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

Spain Citizenship by Descent

Spain citizenship by descent is governed by Ley de Memoria Democrática · descent. The 2022 Ley de Memoria Democrática opened Spanish citizenship to descendants of exiles from the Civil War and Franco era. We handle both the historical-exile path and standard grandparent descent.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Spanish 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 Spain citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: The Memory Law window is expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026 — act quickly if you have Spanish exile ancestry. Exiles between 1936-1955 are presumed; 1955-1975 require proof of political motive.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1978. Before 1978, paternal only.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: Grandparent (3rd generation) for standard descent. The 2022 Democratic Memory Law has NO generational limit for descendants of Civil War/Franco-era exiles (children AND grandchildren).

Dual citizenship: Permitted for descent and Memory Law applicants. Spain generally requires renunciation for naturalized citizens, but this is not enforced for Ibero-American/Sephardic descent.

Language requirement: None for descent path.

Filing authority: Ministerio de Justicia (Madrid) or Spanish consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Spain citizenship by descent?

Spain: Grandparent (3rd generation) for standard descent. The 2022 Democratic Memory Law has NO generational limit for descendants of Civil War/Franco-era exiles (children AND grandchildren).

Does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Spain: Permitted for descent and Memory Law applicants. Spain generally requires renunciation for naturalized citizens, but this is not enforced for Ibero-American/Sephardic descent.

Related resources

Everything related to Spain Citizenship by Descent

Spain country guide

Ley de Memoria Democrática · descent

Spain checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Spain checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Spain cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

Glossary: Ley de Memoria Democrática

The Ley de Memoria Democrática (Democratic Memory Law, 2022) is the Spanish law that opened citizens...

Glossary: Ley de Memoria Histórica

The Ley de Memoria Histórica (Historical Memory Law, 2007) was the predecessor Spanish law granting ...

Glossary: Registro Civil

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

Glossary: Ministerio de Justicia

The Ministerio de Justicia (Ministry of Justice) is the Spanish government ministry that processes c...

Glossary: Sephardic Citizenship

Sephardic citizenship is the Portuguese (and formerly Spanish) path to citizenship for descendants o...

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