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

TranslatorVerified

Patel Certified Translations

Sworn translations for CBD filings — 24 languages, worldwide

Certified translation service specializing in citizenship-by-descent filings. Network of sworn translators across 24 languages, accepted by all major consulates.

At a glance

Rating4.8 / 5

Reviews94

Cases completed580

Years active7

Response timeWithin 2 hours

Fee range$35 – $90 per page

LocationRemote · London, UK · Mumbai, India

LanguagesEnglish, Italian, Polish, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Dutch, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and 13 more

Contact

patel@ancestra.legal Visit website

About Patel Certified Translations

Background & credentials

Patel Certified Translations is a translation service founded in 2018 by Priya Patel, based in London with operations in Mumbai. We specialize in certified and sworn translations for citizenship-by-descent filings, with a network of 47 translators across 24 languages.

All our translators are sworn/certified in their respective jurisdictions — our Italian translators are sworn before Italian courts, our Polish translators are sworn before the Polish Ministry of Justice, our German translators are sworn before German courts, and so on. This means our translations are accepted by every consulate and ministry we work with.

We have completed over 580 translation projects for CBD filings, with a 48-hour standard turnaround for documents under 10 pages. We also handle apostille coordination in 30+ countries.

Services offered

Sworn translationsCertified translationsNotarized translationsApostille coordinationMulti-language dossiers

Highlights

24-language networkConsulate-accepted48-hour standard turnaround

Country specializations

Where Patel Certified Translations practices

Italy

Sworn Italian translations accepted by all Italian consulates and the Tribunale di Roma. Translators sworn before Italian courts.

Poland

Sworn Polish translations accepted by the Wojewoda and Polish consulates. Translators sworn before the Polish Ministry of Justice.

Case studies

Selected cases

Multi-language dossier — 17 documents

Client's Italian citizenship case required translations of US, Argentine, and Brazilian documents into Italian. Coordinated 3 translators across 3 time zones.

Outcome: All 17 documents translated and apostilled in 11 days. Filed at NYC consulate without rework.

Client reviews

What past clients say

August 2024

“Fast, accurate, and the consulate accepted every translation without question. Worth every penny.”

— Marco V.

Want to work with Patel Certified Translations?

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

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