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

German Citizenship by Descent

German citizenship by descent is unique: the primary path is not standard descent but restitution under Article 116 of the Basic Law, which restores citizenship to those deprived of it by the Nazi regime (1933-1945) and their descendants — with no generational limit.

The 2021 reform (StAG §15) expanded eligibility to cover cases Article 116 didn't reach: those who fled before formal denaturalization, gender-gap cases, and descendants of German mothers married to non-German fathers.

Last reviewed July 2026 by Ancestra editorial team

Article 116 restitution

Article 116(2) of the German Basic Law provides: 'Former German citizens who, between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945, were deprived of their citizenship on political, racial, or religious grounds, and their descendants, shall, on application, have their citizenship restored.'

This is restitution, not naturalization — applicants are deemed to have been German citizens since birth. Germany permits dual citizenship for Article 116 cases.

The 2021 reform (StAG §15)

The Fourth Act Amending the Nationality Act (2021) introduced StAG §15, covering cases Article 116 doesn't reach: (1) those who fled before being formally deprived of citizenship, (2) gender-equal treatment gaps (descendants of German mothers married to non-German fathers), and (3) descendants of those persecuted but not formally denaturalized.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for German Article 116?

No. Article 116 applies to descendants of any generation. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond all qualify — there is no generational limit.

Do I need to speak German?

No. Article 116 restitution and StAG §15 have no language requirement. German language proficiency (B1) is required only for standard naturalization, not for restitution.

Related resources

Everything related to German Citizenship by Descent

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Germany cost calculator

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Glossary: Article 116

Constitutional restitution provision

Glossary: Reichsbürgergesetz

The Nazi-era law that stripped citizenship

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