible, you can enjoy benefits such as the ability to live, work, and study in the destination country without a visa, seek consular assistance and protection, obtain a second passport, and apply for social securities, healthcare subsidies, and education benefits.
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7 countries where you can get a citizenship through ancestry

Discover your ancestral heritage.
Click on the flag of your ancestors’ country and claim your  citizenship by descent.
France Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility

French
Citizenship

Italy Citizenship By Ancestry Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility

Italian
Citizenship

Portugal Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility

Portuguese
Citizenship

Romania Citizenship By Ancestry

Romanian
Citizenship

Slovakia Citizenship By Ancestry

Slovak
Citizenship

South Africa Citizenship By Ancestry

South African
Citizenship

Spain Citizenship By Ancestry Test

Spanish
Citizenship

Cba

Other
Citizenship

Which countries offer descent citizenship programs?

Africa
Cape Verde Kenya Nigeria South Africa Tunisia
Americas
Argentina Brazil Canada Chile Colombia
Costa Rica Dominican Republic Mexico United States
Asia & Oceania
Mongolia Philippines Singapore South Korea Taiwan
Thailand Australia Fiji New Zealand
Europe
Austria Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland
Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Lithuania
Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal
Romania Slovenia Sweden Switzerland Türkiye
United Kingdom
Middle East
Bahrain Israel Jordan Kuwait Oman

Africa

Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa

America

Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Uruguay

Asia & Oceania

Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Malaysia, New Zealand, The Philippines, Thailand

Europe

Greece, France, Italy, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Spain

Citizenship by Ancestry Process

Due Diligence And Application

  • Complete the application form and gather the required supporting documents (e.g. proof of lineage).
  • Submit application to the relevant immigration authority.

Citizenship By Descent Approval

Citizenship by descent processing time varies between countries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citizenship by Ancestry?

Citizenship by ancestry is rooted in the principle of jus sanguinis, a Latin term meaning “right of blood.” This principle allows individuals to acquire citizenship based on their lineage rather than their place of birth. Many countries recognize citizenship through descent, enabling individuals to claim citizenship if they can prove that one or more of their ancestors were citizens of that country.

Citizenship by ancestry provides an opportunity for individuals looking to connect with their heritage while gaining access to new rights and benefits. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, you can navigate this pathway effectively and unlock new possibilities in your life abroad. Whether you’re seeking a second passport or simply wish to explore your roots, pursuing citizenship through ancestry can be a rewarding journey into your family’s history.

Why Do Countries Offer Citizenship By Descent ?

Countries offer citizenship through ancestry for a variety of reasons. Granting citizenship based on ancestry allows countries to preserve cultural heritage and historical ties, strengthen national identity, attract talent and investment, and facilitate reconnection and reconciliation. By extending citizenship to individuals with ancestral connections, countries can maintain a sense of belonging, foster economic and social development, and acknowledge the significance of familial ties in their nation-building efforts.

How far back can I claim citizenship through my ancestors?

This depends on the laws of the specific country. Some countries allow claims through grandparents or even great-grandparents, while others may have stricter limitations.

What Are The Common Eligibility Criteria For Citizenship By Ancestry?

The common eligibility criteria for citizenship by ancestry typically include proving a direct lineage to a qualifying citizen of the country, adhering to generational limitations (if any) set by the country, demonstrating language or cultural proficiency in some cases, and completing the application process, which may involve fees and additional requirements specific to the country.

Can You Provide Examples Of Specific Requirements For Eligibility In Some Countries?

Specific requirements for eligibility can vary between countries. For example, in Italy, individuals seeking citizenship by ancestry must generally prove that their Italian ancestors did not renounce or lose their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next generation. In France, applicants must demonstrate that they have at least one French parent.

How might ancestral citizenship affect my current citizenship?

The impact depends on your current country’s laws and those of the ancestral country:

  • Some countries allow dual citizenship, while others require you to renounce your current citizenship
  • Acquiring ancestral citizenship may affect your tax obligations
  • It could impact your ability to hold certain government positions in your current country

What is a proof of lineage ?

Proof of lineage is generally crucial in the application process for citizenship by ancestry. Commonly required documents include birth certificates that establish the chain of ancestry from the applicant to the ancestor who holds or held the citizenship of the country in question. Certain countries may also accept DNA test results to establish the legitimacy of the ancestral connection.

What is the processing time for citizenship by ancestry ?

The processing time for citizenship by ancestry applications can significantly differ depending on the country and its administrative procedures. For instance, in Austria, the citizenship by ancestry process may be completed in approximately 6 months. On the other hand, the average processing time for ancestral citizenship applications in Slovakia can take up to 2 years. To obtain an estimate of the expected processing time for the citizenship program of interest, it is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer who can provide accurate information based on their knowledge and expertise.

Are there any financial considerations for ancestral citizenship?

Yes, potential financial aspects include:

  • Application and processing fees, which vary by country
  • Costs associated with obtaining and translating necessary documents
  • Potential tax implications in both your current and ancestral countries
  • Investment requirements in some countries, like Portugal’s priority for investors in underdeveloped regions

What are the typical requirements for citizenship by ancestry in Europe?

The specific requirements for citizenship by descent can vary significantly from country to country, but some common factors include:

  • Generational limits: Many countries limit the number of generations through which citizenship can be passed down.
  • Residence requirements: Some countries may require individuals born outside the country to have lived there for a certain period of time.
  • Age restrictions: There may be age limits for acquiring citizenship by descent, especially if the individual was born outside the country.
  • Declaration of citizenship: In some cases, individuals may need to declare their intention to acquire citizenship by descent within a specific timeframe.

What is the difference between heritage vs ancestry ?

Ancestry refers to one’s lineage or genealogy, tracing back through generations. It’s about the biological connection to one’s parents, grandparents, and so on. Heritage is the cultural or historical legacy passed down from ancestors, including traditions, customs, beliefs, and artifacts. It’s often tied to a specific place or group of people.

Can genetic ancestry testing from commercial providers be utilized as legal evidence for citizenship by descent claims?

No, DNA tests provided by consumer ancestry websites like MyHeritage generally cannot be used as legal proof to claim citizenship by descent rights.

What is naturalized citizenship?

Naturalized citizenship relates to the legal process through which a non-national acquires the nationality of a country after birth. This process is distinct from citizenship obtained at birth and typically involves several requirements that vary by country, this process is called Citizenship by Ancestry or Descent.

What are some unique benefits of ancestral citizenship?

Naturalized citizenship relates to the legal process through which a non-national acquires the nationality of a country after birth. This process is distinct from citizenship obtained at birth and typically involves several requirements that vary by country, this process is called Citizenship by Ancestry or Descent.