For many people exploring their European roots, ancestry citizenship is an incredible chance to turn heritage into opportunity. But not all European countries offer citizenship just because your great-grandparents hailed from there. While most of Europe follows some version of ancestry-based nationality, a select group of countries keeps their citizenship rules tight.
Why? The reasons range from protecting national identity to historical quirks and even a touch of exclusivity. Let’s take a look at the European countries that don’t automatically hand out passports based on family heritage—and what makes them different.
1. Andorra – Keeping It in the Family (Literally!)
Nestled between Spain and France, Andorra is a tiny but proud country where citizenship is a privilege, not a birthright. Even being born there doesn’t guarantee you Andorran nationality. Unless you have Andorran parents, you’ll have to live in the country for 20 years before you can even apply, with limited exceptions. However, a May 2025 parliamentary bill could open limited ancestry-based citizenship. These potential reforms under Andorra’s Citizenship Act could mark a turning point for descendants hoping to reconnect with their family ties in the principality.
2. Belgium – A Mix of Rules for a Diverse Country
Belgium doesn’t just give citizenship to anyone with a Belgian ancestor. Instead, it has a mix of jus sanguinis and jus soli rules. If you were born abroad to Belgian parents, you need to be officially registered and maintain a connection with Belgium to secure nationality. The country places great importance on maintaining strong links with one’s family tree, ensuring that those who claim nationality remain genuinely connected to their heritage.
3. Denmark – Strict but Straightforward
Denmark is known for its clear-cut citizenship rules: if you have at least one Danish parent, you’re in. But being born in Denmark doesn’t automatically make you a citizen unless your parents already have Danish nationality. They prioritize lineage over location—so ancestry matters, but only in a direct way. Unlike countries that allow dual citizenship, Denmark has traditionally taken a conservative stance on nationality.
4. Estonia – Preserving National Identity
Estonia, having only regained independence in 1991, takes nationality seriously. Citizenship by descent is reserved for direct Estonian parentage. While they’ve addressed statelessness from the Soviet era, they still prioritize cultural and national unity over ancestry-based claims from distant relatives. Estonia also continues to regulate dual citizenship carefully to ensure loyalty to the state.
5. Iceland – A Tight-Knit Island Community
With fewer than 400,000 people, Iceland is one of the most exclusive clubs in Europe. Citizenship is strictly passed down through parents. They value integration, so just having an Icelandic grandparent isn’t enough—you need a deeper connection to the country. Applicants often trace their family tree and demonstrate cultural understanding as part of the process, reinforcing how ancestry and belonging go hand in hand.
6. Liechtenstein – The Most Exclusive Passport in Europe?
Liechtenstein takes things to the next level. Not only do you need a Liechtenstein parent to get citizenship by descent, but naturalization is nearly impossible. If you’re not born into a Liechtensteiner family, you’ll need 30 years of residency—or even a local referendum approving your citizenship! This tiny principality fiercely protects its identity and doesn’t allow dual citizenship, keeping nationality strictly tied to direct lineage.
7. Monaco – The Royal Exception
Monaco might be famous for its luxury and glamour, but its citizenship laws are anything but accessible. Even if you’re born in Monaco, you’re not automatically a citizen unless your parents are Monégasque. Naturalization is rare and usually reserved for those who have lived in Monaco for decades. Maintaining dual citizenship is generally not allowed, reflecting Monaco’s desire to keep its national identity exclusive.
8. Montenegro – National Pride First
Montenegro grants citizenship by descent but not by mere birth in the country. They want to ensure that those who become citizens have real cultural and ancestral ties to the nation, not just a technical lineage. For many, this means showing genuine connection and preserving deep family ties with Montenegro’s history and traditions.
9. Netherlands – A Hybrid Approach
The Dutch system combines jus sanguinis and jus soli, but it’s not automatic for everyone. If you’re born outside the Netherlands to Dutch parents, you need to be registered and maintain a strong link to the country. The Netherlands also has complex Citizenship Act provisions that balance inclusion with the protection of national integrity.
10. North Macedonia – Ancestry, But With Limits
Macedonian citizenship is passed down through parents, not distant relatives. They focus on a strong national identity, so unless you have direct lineage, you’ll need to go through their standard naturalization process.
11. Norway – Keeping It Simple
Like its Nordic neighbors, Norway follows strict jus sanguinis rules: if you have a Norwegian parent, you’re in. If not, being born there won’t help. They keep nationality closely tied to heritage rather than geography.
12. San Marino – Small but Selective
San Marino, one of the world’s smallest republics, takes a conservative approach to nationality. Citizenship is based on descent, and even naturalization is rare, requiring long-term residency and local approval.
13. Sweden – Nordic Rules Apply
Sweden follows jus sanguinis but doesn’t allow automatic citizenship just because of distant ancestry. You need a Swedish parent, and if you’re born abroad, you must be registered and maintain ties to Sweden.
14. Switzerland – The Not-So-Easy Route to a Swiss Passport
Switzerland is notorious for making citizenship difficult. Just having Swiss ancestry isn’t enough—you need to have a Swiss parent. Even naturalization takes at least 10 years, along with language requirements and full cultural integration.
15. Vatican City – The Most Unique Citizenship on Earth
Vatican citizenship isn’t based on ancestry at all. It’s strictly tied to work—if you serve in the Vatican (like the Swiss Guard or clergy), you get citizenship for as long as you work there. Once you leave, you lose it.
Why Do These Countries Keep Citizenship Strict?
While many European countries offer easier paths through ancestry citizenship, these nations hold on to strict rules for several reasons:
- National Identity: Many of these countries, like Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Iceland, have small populations and want to protect their cultural identity.
- Preventing “Passport Shopping”: Some governments worry that people with no real connection to the country might claim citizenship just for travel benefits.
- Historical Context: Countries like Estonia and North Macedonia have undergone major political shifts, making them more cautious about nationality laws.
- Integration Focus: Places like Belgium and the Netherlands want to make sure new citizens are actually involved in the country, not just inheriting a passport they’ll never use.
- Legal Structure: The Citizenship Act in most countries reinforces loyalty, integration, and genuine national contribution.
Final Thoughts
While ancestry-based citizenship is common in Europe, these 15 countries have chosen to keep it exclusive. Whether due to history, national pride, or demographics, these nations ensure that citizenship remains a privilege, one rooted in authentic family ties and cultural belonging, not just a paperwork process.
For those tracing their family tree and exploring ancestry citizenship, research each nation’s legal framework and Citizenship Act carefully. Even without dual citizenship, reconnecting with your European roots can still open meaningful doors to heritage, identity, and culture.
If you were hoping to get an EU passport based on a great-grandparent from Liechtenstein or Monaco, you might be out of luck. But for those with genuine ties and long-term residency, there’s still a path to citizenship—just don’t expect it to be easy!