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.

Pillar guide

Argentina Citizenship by Descent

Argentina citizenship by descent is governed by Nacionalidad por opción. Children of Argentines may opt for nationality, and grandchildren may apply through federal court. We handle both the administrative option and the judicial route through Cámara Nacional Electoral.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Argentinan citizenship by descent — country guide, document checklists, comparisons, glossary terms, cost estimates, and eligibility assessment — in one place.

Last reviewed July 2026 by Ancestra editorial team

Who qualifies for Argentina citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Argentina's dual route (administrative opción vs. judicial) is unique. The judicial route for grandchildren takes 9-18 months and is filed through the Cámara Nacional Electoral.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Grandparent (3rd generation) through judicial route. Children of Argentines can claim through opción (administrative). Grandchildren file through federal court.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Argentina allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None.

Filing authority: Cámara Nacional Electoral (federal court) for judicial route; civil registry for opción.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Argentina citizenship by descent?

Argentina: Grandparent (3rd generation) through judicial route. Children of Argentines can claim through opción (administrative). Grandchildren file through federal court.

Does Argentina allow dual citizenship?

Argentina: Permitted — Argentina allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Argentina Citizenship by Descent

Argentina country guide

Nacionalidad por opción

Argentina checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Argentina checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Argentina cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Judicial Filing

Judicial filing is the process of submitting a citizenship application through a court in the countr...

Glossary: Registro Civil

The Registro Civil is the civil registry in Spain and Latin American countries that maintains record...

Glossary: Opción

Opción (option) is the Argentine (and Spanish) citizenship path for children of nationals, allowing ...

Glossary: Cámara Nacional Electoral

The Cámara Nacional Electoral is the Argentine federal court that processes certain Argentine citize...

Glossary: DNI

The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the national identity card issued by Spain and several ...

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