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

Canada Citizenship by Descent

Canada citizenship by descent is governed by Citizenship Act §3(1)(b) · Bill C-71. First-generation born abroad are citizens by right. Bill C-71 (in force 2025) restores citizenship to beyond-first-generation descendants where a substantial connection test is met. We assess your eligibility, file with IRCC, and represent you on RFEs.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Canadan 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 Canada citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Bill C-71 (2025) is the most significant Canadian citizenship reform in decades. It retroactively reinstates citizenship for 'Lost Canadians' and opens beyond-first-generation claims with the substantial connection test.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1977. Before 1977, paternal only.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Beyond first-generation (Bill C-71, 2025). First-generation born abroad are citizens by right. Second-generation+ must meet the substantial connection test (1,095 days physical presence in Canada).

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Canada allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None for citizenship by descent.

Filing authority: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Canada citizenship by descent?

Canada: Beyond first-generation (Bill C-71, 2025). First-generation born abroad are citizens by right. Second-generation+ must meet the substantial connection test (1,095 days physical presence in Canada).

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Canada: Permitted — Canada allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Canada Citizenship by Descent

Canada country guide

Citizenship Act §3(1)(b) · Bill C-71

Canada checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Canada checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Canada cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Bill C-71

Bill C-71 (Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, 2025) is the Canadian law that restored citizensh...

Glossary: Lost Canadian

A 'Lost Canadian' is a person who lost or never received Canadian citizenship due to outdated provis...

Glossary: IRCC

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

Glossary: Citizenship Act

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

Glossary: Substantial Connection Test

The substantial connection test is the Bill C-71 requirement that beyond-first-generation descendant...

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