What Is Citizenship by Descent? A Beginners Guide
Citizenship by descent (also called jus sanguinis, Latin for "right of blood") means you can become a citizen of a country because your parent, grandparent, or more distant ancestor was a citizen of that country. You do not need to have been born there, lived there, or even visited. In many cases, you may already be a citizen without knowing it.
An estimated 60 million Americans have ancestry that could qualify them for citizenship in at least one European country. If you are one of them, this could be the most valuable thing you ever discover about your family history.
How Does It Work?
Many countries follow the principle that citizenship passes automatically from parent to child, regardless of where the child is born. If your great-grandfather was Italian and the chain of citizenship was never broken (through naturalization in another country, for example), you may be an Italian citizen right now.
The application process is really about proving and recognizing a citizenship that already exists in law. You are not "applying for" citizenship so much as documenting your right to it.
Which Countries Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Many countries have some form of jus sanguinis, but the most accessible for Americans and Canadians are:
Most Popular Programs
| Country | Generational Limit | EU Citizenship? | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Grandparent (since 2025) | Yes | 1-4 years |
| Ireland | Grandparent (via FBR) | Yes + UK access | 9-18 months |
| Poland | No limit (if chain unbroken) | Yes | 12-16 months |
| Dominican Republic | Parent (primarily) | No | 4-8 months |
| Hungary | No limit | Yes | 6-12 months |
| Germany | Varies (Nazi persecution cases) | Yes | 1-3 years |
| Portugal | Sephardic ancestry (changed 2022) | Yes | 2-3 years |
| Croatia | No limit | Yes | 6-18 months |
Why Pursue Citizenship by Descent?
EU Freedom of Movement
Italian, Irish, or Polish citizenship means the right to live and work in any of 27 EU countries with no visa, no employer sponsorship, and no time limits. Move to Barcelona, Berlin, or Lisbon whenever you want.
Passport Power
EU passports are among the most powerful in the world. The Irish passport is ranked #1 globally. Italian and Polish passports provide visa-free access to 180+ countries.
Heritage Connection
Formalize your connection to your ancestral homeland. Many people describe receiving their citizenship recognition as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Safety Net
A second citizenship provides political, economic, and personal insurance. No matter what happens in one country, you have options.
Pass to Your Children
Most descent-based citizenships can be passed to your children, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
No Need to Renounce
The United States allows dual citizenship. Getting a second passport does not affect your US citizenship in any way.
The Warning: Laws Can Change
Italy proved this in May 2025 when it closed great-grandparent claims overnight with the Tajani Decree. People who had spent years preparing their applications lost their eligibility in a single day. If you think you might qualify anywhere, start now.
How to Get Started
- Take our eligibility quiz to find out which countries you may qualify for (2 minutes, free)
- Talk to your family about where your grandparents and great-grandparents were born
- Check FamilySearch.org (free) for genealogical records
- Read our country guides:
- Join our community forum to connect with people at every stage of the process
