Your Guide to Citizenship by Descent in 31 European Countries

Dreaming of a European passport? If you have European ancestry, citizenship by descent could be your gateway to living, working, and exploring the continent. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the specifics of all 31 European countries that offer this path!

Pathways to Second Citizenship

There are several avenues through which citizenship can be obtained, each with its terms, conditions, and regulations. These pathways include citizenship by birth, by descent, by marriage, by investment, and by naturalization.

Among them, citizenship by descent is gaining popularity due to its simplicity and convenience. It confers citizenship based on familial ties to a country, often tracing lineage through parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents.

Exploring European Countries Offering Citizenship by Descent

Countries with Generally Simple Requirements (up to 3rd Generation)

1. Hungary

Unleash your inner Magyar! Hungary offers a relatively straightforward path if you can prove Hungarian ancestry (no matter how distant) and demonstrate basic Hungarian language proficiency.

2. Italy

Ciao Bella! Italy allows you to claim citizenship up to three generations back, but remember the lineage can only be traced to 1861 and maternal citizenship is recognized only from 1948.

3. Poland

Channel your inner Pole! Polish citizenship by descent is possible if you have a Polish parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent who was born in Poland and lived there after 1920.

4. Bulgaria

Embrace your Bulgarian heritage! Recent amendments allow applications for up to three generations with proof of Bulgarian ancestry through a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.

5. Croatia

Salute your Croatian heritage! Croatia welcomes descendants of Croatian parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents as citizens, but there’s a catch: the ancestor must not have left Croatia before October 8, 1991, to another former Yugoslavian country.

6. Lithuania

Lithuanian roots? You’re in! Lithuania allows citizenship by descent for individuals with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Lithuanian citizen in specific historical eras.

7. Latvia

In Latvia, individuals can claim citizenship by descent for up to three generations or more, provided they can substantiate their ancestry as Latvian nationals. This eligibility extends to parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents under the stipulated rule.

8. Luxembourg

Luxembourgian roots? Luxembourg offers citizenship by descent for up to three generations through various methods, each with specific requirements.

9. Slovakia

Slovakian roots? A recent amendment extends citizenship by descent benefits to include up to third-generation descendants.

10. Ireland

Irish roots? Individuals with ancestors up to the third generation can apply, but specific conditions apply.

11. Greece

Greek roots? Third-generation citizenship by descent is possible, provided applicants meet specific criteria.

Countries with More Stringent Requirements (up to 1st Generation)

12. Iceland

Be prepared for stricter regulations. Citizenship by descent is generally limited to children born to an Icelandic citizen, subject to various conditions.

13. Liechtenstein

This country has some of the strictest rules, allowing citizenship only to children born to Liechtenstein nationals, regardless of birthplace.

14. Norway

Norwegian ancestry? The laws governing citizenship by descent are stringent, with numerous conditions determining eligibility.

15. Switzerland

Swiss ancestry? Citizenship by descent is available for individuals with parents who hold Swiss nationality; however, this is subject to several other conditions.

16. Austria

Austrian citizenship by descent is limited to one generation. Children born to an Austrian mother, married parents with an Austrian father, or an Austrian father who acknowledged paternity within eight weeks of birth may qualify.

17. Belgium

For Belgians at heart, the rules depend on your date of birth. Citizenship by descent is attainable for children through their parents since a 1984 law change.

18. Cyprus

For those born after August 16, 1960, and before June 11, 1999, citizenship by descent is available if born to Cypriot parents in Cyprus, born abroad while one parent was a Cypriot citizen, or born to a Cypriot mother.

19. Denmark

Danish roots? Citizenship is automatically transferred to children born after July 1, 2014, if one or both parents are Danish citizens, regardless of birthplace.

20. Finland

Finnish ancestry? Citizenship by descent is possible through a Finnish mother or father (when married), or even a father without marriage between parents. However, special cases for residence permits exist up to the second generation.

21. Estonia

Estonian ancestry? The country offers relatively straightforward citizenship by descent for up to one generation. If either parent was Estonian, children can claim citizenship without any stipulation regarding the place of birth.

22. France

French ancestry? Children born to parents with French citizenship at the time of their birth are eligible to apply. However, proof of a substantial connection to France in the last 50 years is required.

23. Germany

German ancestry? Germany offers citizenship by descent through parents. Additionally, the country allows descendants of those who lost citizenship under the Nazi regime to apply.

24. Netherlands

One of the strictest, the Netherlands grants citizenship by descent if the parents are Dutch nationals at the time of birth. Since 1985, mothers can also transmit citizenship.

25. Sweden

Swedish ancestry? Strict rules apply, limited to one generation and based on jus sanguinis (ancestry, regardless of birthplace). Qualify if one or both parents are Swedish nationals.

Countries with Requirements Varying by Ancestry & Generation

26. Malta

Embrace your Maltese heritage! Malta offers citizenship by descent for up to two generations (parent or grandparent). Amendments allow registration for those born outside Malta after September 21, 1964, with proof of direct Maltese descent.

27. Czechia

Czech roots? The Czech Republic allows citizenship by descent for those with a parent, grandparent, or even former Czech/Czechoslovakian nationals.

28. Portugal

Portuguese ancestry? Citizenship by descent is a possibility for individuals with Portuguese parents or grandparents, provided their ancestors haven’t lost this privilege.

29. Romania

Romanian roots? Individuals with ancestors who are or were Romanian nationals (up to parents and grandparents) can benefit from Romanian citizenship by descent laws. This extends to the third generation in specific cases.

30. Slovenia

Slovenian ancestry? If a parent or grandparent is or was a citizen, you can submit documents for citizenship by descent. Those born abroad with at least one Slovenian parent can apply to register before age 36.

31. Spain

Spanish ancestry? Spanish nationality can be acquired through parents and grandparents. Having either parent as a Spanish citizen qualifies you to apply, and so does having at least one grandparent who was a Spanish national, even if their citizenship was revoked. Additionally, citizens of Latin American countries can also apply if their grandparent was born in Spain.

Remember: This information is for general guidance only. Requirements can change, so always research the specific country you’re interested in to ensure you meet their eligibility criteria. Happy hunting for your European roots!

Conclusion

As individuals navigate the complexities of global uncertainties, the option of acquiring a second citizenship through descent emerges as an attractive prospect. With numerous European countries offering pathways to citizenship based on familial ties, individuals are exploring these avenues to secure their future and enhance their mobility in an increasingly interconnected world.