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.

Canadian LawAlso: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

IRCC

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) is the Canadian government department that processes citizenship applications.

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

In depth

What IRCC means in practice.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, formerly Citizenship and Immigration Canada) is the Canadian government department responsible for immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship. It processes citizenship applications, including CBD applications under Bill C-71.

For Canadian CBD cases, IRCC is the primary filing authority. Applications are submitted using form CIT 0001 (adults) or CIT 0003 (minors), along with supporting documents and fees. Processing time is 8-16 months.

IRCC also processes citizenship certificates (proof of citizenship), citizenship revocation, and renunciation of citizenship.

Relevant countries

Canada

Related terms

Keep learning.

Canadian Law

Bill C-71

Bill C-71 (Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, 2025) is the Canadian law that restored citizenship to beyond-first-generation descendants of Canadians born abroad.

Canadian Law

Citizenship Act

The Citizenship Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-29) is the principal Canadian citizenship law, amended by Bill C-71 in 2025.

Canadian Law

Lost Canadian

A 'Lost Canadian' is a person who lost or never received Canadian citizenship due to outdated provisions of the Citizenship Act, now eligible for reinstatement under Bill C-71.

Canadian Law

Substantial Connection Test

The substantial connection test is the Bill C-71 requirement that beyond-first-generation descendants of Canadians born abroad have 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada.

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 IRCC applies to your specific situation — in plain language, citing the relevant statute.

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