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.

Last reviewedJuly 4, 2026·Ancestra editorial team

Document SearcherVerified

Bianchi Archive Research

Italian civil registry & parish record retrieval — nationwide Italy

Italian document retrieval service covering all 107 provinces. Direct relationships with anagrafe offices and parish archives across Italy.

At a glance

Rating4.9 / 5

Reviews73

Cases completed412

Years active8

Response timeWithin 12 hours

Fee range$200 – $1,200 per document

LocationRome, Italy · Palermo, Italy

LanguagesItalian, English

Contact

bianchi@ancestra.legal Visit website

About Bianchi Archive Research

Background & credentials

Bianchi Archive Research is an Italian document retrieval service founded in 2017 by Stefano Bianchi, based in Rome with a satellite office in Palermo. We retrieve civil registry and parish records from any of Italy's 107 provinces, with an average turnaround of 5 business days.

We have completed over 412 document retrieval projects for clients filing Italian citizenship by descent. Our team has direct working relationships with anagrafe offices in Rome, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Bari, Florence, and Turin, plus parish archives across Sicily, Calabria, Campania, and Puglia.

We are known for our ability to retrieve records from communes that are notoriously slow or unresponsive — particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where many Italian-Americans' ancestors originated.

Services offered

Birth certificate retrievalMarriage certificate retrievalDeath certificate retrievalParish baptismal recordsAnagrafe historical records

Highlights

All 107 provinces coveredPalermo diocese specialist5-day average retrieval

Country specializations

Where Bianchi Archive Research practices

Italy

Nationwide Italian document retrieval: certified birth, marriage, and death certificates from any anagrafe; parish baptismal and marriage records from any Italian diocese; historical anagrafe records for citizenship continuity documentation.

Case studies

Selected cases

Russo family — Palermo parish retrieval

Client's ancestor was born in a small village outside Palermo in 1872, before civil registration. We retrieved the parish baptismal record from the Archdiocese of Palermo.

Outcome: Baptismal certificate retrieved in 8 days. Used as substitute for civil birth certificate in jure sanguinis case.

Client reviews

What past clients say

June 2024

“Stefano retrieved my great-grandfather's birth certificate from a tiny commune in Sicily that I'd been told was impossible. 6 days.”

— Lisa R.

Want to work with Bianchi Archive Research?

Run our free 4-minute eligibility check and request an introduction. We'll connect you with Bianchi Archive Research (or the right professional for your case) — at no cost to you.

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