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.

Polish LawAlso: metrical book, parish register

Metryka

A metryka (metrical book) is a Polish parish or civil registry record book, containing baptisms, marriages, and burials, dating from the 16th century to the present.

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

In depth

What Metryka means in practice.

A metryka (metrical book) is a Polish parish or civil registry record book, containing records of baptisms, marriages, and burials. Metryki were maintained by Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, and Jewish parishes from the 16th century onward.

After 1945, metryki were transferred to state archives (Archiwa Państwowe) and USC offices. Pre-1945 metryki are the primary source for Polish CBD cases — they provide the documentary evidence of the citizenship chain.

Metryki are typically handwritten in Latin (Catholic), Polish, German (Prussian Partition), Russian (Russian Partition after 1867), or Hebrew/Yiddish (Jewish). Reading them requires specialized paleographic skills.

Relevant countries

Poland

Related terms

Keep learning.

Polish Law

USC

USC (Urząd Stanu Cywilnego) is the Polish civil registry office that maintains records of births, marriages, and deaths, equivalent to the Italian anagrafe.

Polish Law

AGAD

AGAD (Archiwum Główne Akt Dawnych) is the Central Archives of Historical Records in Warsaw, holding Polish records from the Russian Partition and earlier periods.

Polish Law

Potwierdzenie

Potwierdzenie posiadania obywatelstwa polskiego (confirmation of Polish citizenship) is the legal process by which the Polish government confirms that a person is a Polish citizen by descent.

Polish Law

Wojewoda

A Wojewoda (voivode) is the Polish central government's representative in each province (województwo), who processes citizenship confirmation applications.

Polish Law

Partitions

The Partitions (zabory) were the three divisions of Poland between Russia, Prussia, and Austria from 1772 to 1795, after which Poland ceased to exist as a sovereign state until 1918.

Polish Law

Galicia

Galicia was the region of partitioned Poland under Austrian rule (1772-1918), covering what is now southern Poland and western Ukraine.

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

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