Citizenship by Ancestry
Citizenship by ancestry, or citizenship by descent, offers a unique opportunity to claim citizenship in a country based on your familial heritage. If you have qualifying ancestors, you could secure a second passport and gain access to valuable rights and benefits. Harvey Law Group, an experienced immigration law firm, specializes in helping clients during the process of obtaining citizenship through ancestry.
Citizenship by Ancestry Benefits
- Ability to live, work and study in the destination country without getting a visa.
- Ability to seek consular assistance and protection from the destination country’s diplomatic authorities.
- Opportunity to obtain a second passport to enhance one’s global mobility.
- Opportunity to apply for social securities, healthcare subsidies, and education benefits from the destination country.
Citizenship by Descent Requirements
- Each country has its own requirements for eligibility.
- You may be eligible for citizenship through ancestry if you have ancestors who are/were citizens in the destination country.
- If you’re eligible, you can enjoy benefits such as the ability to live, work, and study in the destination country without a visa, seek consular assistance and protection, obtain a second passport, and apply for social securities, healthcare subsidies, and education benefits.
Citizenship by Ancestry Qualification Test
Use the eligibility assessments below to evaluate potential qualification for citizenship through ancestry under different national programs
All the countries offering citizenship by ancestry programs
Citizenship by Ancestry Process
Due Diligence And Application
- Complete the application form and gather the required supporting documents (e.g. proof of lineage).
- Submit application to the relevant immigration authority.
Citizenship By Descent Approval
Citizenship by descent processing time varies between countries.
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citizenship by Ancestry?
Citizenship by ancestry is based on the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning "right of blood." It allows individuals to acquire citizenship based on their lineage rather than their place of birth. A person may claim citizenship if they can prove that one or more ancestors were citizens of that country.
How far back can I claim citizenship through my ancestors?
This depends on the laws of the specific country. Some countries allow claims through grandparents or great-grandparents, while others impose stricter generational limits.
What are the common eligibility criteria for citizenship by ancestry?
Common eligibility criteria include proving direct lineage to a qualifying citizen of the country, meeting any generational limitations set by that country, demonstrating language or cultural proficiency where required, and completing the application process including applicable fees.
What documents are required as proof of lineage?
Proof of lineage typically consists of birth certificates that establish a chain of ancestry from the applicant to the qualifying ancestor. Some countries may also accept DNA test results to support the ancestral connection.
What is the processing time for citizenship by ancestry?
Processing times vary by country. Austria may complete the process in approximately 6 months. Slovakia can take up to 2 years. Processing times for other countries vary and should be confirmed with an immigration lawyer.
Can DNA tests from commercial providers be used as legal proof for citizenship by descent?
No. DNA tests from consumer ancestry websites such as MyHeritage generally cannot be used as legal proof to claim citizenship by descent rights.
Are there financial costs involved in applying for ancestral citizenship?
Yes. Costs include application and processing fees, document translation costs, and potential tax implications in both your current and ancestral countries. Some countries also have investment requirements as part of their ancestry programs.
What is the difference between heritage and ancestry?
Ancestry refers to one's biological lineage tracing back through generations — parents, grandparents, and so on. Heritage is the cultural or historical legacy passed down from ancestors, including traditions, customs, beliefs, and artifacts tied to a specific place or group of people.