What is Citizenship by Descent?
Claim citizenship based on ancestral ties to a country.
Citizenship by Descent, also known as citizenship by ancestry, is a structured pathway that allows individuals to acquire citizenship through their bloodline. Grounded in the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), eligibility is determined by whether citizenship was passed through generations, regardless of how far back the qualifying ancestor may be. In many countries, there is no fixed generational limit, and eligibility depends instead on historical nationality rules, migration timelines, and retention or loss of nationality over time.
Unlike investment-based programs, citizenship by descent is not transactional. It requires detailed documentary and genealogical analysis of your family history, including birth, marriage, migration, and naturalization records across generations and jurisdictions. When successful, this process grants full citizenship and a passport by right, offering not only enhanced global mobility but an official reconnection to your ancestral homeland.
Key Benefits
No Investment Required
Citizenship by descent requires no financial contribution—only documented proof of your ancestral connection.
EU Access
Many ancestry programs (Italy, Ireland, Poland) grant EU citizenship with full rights to live and work across Europe.
Generational Benefits
Pass citizenship to your children and future generations, securing their global mobility permanently.
Cultural Reconnection
Rediscover your ancestral heritage, traditions, and family history through the citizenship journey.
Dual Nationality
The majority of countries allow dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while gaining a second.
Eligibility by Descent
Citizenship by descent is an eligibility-based pathway grounded in bloodline, not a discretionary program.
Countries Offering Citizenship by Descent
Explore the jurisdictions where we can guide you through the citizenship by descent process.
Czech Republic
- Eligibility through Czech or Czechoslovak ancestry, subject to historical transmission rules
- No residency requirement
Hungary
- EU citizenship
- No generational limit
Ireland
- Full EU citizenship
- No language requirement
Italy
- Eligibility through parent or grandparent (children/grandchildren qualify)
- Naturalization timing is key to eligibility
Poland
- Eligibility through Polish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent
- Eligibility depends on whether Polish citizenship was retained over time
Slovakia
- EU citizenship
- Schengen access
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship is determined by lineage rather than place of birth. While each country applies its own nationality laws, eligibility is assessed by examining how citizenship was transmitted through your family line over time, not simply how many generations separate you from an ancestor.
The most important factor is whether citizenship was lawfully passed down without interruption. This requires analyzing key events such as migration, naturalization in another country, and the timing of births across generations. At JH Marlin, we conduct a preliminary legal and genealogical assessment of your family history to identify which jurisdiction, if any, offers the strongest and most viable pathway to citizenship by descent.
Not sure which country you may be eligible for?
Our team assesses your ancestry, family history, and documentation to determine which citizenship pathways are available to you. Schedule a confidential consultation.
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