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

GenealogistVerified

Kowalski Genealogy Services

Polish & Eastern European archive research — Warsaw, Kraków, Lviv

Specialist genealogy service for Polish citizenship cases. Recovers pre-war records from Polish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Lithuanian archives.

At a glance

Rating4.8 / 5

Reviews42

Cases completed156

Years active9

Response timeWithin 24 hours

Fee range$2,000 – $6,000

LocationWarsaw, Poland

LanguagesPolish, English, Ukrainian, Russian

Contact

kowalski@ancestra.legal Visit website

About Kowalski Genealogy Services

Background & credentials

Kowalski Genealogy Services is a Warsaw-based research practice founded in 2016 by Marek Kowalski, a professional genealogist with 9 years of experience in Polish and Eastern European archive research. The firm specializes in supporting Polish citizenship by descent cases.

We have direct working relationships with the Archiwa Główne Akt Dawnych (AGAD) in Warsaw, the Archiwum Państwowe w Poznaniu, the Archiwum Narodowe w Krakowie, and the Central State Historical Archive of Ukraine in Lviv. We also work with archives in Minsk (Belarus) and Vilnius (Lithuania) for pre-1945 Polish records.

Our research is cited in over 150 Polish citizenship confirmation applications. We are known for our ability to find pre-war records that other researchers consider lost — particularly in the former eastern territories of Poland (now Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania).

Services offered

Pre-war archive researchParish record retrievalCitizenship continuity documentationConsular registration recordsMilitary service records

Highlights

AGAD Warsaw specialistLviv archive accessHaller's Army records

Country specializations

Where Kowalski Genealogy Services practices

Poland

Comprehensive pre-war archive research for Polish citizenship cases: civil registries (USC), parish records, consular registrations, military service records (including Haller's Army), and voter rolls from 1921-1930.

Ukraine

Pre-1945 Polish records held in Ukrainian archives, particularly the Central State Historical Archive in Lviv. Essential for clients whose ancestors were born in pre-war Lwów, Stanisławów, or Tarnopol.

Case studies

Selected cases

Nowak family — continuity reconstruction

Client's great-grandfather emigrated from Warsaw in 1912. No family documents survived. We reconstructed the line through AGAD parish records and consular registrations.

Outcome: Polish citizenship confirmed in 18 months. Three generations registered.

Client reviews

What past clients say

July 2024

“Marek found my great-grandfather's records in a Lviv archive that two other genealogists said were destroyed. Incredible research.”

— Anna K.

Want to work with Kowalski Genealogy Services?

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

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