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

Saudi Arabia Citizenship by Descent

Saudi Arabia citizenship by descent is governed by Citizenship by descent (restricted). Saudi citizenship by descent is restrictive; Saudi Arabia does not generally grant citizenship by descent alone. We assess feasibility honestly and handle filings under the rare provisions where applicable.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Saudi Arabian 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 Saudi Arabia citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Saudi Arabia's CBD regime is one of the most restrictive in the world: paternal-only, no dual citizenship, and even paternal claims are difficult to process for applicants born abroad.

Transmission rule: Strictly paternal. Saudi mothers cannot automatically transmit citizenship to children.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (father only). If born to a Saudi mother and foreign father, citizenship is not automatic — must apply after age 18 and meet strict residency rules.

Dual citizenship: Forbidden — Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits dual citizenship. Must renounce current nationality.

Language requirement: Arabic required for naturalization. Not applicable for descent (which is paternal-only).

Filing authority: Saudi Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Passports).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Saudi Arabia citizenship by descent?

Saudi Arabia: 1 generation (father only). If born to a Saudi mother and foreign father, citizenship is not automatic — must apply after age 18 and meet strict residency rules.

Does Saudi Arabia allow dual citizenship?

Saudi Arabia: Forbidden — Saudi Arabia strictly prohibits dual citizenship. Must renounce current nationality.

Related resources

Everything related to Saudi Arabia Citizenship by Descent

Saudi Arabia country guide

Citizenship by descent (restricted)

Saudi Arabia checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Saudi Arabia checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Saudi Arabia cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

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