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

Czech Republic Citizenship by Descent

Czech Republic citizenship by descent is governed by České občanství — derivation. Czech citizenship by descent was significantly expanded by the 2019 amendment, allowing second-generation descendants and certain prior Czechoslovak citizens to claim citizenship. We file through the Ministry of Interior in Prague and recover pre-1993 Czechoslovak records.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Czech Republicn 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 Czech Republic citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: The 2019 amendment is critical — it opened claims for descendants who were previously excluded. Pre-1993 Czechoslovak citizens and their descendants may also qualify.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 2014. Before 2014, paternal only for births abroad.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: No generational limit since the 2019 amendment. Second-generation and beyond can now claim.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Czech Republic allows dual citizenship since 2014.

Language requirement: None for descent path.

Filing authority: Ministry of Interior (Prague) or Czech consulate abroad.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Czech Republic citizenship by descent?

Czech Republic: No generational limit since the 2019 amendment. Second-generation and beyond can now claim.

Does Czech Republic allow dual citizenship?

Czech Republic: Permitted — Czech Republic allows dual citizenship since 2014.

Related resources

Everything related to Czech Republic Citizenship by Descent

Czech Republic country guide

České občanství — derivation

Czech Republic checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Czech Republic checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Czech Republic 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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