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 (Lost Canadian) Citizenship by Descent

Canada (Lost Canadian) citizenship by descent is governed by Reinstatement · retroactive grants. For 'Lost Canadians' — those who lost or never received citizenship due to outdated provisions — we file under the reinstatement and remedial provisions of the Citizenship Act. Many of these cases qualify for retroactive grants.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Canada (Lost Canadian)n 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 (Lost Canadian) citizenship by descent?

Eligibility for Canada (Lost Canadian) citizenship by descent depends on your generational distance to your Canada (Lost Canadian)n ancestor and whether the citizenship chain was never broken.

Citizenship is transmitted through both parents equally under modern Canada (Lost Canadian) law.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: See country guide

Dual citizenship: Permitted

Language requirement: None for descent path

Filing authority: See country guide

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Canada (Lost Canadian) citizenship by descent?

See the Canada (Lost Canadian) country guide for detailed generational limit information.

Does Canada (Lost Canadian) allow dual citizenship?

See the Canada (Lost Canadian) country guide for dual citizenship policy.

Related resources

Everything related to Canada (Lost Canadian) Citizenship by Descent

Canada (Lost Canadian) country guide

Reinstatement · retroactive grants

Canada (Lost Canadian) checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Canada (Lost Canadian) checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Canada (Lost Canadian) cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Ready to start your case?

Run our free 4-minute eligibility check. A case lead will tell you in writing whether you qualify.

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Canada (Lost Canadian) Citizenship by Descent

Last reviewed July 2026 by Ancestra editorial team