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

Croatia Citizenship by Descent

Croatia citizenship by descent is governed by Hrvatsko državljanstvo — po podrijetlu. Croatian citizenship by descent is available to ethnic Croat descendants and to children of Croatian citizens. We file through the Ministry of Interior (MUP) and recover pre-1991 Yugoslav records from the Croatian State Archives.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Croatian 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 Croatia citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Pre-1991 Yugoslav records must be recovered from Croatian State Archives. Citizenship continuity through the Yugoslav period must be documented.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally. Ethnic Croat descent (with proof of Croat heritage) opens a no-generation-limit path.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Up to grandparent (3rd generation). Also available to ethnic Croats with no generational limit under special naturalization.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Croatia allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: Basic Croatian (A2) for special naturalization (ethnic Croat path). Not required for standard descent.

Filing authority: Ministry of Interior (MUP) or Croatian consulate abroad.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Croatia citizenship by descent?

Croatia: Up to grandparent (3rd generation). Also available to ethnic Croats with no generational limit under special naturalization.

Does Croatia allow dual citizenship?

Croatia: Permitted — Croatia allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Croatia Citizenship by Descent

Croatia country guide

Hrvatsko državljanstvo — po podrijetlu

Croatia checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Croatia checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Croatia 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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