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: Person of Indian Origin

PIO

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

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

In depth

What PIO means in practice.

PIO (Person of Indian Origin) was a card for persons of Indian origin (up to the 4th generation) who were not Indian citizens. The PIO card was introduced in 1999 and merged into the OCI scheme in 2015.

Existing PIO cards were deemed to be OCI cards after January 2016. The PIO scheme is no longer accepting new applications — all new applicants must apply for OCI.

The PIO card granted fewer rights than the OCI card (15-year visa vs. lifelong, no work rights in some sectors). The merger into OCI simplified the system and expanded rights.

Relevant countries

India

Related terms

Keep learning.

Asian Law

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.

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.

Asian Law

Koseki

A koseki is the Japanese family registry, the official record of family relationships that serves as proof of Japanese citizenship.

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

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