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

Italy Citizenship by Descent

Italy citizenship by descent is governed by Jure sanguinis — no generational limit. The most accessible CBD regime in Europe. No limit on generations provided the line was never broken by naturalization before the next child's birth. We handle both consular filings and the accelerated judicial path (1948 cases) in Rome.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Italian 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 Italy citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: The single most decisive fact: did the ancestor naturalize abroad BEFORE or AFTER the next child's birth? If BEFORE, the line is broken. If AFTER (or never), the line is intact.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1948. Before 1948, maternal transmission was restricted — the 1948 judicial path (Cassazione 2009 ruling) opened these cases.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: No generational limit — any descendant of an Italian citizen can claim, provided the line was never broken by naturalization before the next child's birth.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Italy allows dual citizenship (Law 91/1992).

Language requirement: None for jure sanguinis.

Filing authority: Italian consulate (consular filing) or Tribunale Ordinario di Roma (1948 judicial cases).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Italy citizenship by descent?

Italy: No generational limit — any descendant of an Italian citizen can claim, provided the line was never broken by naturalization before the next child's birth.

Does Italy allow dual citizenship?

Italy: Permitted — Italy allows dual citizenship (Law 91/1992).

Related resources

Everything related to Italy Citizenship by Descent

Italy country guide

Jure sanguinis — no generational limit

Italy checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Italy checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Italy cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Judicial Filing

Judicial filing is the process of submitting a citizenship application through a court in the countr...

Glossary: Jure Sanguinis

Jure sanguinis (Italian for 'right of blood') is the Italian citizenship-by-descent regime, which ha...

Glossary: 1948 Cases

A 1948 case is a judicial petition for Italian citizenship filed in the civil court of Rome, availab...

Glossary: Anagrafe

The anagrafe is the Italian civil registry office that maintains records of residents, births, marri...

Glossary: Atto di Nascita

An atto di nascita is an Italian birth certificate, retrieved from the anagrafe (civil registry) of ...

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