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

Lebanon Citizenship by Descent

Lebanon citizenship by descent is governed by Citizenship by descent (paternal). Lebanese citizenship passes through the father; a historical law prevents Lebanese mothers from passing citizenship to children. We file through the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and recover records from the Lebanese Civil Registry.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Lebanonn 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 Lebanon citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Lebanon's prohibition on maternal transmission is one of the most restrictive in the world. Women's rights groups have been campaigning for reform for decades, but the law remains unchanged.

Transmission rule: Strictly paternal. Lebanese women married to foreign men cannot transmit citizenship to their children.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (father strictly). A historical law prevents Lebanese mothers from passing citizenship to children.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Lebanon allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None for descent path.

Filing authority: Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Personal Status).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Lebanon citizenship by descent?

Lebanon: 1 generation (father strictly). A historical law prevents Lebanese mothers from passing citizenship to children.

Does Lebanon allow dual citizenship?

Lebanon: Permitted — Lebanon allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Lebanon Citizenship by Descent

Lebanon country guide

Citizenship by descent (paternal)

Lebanon checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Lebanon checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Lebanon 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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