Citizenship.EU Platform Update – Free Eligibility Calculator Now Available
Our legal experts and researchers write in-depth guides on how to qualify for European citizenship through ancestry.
Filter blogs by country
Verifying whether you’re actually eligible for citizenship through ancestry can feel intimidating, especially when you’re trying to avoid spending time and money on an application you’re not even sure you can submit. While Citizenship.EU offers paid eligibility services to verify your eligibility to apply for citizenship through ancestry, we are
In an ongoing process of amending Portuguese citizenship law, October 2025 saw Parliament vote to approve amendments that would reset the Portuguese citizenship timeline to seven years for Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) citizens and EU Member states and ten years for all other nationalities. Following this October 24
Spain’s Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) came into force in October 2022. The law, which faced strong opposition from Spain’s right, was part of an attempt to honor the victims of the Franco dictatorship and do away with what remained of the regime, nullifying unjust verdicts, exhuming mass
For the first time since the Henley Passport Index was established in 2006, the U.S. passport has dropped out of the world’s top ten. This guide explains why, what it means, and what you should do next.
For individuals with Spanish roots, seeking Spanish citizenship by ancestry is both a valid pathway to nationality and an exciting opportunity to reconnect with one’s cultural background. But it’s important to note that, like many countries’ citizenship laws, Spain’s requirements for citizenship by descent applicants are nuanced. Spanish citizenship by
On October 13, 2025, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved a comprehensive reform bill that fundamentally restructures how consular services operate worldwide. The legislation, formally known as Bill A.C. 2369-A (“Disposizioni per la revisione dei servizi per i cittadini e le imprese all’estero”), passed with 144 votes in favor, 87 against,
With French citizenship by descent, there are two primary legal pathways to seek recognition of French nationality, and one of these pathways is judicial (declaratory action). Because of this aspect of French nationality law, court cases are often involved. Further, France has more complicated citizenship laws, with requirements that have
Italy’s highest civil court is preparing to issue what could be a landmark decision affecting millions of Italian descendants worldwide, thus affecting Italian citizenship by descent cases. On January 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM, the United Sections of the Court of Cassation will convene in Rome’s Piazza Cavour to hear
Across the United States, an unmistakable shift is taking place. LGBTQ+ Americans are increasingly looking across the Atlantic, and not just for vacation destinations or temporary escapes: for long-term relocation. While this demand has been increasing steadily over the last decade or so, the acute growth in demand starting in
Portugal’s Socialist Party filed comprehensive amendments to the government’s citizenship reform proposal on October 17, 2025, establishing a three-tier framework that would create a seven-year naturalization timeline for most foreign residents while providing extensive protections for existing Golden Visa investors from retroactive rule changes. The 13-page legislative package represents the
October 20, 2025 In a significant policy reversal that underscores Germany’s shifting stance on immigration, the Bundestag voted on October 8, 2025, to abolish the country’s controversial three-year fast-track citizenship pathway. The decision marks the end of a program that had barely gotten off the ground before political winds changed
Italy’s government is moving to increase the special flat tax for wealthy foreign residents from €200,000 to €300,000 annually, marking the second hike in just over a year. The measure, currently in the proposal phase ofthe 2026 Budget Law, comes as Italy has emerged as the third most popular destination
Irish citizenship by descent allows people with Irish ancestry around the world to reconnect with their Irish roots and gain EU citizenship and its associated rights. Many potential applicants want to know how eligibility works and which stipulations apply to descendants. When it comes to seeking Irish ancestry citizenship, the
People with Finnish ancestry often wonder whether or not they can apply for Finnish citizenship, and if so, what the process entails. Finnish ancestry citizenship is a valid pathway to a Finnish nationality, and, in turn, can open up the doorway to EU citizenship and rights — including obtaining a
If you’re interested in a pathway to French citizenship by descent, then you need to be aware of the challenges you’ll face. Citizenship laws in France are stricter and more complicated than they are in other EU member nations. In this guide, we discuss why this is the case, how
Certain individuals of Romanian descent are eligible to restore citizenship and, as a result, gain ancestry citizenship within the European Union, allowing them the right to live, work, and travel freely across 27 member nations. The process of acquiring Romanian European ancestry citizenship, however, is nuanced and does not come
Around the world, individuals with Polish ancestry are reconnecting with the country through ancestral pathways to Polish citizenship. In addition to reconnecting with your family’s origin, when you acquire citizenship in an EU country such as Poland, you open up the doorway to full European Union rights. For Polish citizenship
People with Bulgarian ancestry around the world often wonder if their family ancestry makes them eligible for Bulgarian citizenship, and if so, what they need in order to prove their origins. Bulgarian citizenship by descent is a valid pathway to nationality, but it’s essential to gather documents proving your Bulgarian
The process for acquiring EU citizenship by descent through a European Union member nation varies from country to country, but proper documentation is always a key requirement for applicants. Some ancestry citizenship schemes, such as German citizenship by descent, Irish citizenship, or Italian citizenship, require the applicant to show proof
Individuals looking to reconnect with their Finnish roots and gain access to European Union citizenship often want to know what it takes to acquire Finnish citizenship by descent. A key part of the pathway to becoming a Finnish citizen is ensuring that you’ve submitted the required documentation. This guide outlines
When applying for EU ancestry citizenship or any European citizenship pathway, gathering the required documentation is a vital step in proving one’s ancestry. Many EU citizenship programs rely on the descendant reclaiming citizenship based on an ancestor losing citizenship within a specified time frame. Thus, you may have to show
The European Union is preparing to launch one of its most significant border management reforms in decades. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) represents a careful balance between security and accessibility, designed to protect EU citizens while maintaining Europe’s reputation as a welcoming destination for legitimate travelers planning
Slovenian citizenship by descent is one of Europe’s most accessible citizenship through ancestry programs, requiring only one year of residency for those who can prove Slovenian ancestry up to the fourth generation. What makes Slovenian citizenship by descent particularly interesting is Slovenia’s unique coproperty system. This system allows applicants to
The French nationality certificate application form (Cerfa 16237*02) reveals crucial insights into how French authorities approach citizenship by ancestry cases. Understanding what the form asks for—and just as important, what it doesn’t ask—provides valuable intelligence about the administrative mindset and what French ancestry citizenship applicants should expect from the process.
The path to Czech citizenship by descent is not equally accessible to all descendants of former Czechoslovak citizens. Historical naturalization agreements between Czechoslovakia and certain countries created complex citizenship laws that still impact eligibility today. For anyone exploring their Czech/Czechoslovak descent and citizenship options, it’s important to understand these agreements.
Portugal citizenship by descent has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially for people seeking dual citizenship within the European Union. This guide goes over some of the most important questions you’ll have in reclaiming Portuguese citizenship, based on our research as European citizenship experts. Who qualifies for Portuguese citizenship
If you have French ancestry, then you may be curious about applying for French citizenship by descent, whether it’s to reconnect with your French roots or gain access to the benefits of European Union citizenship as a citizen of a member nation. The ancestral pathway to French citizenship by descent
If you’re planning to apply for French citizenship by descent, you do not need to reside in France to complete the application process. While French residents will handle their applications for French nationality through the French Citizens Contact Center, applicants living abroad must go through the relevant competent authority in
Applying for Cypriot citizenship can feel complicated, especially for families abroad. Whether you are applying for yourself or your children, the application process depends on producing the right paperwork. Cyprus’ Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) will only consider applications that are fully documented, which means preparation is essential. This
Cypriot diasporas in countries like the U.S., South Africa, and Australia have the option to apply for Cypriot citizenship by descent. Children and grandchildren of Cypriot ancestors are often curious as to how they may be eligible through this pathway, how applying works, and where to begin. This guide addresses
Slovenian citizenship is possible for children of Slovenian citizens and, in some cases, for grandchildren. But the process hinges on one thing: paperwork. The Ministry of the Interior is strict. If your documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or not properly legalized, your application will not even be considered. This guide explains
Slovak nationality law is narrower than that of many European Union countries. Children of Slovak citizens qualify automatically, but grandchildren and others must go through naturalization or citizenship by descent processes. Whatever your pathway, the decision depends on documents. Slovak authorities require a seamless file that proves both ancestry and
Latvia offers citizenship by descent to descendants of citizens who lived in the country before the Soviet occupation in 1940. For many families, the biggest challenge is proving eligibility through documentation. Latvian authorities require precise records, and applications without a complete paper trail are often delayed. Understanding the Latvian Citizenship
Updates to Austrian citizenship laws in 2020 made it possible for Austrian victims of the Nazi persecution and their descendants to more easily acquire citizenship without needing to complete formal applications. This attempt to rectify historical injustices perpetrated during the National Socialist Regime from 1938 to 1945 aims to help
The process of acquiring Latvian citizenship by descent is complex, and there are sure to be questions that arise along the way. This guide answers frequently asked questions about who is eligible, which documents are required, where applicants apply, and what to do after receiving your decision. Latvian Citizenship by
Current Bulgarian citizenship through ancestry policies have provisions for Bulgarian descendants to reclaim ties to the Republic of Bulgaria through their ancestors, who may have left their homeland in the 20th century due to political and social upheaval. If you’re interested in acquiring Bulgarian citizenship by descent or have already
For many families with Croatian roots, one of the first questions that comes up is whether children can also benefit from Croatian citizenship by descent. Parents who are applying for their own recognition often want to know if their children will qualify automatically, whether the application form must be filed
Croatian citizenship by descent is possible for people with Croatian heritage whose ancestors may have left the country in the 20th century to seek peace abroad. Depending on your ancestors’ situations, your situation, and certain criteria outlined in the Croatian Citizenship Act and the Law on Croatian Citizenship, you could
This guide explains ways to qualify for Spanish citizenship by descent, what the law requires, and how to think about timing if you want to apply.
Submitting an application for Greek citizenship by descent is a process that entails specific documentation to prove lineage. Furthermore, only certain individuals are eligible based on Greece’s Nationality Code and must apply through specific competent authorities, depending on whether you live in Greece or abroad. Along the way, applicants commonly
Applying for Croatian citizenship can feel like a paperwork marathon. Whether you are applying through descent, marriage, or naturalization, your case depends on proving your eligibility with the correct documentation. For many in the Croatian diaspora, the process begins with collecting family records from both Croatia and abroad. This guide
When seeking German citizenship through ancestry, there are common concerns and complications that applicants may encounter. We’ve compiled this guide with answers to frequently asked questions about who qualifies, the application process, necessary documents, exceptional cases, and more. Common Questions About German Citizenship Through Ancestry Moving Forward The path to
For many families with Bulgarian heritage, one of the most important questions is whether children can also benefit from Bulgarian citizenship by ancestry. Parents who qualify often want to ensure their children gain the same advantages — access to the European Union, education opportunities, and the ability to live and
For many families of Slovenian descent, citizenship is a way of ensuring that the next generation can maintain their connection to Slovenia. Parents who hold or are applying for Slovenian citizenship often ask the same question: will my children qualify too? The answer depends on timing. Slovenia’s nationality law is
Many Slovaks and their descendants live abroad in countries like the U.S., Canada, and nations in Western Europe. If you’re a part of this rich Slovak diaspora, you may be able to reconnect with your Slovak roots by acquiring Slovak citizenship by descent and thus, EU citizenship. The laws governing
If you have Austrian ancestors, then you may be eligible to acquire Austrian citizenship by descent if you meet certain provisions. Austrian nationality law allows for descendants of Austrian citizens to apply for citizenship, regardless of their place of birth. Pathways include birthright citizenship and citizenship for descendants of Austrians
Applying for Polish citizenship by descent is not just a matter of filling out a single form. This guide explains which documents are required, why they matter, and how to prepare them for a successful application.
Within the last year, the EU Court of Justice has finally put a stop to citizenship by investment (CBI). The decision, which effectively ruled that Malta’s “golden passport” program was illegal, ended the last remaining CBI scheme in the European Union. Prior to that, Cyprus also took part in CBI,
For Austrian families seeking restitution for historical injustices, as well as those looking to reconnect with their heritage, Austrian citizenship stands as a meaningful way to reestablish ties with their family history. Many families in such situations often wonder whether their children qualify for ancestral citizenship in Austria and how
The Republic of Cyprus is home to one of the world’s largest diasporas relative to its population. Families in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and South Africa often ask whether their children also qualify for Cypriot citizenship by descent. The answer is usually yes, but the process depends
