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

South Korea Citizenship by Descent

South Korea citizenship by descent is governed by Special Naturalization · descent. Korean nationality law permits special naturalization for persons with a Korean parent or grandparent. We file with the Korean consulate and coordinate family registry (hoju) recovery from the pre-2008 system.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to South Korean 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 South Korea citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: The hoju system (abolished 2008) and the family relations register (gajok gwangye deungnokbu, post-2008) are the primary records. Pre-1948 Japanese colonial-era records may be in Japanese.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1998. Before 1998, paternal only.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (parent) for automatic citizenship. Special naturalization for persons with Korean parent or grandparent (no generational limit but requires residency).

Dual citizenship: Generally not permitted — must choose by age 22. Exception: persons 65+ acquiring Korean citizenship, or special contribution cases.

Language requirement: Korean proficiency for naturalization. Not required for birthright.

Filing authority: Korean consulate or Ministry of Justice (in Korea).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for South Korea citizenship by descent?

South Korea: 1 generation (parent) for automatic citizenship. Special naturalization for persons with Korean parent or grandparent (no generational limit but requires residency).

Does South Korea allow dual citizenship?

South Korea: Generally not permitted — must choose by age 22. Exception: persons 65+ acquiring Korean citizenship, or special contribution cases.

Related resources

Everything related to South Korea Citizenship by Descent

South Korea country guide

Special Naturalization · descent

South Korea checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

South Korea checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

South Korea cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Hoju

The hoju was the Korean family registry system (similar to the Japanese koseki) that was abolished i...

Glossary: Special Naturalization

Special naturalization is the Korean (and Japanese) path to citizenship for persons with Korean/Japa...

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