Citizenship by Descent
— Ancestral Citizenship
Citizenship by descent.
Your birthright awaits.
Your family history may hold the key to expanded global opportunities. Citizenship by descent — also known as ancestral or heritage-based citizenship — allows you to claim a second passport based on your lineage.
Key facts
✦ Based on jus sanguinis
Latin for “right of blood” — your lineage is your claim
✦ Most cost-effective route
Often cheaper than investment or naturalization routes
✦ 8+ eligible countries
Including major EU nations with Schengen access
✦ You own it from birth
You already hold it — you simply need to activate it
✦ Extends to your children
Pass your new citizenship to future generations
What Is It
What is citizenship
by descent?
Citizenship by descent is a birthright that allows you to claim citizenship in a country where your ancestors were citizens. Unlike citizenship by marriage or naturalization, it is based purely on your ancestral bloodline — and you technically possess it from birth. You simply need to activate it.
Activation involves applying through the relevant government and providing documented proof of your lineage. This process requires navigating complex nationality laws and understanding each country’s specific citizenship act.
vs. By marriage
Obtained by marrying a citizen of that country
vs. Naturalization
Acquired after residing in a country for a specified period
Why Pursue It
Benefits of citizenship by descent
🌐
Expanded global mobility
Access visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to numerous countries with your new passport.
💼
Economic opportunities
Ability to work, invest and conduct business in your ancestral country without restriction.
📈
Portfolio diversification
Invest in real estate, stocks and other assets in your new country of citizenship.
🏥
Higher quality of life
Enhanced healthcare, education and social services in your adopted country.
🔑
Enhanced optionality
Flexibility to live, work, study and retire in your new country with full citizen rights.
Eligible Destinations
Countries offering citizenship
by descent
Many countries operate citizenship by descent programs based on the principle of jus sanguinis. Specific requirements vary — some recognise descent from parents or grandparents, while others may extend eligibility to great-grandparents or more distant ancestors.
🇵🇱
Poland
Citizenship by descent for individuals with Polish ancestry. Requires proving that your ancestor was a Polish citizen with uninterrupted lineage. Extensive documentation required.
🇮🇪
Ireland
One of the most generous programs — if you have an Irish grandparent you can apply via the Foreign Births Register. EU citizenship and Schengen access included.
🇮🇹
Italy
Based on jus sanguinis with no generational limit in many cases. Requires detailed lineage proof including birth, marriage and death certificates of all ancestors.
🇷🇴
Romania
Citizenship for individuals with Romanian ancestry. Requirements can be complex, often necessitating professional assistance to navigate documentation.
🇩🇪
Germany
Citizenship for children born to German parents. Rules evolved in 2000 making it easier for children of German mothers to claim. Requires thorough birth, marriage and citizenship documentation.
🇵🇹
Portugal
Primarily for children of Portuguese citizens. Also offers a pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century.
🇦🇹
Austria
Primarily for children born to Austrian parents. Known for stringent requirements, often necessitating detailed documentation and proof of uninterrupted lineage.
🇪🇸
Spain
Citizenship for children of Spanish citizens. Also provides a pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled during the Spanish Inquisition.
Speak to an advisor →
Note on the UK: While the UK does not offer direct citizenship by descent in the same way, it has an ancestry visa that serves as a pathway for Commonwealth citizens with British lineage to eventually gain citizenship. Specific requirements apply.
The Process
The application
process
While specific requirements vary by country, the general process follows four key stages. AptCitizenship guides you through every step.
Processing times vary depending on the country and the complexity of your case. Some applications resolve in months; others — particularly for Italy and Poland — can take considerably longer. Early preparation is key.
01
Determine eligibility
- Research your family history and genealogy
- Identify which ancestor’s citizenship you’re claiming
- Gather birth, death and marriage certificates
- Check dual citizenship permissibility
02
Prepare your application
- Collect and organise all required documents
- Obtain apostilles for official documents
- Translate documents if required
- Obtain government archives confirming citizenship
03
Submit your application
- Follow the specific country submission process
- Pay any required application fees
- Submit to the relevant consulate or government
04
Passport issued ✦
- Await the government’s decision
- Processing times vary by country and case complexity
- Receive your new passport and citizenship certificate
Common Challenges
What to be aware of
Limited record availability
Historical records may be incomplete or difficult to obtain for older generations.
Historical border changes
Changes in national borders can complicate proving lineage and establishing citizenship.
Varying transmission rules
Different countries have different rules on citizenship through maternal vs. paternal lines.
Language requirements
Some countries may require proficiency in the local language as part of the process.
Time-consuming research
The process can be lengthy and require extensive research — professional support is recommended.
How We Help
AptCitizenship: your guide to citizenship by descent
Navigating the citizenship by descent process can be complex. AptCitizenship offers comprehensive support to streamline your journey — from the first eligibility assessment to the final passport application.
🔍 Exploring your ancestral options
Assessing your eligibility across all available descent programs
📄 Lineage documentation support
Helping gather, organise and authenticate all necessary documents
✅ Full application management
Handling the entire application process from start to finish
💼 Expert guidance on complex cases
Professional advice on challenging lineage cases and edge-case scenarios
Start Today
Unlock the potential of your family history.
Contact AptCitizenship today. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through each step of your citizenship by descent journey.