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 documentation of your relevant ancestor’s U.S. naturalization to prove their nationality loss for their European country of origin.
A U.S. person can usually determine the date that a deceased parent naturalized in the U.S. by cross-checking a combination of official records and family documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or a birth certificate issued abroad. In this guide, we detail the best approaches to finding proof of your ancestors’ U.S. naturalization for EU ancestry citizenship applications, including which records databases to reference along the way.
Why Naturalization Records Matter for EU Ancestry Citizenship
When applying for EU ancestry citizenship, you may be required to show proof of your qualifying ancestor’s loss of citizenship from their European country of origin. Naturalization records are documented proof of ties with Europe and often play a role in jus sanguinis (citizenship by bloodline) cases.
For example, German citizenship by descent pathway under German Citizenship Law or Irish citizenship by descent through the Foreign Births Register rely on the ancestor’s loss or retention of citizenship. Likewise, individuals with Italian citizenship or Austrian citizenship roots often need to trace their family history through similar documentation. Being able to point to the documented moment that the ancestor’s citizen status changed is crucial for reclamation and dual nationality claims.
Where to Find Naturalization Records: EU Ancestry Citizenship
Step 1 – Check Family Records
You may be able to fulfill EU ancestry citizenship document requirements more easily if you have proof of your ancestor’s naturalization close to home. So, the first step is to check family records. The most obvious option is to see if your family has the original or copy of the ancestor’s U.S. naturalization certificate. It needs to have the exact date of naturalization printed on it.
Without a naturalization certificate, see if you have access to the ancestor’s U.S. passport or EU passport if they later regained Dual Citizenship. If it was issued after they were naturalized, it may show their citizenship status or date of issuance.
Additionally, voter registration cards for many U.S. states show the individual’s date of naturalization.
Step 2 – Seek Out Records in Federal Databases
If you can’t find proof of your ancestor’s naturalization in your personal family records, the next step is to check federal databases. Search the following databases:
USCIS Genealogy Program: The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) Genealogy Program keeps historical immigration and naturalization records for deceased persons. USCIS records after September 27, 1906, typically have the exact place and date of naturalization on them. You can access them by:
- Filing a Genealogy Records Request or Form G-639 (FOIA) with the USCIS.
- Provide the ancestor’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth
- Providing any known addresses or immigration details for the ancestor.
NARA: The NARA (National Archives and Records Administration) is useful for obtaining naturalization records for older cases in the EU ancestry citizenship pathway. NARA records can be found:
- By searching the NARA online catalog directly
- Online via Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.org (in some cases)
- Through the relevant regional branch of the ancestor’s residence at the time of their naturalization
Step 3 – Local Court Records
This route for seeking records is relevant for naturalization cases that occurred before 1991, when it could be granted in federal, state, or local courts.
The best way to get local court records is to contact the clerk at the court where your ancestor lived when they naturalized. You may be able to use a searchable index to find generations of people’s documents, but some courts require you to visit in person or send in a written request.
Step 4 – Review Social Security and Census Documents
U.S. Census Records: Documentation of U.S. naturalization also appears in U.S. Census records. The 1920, 1930, and 1940 censuses include columns indicating individuals’ citizenship status, and they sometimes indicate the year of naturalization.
Social Security Applications (SS-5 forms): SS-5 forms sometimes include citizenship data if the data was updated after the individual was naturalized. You can request these documents for deceased ancestors through the Social Security Administration.
Step 5 – Genealogy Databases
Another option is to seek out records through genealogy databases that house large naturalization record collections. The following databases have documents like petitions and declarations of intention:
- Citizenship & Naturalization search through Ancestry.com
- Fold3 Naturalization search
- U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship Genealogy Online Records at FamilySearch.org
Tips for Successful Records Searches
- Search using all name variations, as immigrant names were often misspelled in records.
- To save money, try to find as much in your personal family records as possible before filing requests through programs like USCIS.
- If unsure of how or where to access local court records, contact the court directly.
Does it cost money to access naturalization records?
In some cases, yes. For example, the USCIS Genealogy Program is a “fee-for-service program.” Their Genealogy Records Request form comes with an $80 paper filing fee and a $30 online filing fee.
Additionally, NARA charges reproduction fees for records. You can access their fee structure on their website.
While researching, note that citizenship laws and access fees may differ between EU countries like the Czech Republic or Ireland, and countries offering citizenship by investment. Each has its own application process and documentation standards.
Take the Next Step Toward Your European Citizenship Journey
If you’re applying for EU ancestry citizenship and need to find proof of your ancestor’s U.S. naturalization, check your family records before searching genealogy databases, federal databases, local court records, and Social Security and Census documents.
Looking for more guidance on your pathway to EU ancestry citizenship? Work with one of our trusted citizenship experts by selecting one of our tiered service packages, and get one step closer to living, working, and traveling across the EU with ease. Whether you’re tracing your German ancestry, claiming your rights as an Irish citizen, or planning your tax planning strategy as a child or grandparent descendant, understanding your documentation is the first step toward your European future.