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

Iran Citizenship by Descent

Iran citizenship by descent is governed by Tabeiyat by descent (paternal). Iranian citizenship passes through the father by default; maternal-line transmission is restricted. We file through the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consulates, recovering Pahlavi and Qajar-era records.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Irann 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 Iran citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Iran's non-recognition of dual citizenship means dual citizens (including US-Iranian duals) face significant risks when traveling to Iran, including potential detention.

Transmission rule: Primarily paternal. 2006 reform allows maternal-line applications but with complex conditions.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (father only for most cases). Iranian mothers married to foreign men can apply for citizenship for children (2006 reform), but process is complex and not automatic.

Dual citizenship: Not recognized — Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Dual citizens are treated solely as Iranian while in Iran.

Language requirement: None for descent path.

Filing authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for abroad) or Ministry of Interior (for in-country).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Iran citizenship by descent?

Iran: 1 generation (father only for most cases). Iranian mothers married to foreign men can apply for citizenship for children (2006 reform), but process is complex and not automatic.

Does Iran allow dual citizenship?

Iran: Not recognized — Iran does not recognize dual citizenship. Dual citizens are treated solely as Iranian while in Iran.

Related resources

Everything related to Iran Citizenship by Descent

Iran country guide

Tabeiyat by descent (paternal)

Iran checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Iran checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Iran cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

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