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

Ukraine Citizenship by Descent

Ukraine citizenship by descent is governed by Громадянство України — за походженням. Ukrainian citizenship by descent is available to children and grandchildren of Ukrainian citizens. We file through the State Migration Service (DMS) in Kyiv and recover Soviet-era records from the Central State Archives of Ukraine.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to Ukrainian 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 Ukraine citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: Pre-1991 records are in the Central State Archives of Ukraine. Records from the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth territories (pre-1795) may be in Polish archives.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 2001. Soviet-era: paternal only.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (parent) for standard descent. Grandchildren can apply through simplified naturalization if grandparent was Ukrainian.

Dual citizenship: Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship, but does not criminally penalize it. De facto tolerated but legally unacknowledged.

Language requirement: Ukrainian language proficiency required for naturalization. Not required for descent registration.

Filing authority: State Migration Service (DMS, Kyiv) or Ukrainian consulate.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for Ukraine citizenship by descent?

Ukraine: 1 generation (parent) for standard descent. Grandchildren can apply through simplified naturalization if grandparent was Ukrainian.

Does Ukraine allow dual citizenship?

Ukraine: Ukraine does not recognize dual citizenship, but does not criminally penalize it. De facto tolerated but legally unacknowledged.

Related resources

Everything related to Ukraine Citizenship by Descent

Ukraine country guide

Громадянство України — за походженням

Ukraine checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

Ukraine checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

Ukraine cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

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