What is citizenship by descent?

Citizenship by descent (CBD) is the legal right to acquire a country's citizenship through one's ancestors, based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). Over 90 countries offer some form of citizenship by descent.

Which countries offer citizenship by descent?

Over 90 countries offer CBD. The most accessible include Italy, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Spain, and Portugal.

How long does citizenship by descent take?

Timelines vary by country. Italy: 12-36 months. Ireland: 9-18 months. Poland: 12-24 months. Germany: 12-30 months. Mexico: 6-14 months. Brazil: 6-12 months.

Can I have dual citizenship?

In most cases yes. The US, Canada, UK, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and most EU states permit dual citizenship. Notable exceptions: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Japan, China, Singapore.

How much does citizenship by descent cost?

Costs vary by country. Typical all-in fixed fees: Italy $8,000-$25,000, Ireland $4,000-$9,000, Poland $5,000-$15,000, Germany $8,000-$25,000, Mexico $3,000-$8,000, Brazil $3,000-$7,000.

Is the consultation confidential?

Yes. Every consultation is confidential. Nothing you share can be disclosed without your consent. When you're matched with a professional in our network, that professional's own confidentiality and privilege policies apply to your engagement.

How long does the consultation take?

The first consultation is 90 minutes for video and in-office meetings, or 60 minutes for phone calls.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. The first 90 minutes are confidential, candid, and free of charge. No retainer required.

What should I prepare for the consultation?

Bring whatever you know about your ancestor: full name, date and place of birth, country of origin, emigration date, naturalization status, and any documents you already have.

How quickly will I hear back after requesting a consultation?

We reply to every consultation request within 24 hours, in your timezone.

What consultation formats are available?

We offer private video consultation (90 minutes), in-office meeting (90 minutes, available in New York, Lisbon, and Mexico City), and telephone call (60 minutes).

Do I need to commit to anything after the consultation?

No. The consultation is free and carries no obligation.

What languages are consultations available in?

Case leads are available in seven languages: English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, and Polish.

French Law

État Civil

The état civil is the French civil registry system that maintains records of births, marriages, and deaths, managed by each commune's mairie (town hall).

Last reviewed July 2026 · Part of the Ancestra CBD Glossary (French Law)

In depth

What État Civil means in practice.

The état civil is the French civil registry system that maintains records of births, marriages, and deaths. Each French commune's mairie (town hall) maintains its own état civil registers, which date back to the French Revolution (1792).

For CBD cases, the état civil of the ancestor's birthplace is the primary source of French vital records. Records from before 1792 are found in parish archives (archives paroissiales) and are held at the departmental archives (archives départementales).

French état civil records can be requested online through the mairie's website or the Service-Public.fr portal. The Archives Nationales in Paris holds records for Paris and former French colonies.

Relevant countries

France

Related terms

Keep learning.

French Law

Droit du Sang

Droit du sang (right of blood) is the French term for jus sanguinis — citizenship acquired by descent from a French parent.

French Law

Droit du Sol

Droit du sol (right of the soil) is the French term for jus soli — citizenship acquired by birth on French territory.

French Law

Tribunal Judiciaire

The Tribunal Judiciaire is the French court that processes certain citizenship declarations and disputes, including CBD claims that require judicial recognition.

French Law

Certificat de Nationalité Française

The Certificat de Nationalité Française (CNF) is the official French document that certifies a person's French citizenship, used as proof in CBD cases.

Ready to apply this to your case?

Run our free 4-minute eligibility check, or book a private consultation. A case lead will explain how État Civil applies to your specific situation — in plain language, citing the relevant statute.

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