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CITIZENSHIP BY ANCESTRY ELIGIBILITY TEST

Take the first step on your citizenship journey.

Fill out our quick and easy eligibility form to see if you qualify based on your family lineage. It’s the first step to unearthing your hidden heritage and potentially becoming a citizen of a new nation.
France Citizenship By Ancestry Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility
France Citizenship by Ancestry
Italy Citizenship By Ancestry Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility
Italy
Citizenship by Ancestry
Portugal Citizenship By Ancestry Citizenship By Ancestry Eligibility
Portugal Citizenship by Ancestry
Romania Citizenship By Ancestry
Romania Citizenship by Ancestry
Slovakia Citizenship By Ancestry
Slovakia Citizenship by Ancestry
South Africa Citizenship By Ancestry
South Africa Citizenship by Ancestry
Spain Citizenship By Ancestry Test
Spain Citizenship by Ancestry
Cba
Other Citizenship by Ancestry

Frequently Asked Questions

While over 50 countries worldwide offer some form of ancestral citizenship, the most popular ones include Ireland, Italy, and Germany. Lesser-known options exist in countries like Armenia, Lithuania, and Ghana. Each nation has its own unique set of rules and historical contexts for these programs.
The generational depth varies significantly. Italy is renowned for its potentially unlimited generational reach, while Ireland caps at grandparents. Some countries, like Spain and Portugal, have special programs for descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled centuries ago, creating a fascinating historical exception to typical generational limits.
Beyond standard birth and marriage certificates, some countries require quirky proofs. For instance, Hungary might ask for proof of your ancestor’s baptism, while Jewish ancestry claims for some countries could require ancient family heirlooms or rare historical documents proving lineage.
Some countries throw curveballs. For example, to claim Austrian citizenship by descent, you might need to prove your ancestor was persecuted during the Nazi regime. In contrast, Brazil requires applicants to recite the national anthem during their citizenship ceremony.
Timelines can be unpredictable. While Italy is known for its “fast-track” process that can take as little as 6 months, it’s not uncommon for some Italian applications to stretch beyond 3 years. Factors like local bureaucracy, document authenticity, and even political climate can influence processing times.

Beyond the obvious benefits, some countries offer unique perks. For instance, Italian citizenship grants access to free or heavily subsidized university education across the EU. Greek citizenship allows for easier property ownership in Greece, bypassing restrictions placed on non-EU citizens.

Tax implications can be complex and surprising. The U.S., for example, taxes its citizens globally, so gaining a second citizenship doesn’t exempt you from U.S. taxes. Conversely, some countries like Portugal offer tax incentives to new citizens, potentially leading to significant savings for entrepreneurs or retirees.

Beyond typical genealogy websites, consider exploring niche resources. Old ship passenger lists, Ellis Island records, or even DNA testing services can provide unexpected leads. Some countries, like Ireland, have digitized ancient parish records, offering a treasure trove of information for ancestry sleuths.

You may be eligible if you have a parent or grandparent who was born as a Spanish citizen in Spain. In some cases, those with Spanish great-grandparents may qualify if their parent in the Spanish lineage is willing to apply first.

Direct application is generally not possible. However, if your parent in the Spanish lineage is alive and willing to apply for Spanish citizenship first, you may then become eligible through them.
While specific requirements can vary, you’ll generally need birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of Spanish nationality for your ancestor. All documents should be officially translated and apostilled.
You may be eligible if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born as a Slovak citizen or Czechoslovak citizen in the region that is now modern-day Slovakia.

Unlike some countries, Slovakia allows citizenship claims through great-grandparents, making it more accessible for many descendants.

Eligibility depends on whether your Italian ancestor maintained their Italian citizenship. If they naturalized in another country before August 1992 and before the birth of the next generation in your lineage, you may not be eligible.
Yes, if your Italian ancestor renounced or lost their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next generation in your lineage, you would not be eligible.
ou can qualify if you have a French parent, especially if they were born in France. If your French connection is through a grandparent or great-grandparent, the process is more complex and depends on various factors.
It’s possible, but more challenging. Your parent in the French lineage would typically need to claim their French citizenship first, and then you could apply through them.
If your French parent secured French nationality by acquisition or naturalization before your birth, you may be eligible for French citizenship.
Yes, Portugal has a special program for descendants of Sephardic Jews. If you can prove your Sephardic Jewish ancestry with ties to Portugal, you may be eligible for citizenship.
You may be eligible if you have a parent or grandparent who was born as a Portuguese citizen in Portugal.
Generally, Portuguese citizenship by descent is limited to children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens. Beyond that, eligibility becomes more complex and may require additional steps.
You may be eligible if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was born as a Romanian citizen in Romania or what was known as ‘Greater Romania’.

While direct application through a great-grandparent is not typically possible, you may be eligible if your parent in the Romanian lineage is willing to apply for Romanian citizenship first.

‘Greater Romania’ typically refers to the territory of Romania between 1918 and 1940, which included additional regions like Bessarabia, Northern Bukovina, and Southern Dobruja.
You may qualify if one of your parents was a South African citizen at the time of your birth.
Yes, if you were adopted by a South African citizen after your birth, you may be eligible for South African citizenship.
Unlike some countries, South African citizenship by descent doesn’t typically require residency in South Africa. However, specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances.
Generally, South African citizenship by descent is limited to those with a South African parent. Claiming through a grandparent is not typically possible unless your parent has already claimed their South African citizenship.
Yes, South Africa does allow dual citizenship. However, if you’re a South African citizen and you acquire citizenship of another country, you must inform the South African authorities to retain your South African citizenship.