Thinking about claiming dual citizenship? Many countries allow you to inherit nationality through your ancestry. Explore 9 countries where ancestry can get you citizenship and realize new opportunities for travel and work.
1. Italy: A Legacy That Lasts Generations
Italy has one of the most flexible policies concerning citizenship by descent. If you have Italian ancestry, you might already qualify for citizenship, even if your family left Italy long ago. This process, known as jure sanguinis or "right of blood," allows individuals to claim citizenship without a generational limit, as long as no ancestor in the chain renounced their Italian citizenship. To get started
- Gather essential documents: birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation.
- Once you have these documents, which can take a considerable amount of time to compile, you'll be rewarded with an Italian passport that also provides access to the European Union (EU). Importantly, Italy permits dual citizenship, meaning you won’t have to relinquish your current nationality.
2. Ireland: A Grandparent Is All It Takes
Ireland simplifies the citizenship acquisition process for anyone with Irish grandparents. If at least one grandparent was born in Ireland, registering in the Foreign Births Register is your next step towards Irish citizenship. Even if your Irish link is through a great-grandparent, it’s possible to claim citizenship provided your parent held Irish citizenship at the time of your birth. With an Irish passport, you'll gain a powerful passport that opens doors across the EU. This procedure is convenient and does not require residency in Ireland; however, certified documentation is necessary. Like Italy, Ireland also supports dual citizenship.
3. Poland: Keep the Line Unbroken
Individuals looking to obtain Polish citizenship must demonstrate that their lineage is free of interruptions. This means proving your Polish ancestor never lost their citizenship due to emigration, military service, or naturalization in another country. If your ancestor departed Poland after 1920 and didn’t renounce their status, you may qualify for Polish citizenship. This ensures you retain the opportunity for EU mobility and educational benefits at reduced rates. Though the eligibility criteria may seem strict, a well-documented case can lead to successful citizenship acquisition.
4. Hungary: Especially Friendly to the Diaspora
Hungary offers an inviting path for those with ties to its history. If your ancestor hailed from the former Kingdom of Hungary (pre-1920), you may be qualified for Hungarian citizenship regardless of where you live now. Document evidence of Hungarian ancestry and demonstrate basic Hungarian language proficiency through a minimal language test. Hungary actively encourages its diaspora to reconnect, making it worthwhile to explore citizenship options if any of your ancestors were Hungarian. Here again, dual citizenship is allowed, enhancing your international mobility.
5. Greece: Passed Down from a Parent or Grandparent
Greek citizenship can be inherited from either a parent or a grandparent, provided that your lineage remains unbroken. Anyone whose Greek ancestor was born in Greece and didn’t renounce their citizenship by becoming naturalized elsewhere is likely eligible. Essential to the application process is collecting municipal records, which might require some effort involving local authorities. No language proficiency is necessary to apply; Greece recognizes dual citizenship, leading to enhanced residency rights and healthcare benefits across the EU.
6. Portugal: Recent Changes Favor Descendants
Recent adaptations in Portugal's legal framework have augmented avenues for obtaining citizenship by descent, especially for individuals with Sephardic Jewish heritage. If you can trace lineage back to Jews expelled during the Inquisition, you might be eligible. However, citizenship by descent also applies if you have Portuguese ancestors, either through parents or grandparents. The searching process is meticulous, involving authenticated documents, but being awarded Portuguese nationality can be a gateway to numerous benefits in the EU, including dual nationality privileges.
7. Spain: More Inclusive Than Before
Spain traditionally had restrictive policies, but the Law of Democratic Memory has expanded opportunities for descendants with ties to exiled Spaniards. This law benefits those whose parents or grandparents were Spanish citizens who left due to political oppression or economic hardship. Like in previous examples, you may reclaim Spanish citizenship without physically residing in Spain. Spain allows dual citizenship with specific nations, particularly in Latin America, and a successful application results in an EU passport.
8. Lithuania: Tight Rules, But Worth a Try
Getting Lithuanian citizenship is contingent upon showing that your ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen prior to 1940 and left due to occupation or persecution. Various factors can affect eligibility, given that Lithuania's laws have changed over time. If your ancestor was a citizen before 1940 but became a citizen elsewhere, you may not qualify; however, exceptions exist for individuals forced to leave. Lithuanian citizenship enables access to EU rights and visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone; hence, it's a worthy pursuit despite potential obstacles.
9. Germany: Restitution for Nazi-Era Persecution
Germany provides a distinctive pathway for individuals whose ancestors lost citizenship due to Nazi-era persecution. If your family was affected by laws that stripped German citizenship due to race, religion, or political views between 1933 and 1945, you may reclaim this citizenship through a simplified process recently established by the German government. The good news is that German authorities also accept dual citizenship for restitution applicants, allowing a fresh start without the necessity of relocating to Germany or language proficiency.
Why Dual Citizenship Matters
Dual citizenship can significantly influence one's lifestyle and opportunities. It enables residents to live, study, and work across multiple nations while circumventing tedious visa processes. Owning property and passing citizenship onto children becomes significantly more manageable as well. Above all, citizenship by descent can allow for a deeper appreciation for your heritage, reconnecting you with a cultural identity often estranged by history.
Key Documents You’ll Probably Need
Most countries have similar requirements for documentation in pursuing citizenship by descent
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation
- Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization
- Official translations and apostilles of documents
- Certified copies, not only scans or photographs
Engaging with relevant consulates or genealogical services can ease the process of tracking down any missing documents.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Prior to initiating your journey:
- Dive into the specific regulations for your nation of ancestry.
- Gather verified original documents as early as possible.
- Exercise patience—the citizenship process can be a lengthy endeavor spanning several months or even years.
- Confirm that your current nationality allows maintaining dual citizenship.
Navigating the journey towards dual citizenship is a considerable investment of time and effort. However, with determination and proper documentation, you might soon celebrate holding a second passport that honors both your lineage and future aspirations.