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

Silva Brazilian Genealogy

Brazilian & Portuguese archive research — São Paulo, Lisbon, Madeira

Genealogy service specializing in Brazilian citizenship by filiação and Portuguese Sephardic/descent cases. Covers Brazil, Portugal, Azores, and Madeira archives.

At a glance

Rating4.9 / 5

Reviews47

Cases completed134

Years active8

Response timeWithin 18 hours

Fee range$1,500 – $5,000

LocationSão Paulo, Brazil · Lisbon, Portugal

LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish

Contact

silva@ancestra.legal Visit website

About Silva Brazilian Genealogy

Background & credentials

Silva Brazilian Genealogy is a São Paulo-based research practice founded in 2017 by Ana Silva, with a satellite office in Lisbon. We specialize in Brazilian citizenship by filiação and Portuguese citizenship (Sephardic path and descendant path) research.

We have completed over 134 research projects, covering all 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District. In Portugal, we work with the Registo Civil in Lisbon and Porto, the Azores archives in Ponta Delgada, and the Madeira archives in Funchal.

For Portuguese Sephardic cases, we coordinate with the Jewish communities of Lisbon and Porto for the required certificate of Sephardic ancestry, and we have research access to the Torre do Tombo national archive.

Services offered

Brazilian cartório retrievalPortuguese Registo Civil retrievalAzores & Madeira parish recordsSephardic ancestry researchBrazilian consular filing

Highlights

All 26 Brazilian states coveredAzores/Madeira specialistSephardic community contacts

Country specializations

Where Silva Brazilian Genealogy practices

Brazil

Brazilian citizenship by filiação research: cartório record retrieval across all 26 Brazilian states, consular filing coordination, and posthumous/adoption case documentation.

Portugal

Portuguese citizenship research: Registo Civil retrieval, Azores/Madeira parish records, Sephardic ancestry documentation through the Lisbon and Porto Jewish communities, and Torre do Tombo archive research.

Case studies

Selected cases

Oliveira family — Azores to Hawaii

Client's great-great-grandfather emigrated from the Azores to Hawaii in 1882. We retrieved his birth certificate from the Ponta Delgada Registo Civil.

Outcome: Birth certificate retrieved in 12 days. Portuguese citizenship by descent filed.

Client reviews

What past clients say

May 2024

“Ana found my great-great-grandfather's birth record in the Azores that I'd been searching for for years. Professional and thorough.”

— Michael O.

Want to work with Silva Brazilian Genealogy?

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

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