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

Israel Citizenship by Descent

Israel citizenship by descent is governed by Law of Return · descent. The Law of Return grants Israeli citizenship to Jews, their children, grandchildren, and spouses. We coordinate with the Jewish Agency and Misrad HaPnim for aliya and citizenship processing.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Israeln 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 Israel citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: The Law of Return is the only true multi-generational program in the Middle East. It functions via religious/ethnic lineage (Jewish ancestry) rather than pure state descent. Converts to Judaism also qualify.

Transmission rule: Religious/ethnic lineage (Jewish ancestry), not pure state descent. The Law of Return defines eligibility based on Jewish identity, not direct citizenship transmission.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Unlimited generations under the Law of Return — any person with at least one Jewish grandparent (and their spouses) can claim Israeli citizenship.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Israel allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None for aliyah (citizenship by descent/return). Hebrew courses provided free to new immigrants (olim).

Filing authority: Jewish Agency for Israel (eligibility confirmation) → Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior, citizenship processing).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Israel citizenship by descent?

Israel: Unlimited generations under the Law of Return — any person with at least one Jewish grandparent (and their spouses) can claim Israeli citizenship.

Does Israel allow dual citizenship?

Israel: Permitted — Israel allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Israel Citizenship by Descent

Israel country guide

Law of Return · descent

Israel checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Israel checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Israel cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Law of Return

The Law of Return (1950) is the Israeli law that grants Israeli citizenship to Jews, their children,...

Glossary: Aliyah

Aliyah is the Hebrew term for Jewish immigration to Israel, the process by which Jews and their desc...

Glossary: Misrad HaPnim

Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) is the Israeli government ministry that processes Israeli citiz...

Glossary: Jewish Agency

The Jewish Agency for Israel is the organization that processes aliyah applications and confirms eli...

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