Be an European Citizen

07/08/2023

Obtain citizenship through descent or ancestry

What is citizenship by ancestry?

Citizenship by ancestry or citizenship by descent allows you to become a citizen of a country by proving that you have ancestors who were citizens of that country. Each country has its own requirements for eligibility, and the process involves completing an application form and providing the necessary supporting documents to the relevant immigration authority.

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. The processing time varies depending on the country.

Eligibility for citizenship by ancestry

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

Advantages

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

Process

Complete the application form and gather the required supporting documents (e.g. proof of lineage)
Submit application to the relevant immigration authority
Processing time varies between countries

Which countries allow citizenship through descent and ancestry?

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

*Note: the above is a non-exhaustive list of countries that offer citizenship by ancestry options (learn more)