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.

Asian LawAlso: Overseas Citizen of India

OCI Card

The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is the Indian document granting lifelong residency and most economic rights to persons of Indian origin, in lieu of full dual citizenship.

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

In depth

What OCI Card means in practice.

The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is the Indian document granting lifelong residency, work rights, and most economic rights to persons of Indian origin — including those whose ancestors emigrated from India. India does not permit full dual citizenship, so the OCI is the closest equivalent for the Indian diaspora.

OCI eligibility includes: (1) former Indian citizens, (2) children and grandchildren of Indian citizens (or former citizens), (3) spouses of OCI holders or Indian citizens (with 2 years of marriage). Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh are not eligible.

The OCI card is not a citizenship document — it does not grant the right to vote, hold public office, or hold an Indian passport. However, it allows the holder to live, work, study, and own property in India without a visa.

Relevant countries

India

Related terms

Keep learning.

Asian Law

PIO

PIO (Person of Indian Origin) was a card for persons of Indian origin, merged into the OCI scheme in 2015.

Foundations

Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship (also called multiple citizenship) is the status of being a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously, with the rights and obligations of each.

Asian Law

Law of Return

The Law of Return (1950) is the Israeli law that grants Israeli citizenship to Jews, their children, grandchildren, and spouses.

Asian Law

Aliyah

Aliyah is the Hebrew term for Jewish immigration to Israel, the process by which Jews and their descendants claim Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.

Asian Law

Misrad HaPnim

Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) is the Israeli government ministry that processes Israeli citizenship applications and issues Israeli identity documents.

Asian Law

Jewish Agency

The Jewish Agency for Israel is the organization that processes aliyah applications and confirms eligibility under the Law of Return.

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

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