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

Mexico Citizenship by Descent

Mexico citizenship by descent is governed by Nacionalidad por descendencia. Children and grandchildren of Mexican nationals by birth may claim Mexican nationality. We file through the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) and coordinate document authentication across Mexican states.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Mexicon 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 Mexico citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Registro Civil (civil registry) records vary by state. Some states (Jalisco, Oaxaca, Michoacán) are well-digitized; others require in-person archive visits.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Grandparent (3rd generation). Children AND grandchildren of Mexican nationals by birth can claim citizenship.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Mexico allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None.

Filing authority: Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) or Mexican consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Mexico citizenship by descent?

Mexico: Grandparent (3rd generation). Children AND grandchildren of Mexican nationals by birth can claim citizenship.

Does Mexico allow dual citizenship?

Mexico: Permitted — Mexico allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Mexico Citizenship by Descent

Mexico country guide

Nacionalidad por descendencia

Mexico checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Mexico checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Mexico cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Registro Civil

The Registro Civil is the civil registry in Spain and Latin American countries that maintains record...

Glossary: SRE

The SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) is the Mexican foreign ministry that processes Mexican...

Glossary: RENAPO

RENAPO (Registro Nacional de Población) is the Mexican population registry that issues the CURP (Cla...

Glossary: Cédula

A cédula (cédula de identidad) is the national identity card issued by most Latin American countries...

Glossary: Acta de Nacimiento

An acta de nacimiento is a Spanish/Latin American birth certificate, the primary document proving ci...

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