If you have a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent from a European country, you might be eligible for eu citizenship by descent – even if you’ve never lived there. This process is called citizenship by descent, and it offers a powerful way to reconnect with your roots, apply for an EU passport, and gain rights across all EU member countries.
But how does it actually work? Let’s break it down.
1. Understand the Legal Basis:
Jus Sanguinis
Most European countries use the legal principle of jus sanguinis, Latin for “right of blood.” This means that citizenship is passed down through family lineage rather than by necessarily being born somewhere.
While each country has its own laws, the basic idea is the same:
If your ancestor was a citizen, and didn’t legally lose that citizenship, you may have inherited the right to claim it.
This has a lot of caveats, nuances, and exceptions, but it provides a general overview of how citizenship by descent works under various European citizenship frameworks, including German Citizenship Law for those seeking German citizenship by descent.
2. Trace Your Lineage
The first practical step is confirming your eligibility. You’ll need to:
- Identify the relative who held citizenship (e.g. grandmother from Ireland, great-grandfather from Italy)
- Determine whether citizenship could have legally been passed down through generations
- Understand any special legal exceptions (e.g. children born out of wedlock, or gender discrimination in past laws)
At Citizenship.EU, we help clients assess eligibility based on each country’s evolving application process and historical records – whether you’re applying from Europe or the United States.
3. Gather Documentation
To prove your ancestry and right to citizenship, you’ll usually need:
- Birth and marriage certificates (for you and your ancestors)
- Proof of citizenship for your ancestor (e.g. passport, ID, naturalization document, census record)
- Name change or immigration documents (if your ancestor moved abroad)
All documents often need to be translated, apostilled, or officially verified, depending on the destination country.
4. Submit Your Application
Once your documentation is complete, you’ll file an application with the relevant government ministry, consulate, or citizenship office. This process typically includes:
- An application form
- Supporting documents
- Application fees
- (Sometimes) biometric data or an in-person interview
Some countries require you to apply from your current country of residence (via consulate), while others allow you to apply in-country.
5. Wait for a Decision—and Celebrate!
Approval times vary from a few months to over a year, depending on the country, volume of applications, and complexity of your case. Once approved, you’ll receive:
- An official citizenship certificate or naturalization decree
- Instructions for applying for a passport
- Full legal rights in your new/ancestral country—and often the entire European Union
Can I Keep My Current Citizenship?
In most cases, yes!
Many European countries allow dual or multiple citizenships, especially if you’re applying by descent. However, some countries may have certain restrictions that should be taken into consideration.
We always advise reviewing a country’ laws before starting the process.
Ready to Begin?
Citizenship by descent is a powerful bridge between your personal history and your future. Whether you’re interested in living in Europe, passing citizenship to your children, or simply honoring your roots—we’re here to help you make it real.
At Citizenship.EU, we offer personalized assessments, research support, and hands-on help with every step of the process.
Sign up now to obtain our EU dual citizenship eligibility assessment.