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

Philippines Citizenship by Descent

Philippines citizenship by descent is governed by Citizenship by descent (RA 9225). The Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 allows natural-born Filipinos who lost citizenship to take an oath of allegiance, and extends to their unmarried children. We file with the Bureau of Immigration and Philippine consulates.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Philippinesn 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 Philippines citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: RA 9225 is specifically for natural-born Filipinos who lost citizenship by naturalization abroad. Their unmarried children under 18 automatically become Filipino citizens when the parent takes the oath.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally. RA 9225 allows natural-born Filipinos who lost citizenship to take an oath of allegiance and re-acquire it.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Unlimited for former Filipino citizens (RA 9225). Also: unmarried children under 18 of re-acquiring Filipino parents are automatically Filipino.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — the Philippines allows full dual citizenship under RA 9225.

Language requirement: None for re-acquisition oath.

Filing authority: Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) or Philippine consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Philippines citizenship by descent?

Philippines: Unlimited for former Filipino citizens (RA 9225). Also: unmarried children under 18 of re-acquiring Filipino parents are automatically Filipino.

Does Philippines allow dual citizenship?

Philippines: Permitted — the Philippines allows full dual citizenship under RA 9225.

Related resources

Everything related to Philippines Citizenship by Descent

Philippines country guide

Citizenship by descent (RA 9225)

Philippines checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Philippines checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Philippines cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: RA 9225

RA 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003) is the Philippine law that allows nat...

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