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

Peru Citizenship by Descent

Peru citizenship by descent is governed by Nacionalidad por descendencia. Peruvian citizenship by descent is available to children of Peruvian nationals. We file through the RENIEC and Peruvian consulates.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Perun 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 Peru citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Peruvian civil registry (RENIEC) is well-organized but records from remote areas (Andes, Amazon) may require local archive visits.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (parent). Children of Peruvian nationals can be registered.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — Peru allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None.

Filing authority: RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil) or Peruvian consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Peru citizenship by descent?

Peru: 1 generation (parent). Children of Peruvian nationals can be registered.

Does Peru allow dual citizenship?

Peru: Permitted — Peru allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to Peru Citizenship by Descent

Peru country guide

Nacionalidad por descendencia

Peru checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Peru checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Peru 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: RENIEC

RENIEC (Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil) is the Peruvian national registry that p...

Glossary: DNI

The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the national identity card issued by Spain and several ...

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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