For many families, European citizenship by descent is not just a legal right — it’s a way to reconnect with their roots while unlocking modern opportunities. If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents came from Ireland, Italy, Poland, or another EU country, you may already qualify for an EU passport.
At Citizenship and Visas, we guide clients through the process of proving ancestry, preparing documentation, and securing a second passport through their family line.
What Is Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent — also called ancestry citizenship — allows individuals to claim nationality through their family tree. Instead of investing or living in a country for years, you can apply directly for citizenship if you can prove bloodline ties.
This often means providing birth, marriage, and naturalisation records that connect you to a parent, grandparent, or sometimes even further back.
Explore more options in our Citizenship by Investment and Descent Programs.
Popular EU Countries Offering Citizenship by Ancestry
1. Ireland
If you have an Irish parent or grandparent, you may qualify for Irish citizenship by descent. Once approved, you gain an EU passport with visa-free access to over 180 countries.
See our guide on Irish Citizenship by Descent for more details.
2. Italy
Italy offers one of the most generous ancestry citizenship laws, allowing claims through “jure sanguinis” (right of blood). Many descendants of Italian emigrants in the U.S., UK, and Latin America qualify.
Learn more about Italian Citizenship Programs.
3. Poland
If one of your ancestors was a Polish citizen and did not renounce their nationality, you may be eligible for Polish citizenship. This path is increasingly popular for families with Eastern European roots.
4. Other EU Options
Countries like Hungary, Germany, and Portugal also have ancestry-based pathways, though eligibility rules vary.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Research Eligibility – Confirm whether your target country allows citizenship through your family line.Gather Documents – Birth certificates, marriage records, naturalisation papers, and sometimes church records are required.
Translate & Legalize – Documents often need to be officially translated and apostilled.
Submit Application – File with the relevant government department or consulate.
At Citizenship and Visas, our legal experts can help you track down missing records and manage the full application process.
Benefits of Citizenship by Descent
EU Passport Access – Visa-free travel and settlement rights across Europe.Cultural Connection – Reconnect with your ancestral homeland.
Multi-Generational Rights – Pass EU citizenship to your children.
Cost-Effective – Unlike investment routes, ancestry claims usually involve low fees.
Final Thoughts
For many people with Irish, Italian, Polish, or other European heritage, the right to a second passport is already within reach. Citizenship by descent is one of the most rewarding ways to secure global mobility while honoring family roots.
At Citizenship and Visas, we make the process smoother, helping you move from proof of ancestry to holding your EU passport in hand.