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

Egypt Citizenship by Descent

Egypt citizenship by descent is governed by Nationality by descent. Egyptian nationality passes through the father by default, with reforms extending maternal-line transmission. We handle paternal and post-reform maternal cases, working with the Ministry of Interior.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Egyptn 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 Egypt citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Egypt is one of the more open Middle Eastern countries for CBD — the 2004 reform extended equal transmission to Egyptian mothers. Dual citizenship is tolerated.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 2004 reform. Before 2004, paternal only.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (mother or father). Anyone born to an Egyptian parent anywhere in the world is automatically an Egyptian citizen.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Egypt allows dual citizenship (though it does not formally recognize it for certain official purposes).

Language requirement: None for descent path.

Filing authority: Egyptian Ministry of Interior (Civil Registry) or Egyptian consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Egypt citizenship by descent?

Egypt: 1 generation (mother or father). Anyone born to an Egyptian parent anywhere in the world is automatically an Egyptian citizen.

Does Egypt allow dual citizenship?

Egypt: Permitted — Egypt allows dual citizenship (though it does not formally recognize it for certain official purposes).

Related resources

Everything related to Egypt Citizenship by Descent

Egypt country guide

Nationality by descent

Egypt checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Egypt checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Egypt cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Interior is the government ministry in many African and Middle Eastern countries tha...

Glossary: Paternal Filiation

Paternal filiation is the legal principle (common in Middle Eastern and North African law) that citi...

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