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

United Kingdom Citizenship by Descent

United Kingdom citizenship by descent is governed by British Nationality Act — descent & double descent. British nationality law is famously intricate. Crown service, consular registration, and double-descent (grandparent) routes each open under different sections of the BNA 1981. We map your exact fact pattern to the right section.

This pillar page clusters every piece of Ancestra content related to British 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 United Kingdom citizenship by descent?

The key thing to know: British nationality law is famously complex — the distinction between 'British otherwise than by descent' and 'British by descent' is the #1 issue. Crown service and consular registration are exceptions that allow transmission.

Transmission rule: Both parents equally since 1983. Before 1983, paternal only. 'British otherwise than by descent' (born in UK or naturalized) can transmit; 'British by descent' (born abroad) generally cannot transmit to the next generation.

Key rules at a glance

Generational limit: 1 generation (parent) for automatic citizenship. Double descent (grandparent) is possible under specific sections (4L, 3(2), 3(1)) for Crown service, consular registration, or historical unfairness.

Dual citizenship: Permitted — the UK allows dual citizenship.

Language requirement: None for registration/descent path. B1 English for naturalization.

Filing authority: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) / Home Office.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a generational limit for United Kingdom citizenship by descent?

United Kingdom: 1 generation (parent) for automatic citizenship. Double descent (grandparent) is possible under specific sections (4L, 3(2), 3(1)) for Crown service, consular registration, or historical unfairness.

Does United Kingdom allow dual citizenship?

United Kingdom: Permitted — the UK allows dual citizenship.

Related resources

Everything related to United Kingdom Citizenship by Descent

United Kingdom country guide

British Nationality Act — descent & double descent

United Kingdom checklist (grandparent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a grandparent

United Kingdom checklist (parent)

Complete document checklist for claiming through a parent

United Kingdom cost calculator

Estimate your all-in cost

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A subject is a person who owes allegiance to a sovereign (historically a monarch); the term persists...

Glossary: British Nationality Act 1981

The British Nationality Act 1981 is the principal UK citizenship law, which created the current cate...

Glossary: Double Descent

Double descent is the UK citizenship path for grandchildren of British citizens, available under cer...

Glossary: Crown Service

Crown service is UK government service (military, diplomatic, colonial) that can confer British citi...

Glossary: British Subject

British subject is a historic UK nationality status that predates the 1948 and 1981 British National...

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