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

Immigration AttorneyVerifiedFeatured

Tremblay Citizenship Law

Canadian Bill C-71 & Lost Canadian specialist — Toronto & Montreal

Canadian citizenship law practice handling Bill C-71 (2025) applications and Lost Canadian reinstatement cases across all provinces.

At a glance

Rating4.9 / 5

Reviews51

Cases completed167

Years active13

Response timeWithin 5 hours

Fee range$5,000 – $12,000

LocationToronto, Canada · Montreal, Canada

LanguagesEnglish, French

Contact

tremblay@ancestra.legal +1 416 555 0148 Visit website

About Tremblay Citizenship Law

Background & credentials

Tremblay Citizenship Law is a Canadian citizenship law practice founded in 2012 by Jacques Tremblay, admitted to the Law Society of Ontario. The firm focuses on Canadian citizenship by descent, with particular expertise in the 2025 Bill C-71 amendments and Lost Canadian reinstatement.

We have filed over 167 Canadian citizenship cases, including 43 Lost Canadian reinstatement petitions and 24 Bill C-71 substantial-connection applications since the law came into force in 2025. Our team has direct experience with IRCC processing and represents clients on Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

We are bilingual (English and French) and serve clients across all Canadian provinces and territories, as well as Canadians abroad seeking to confirm or restore their citizenship.

Services offered

Bill C-71 filingsLost Canadian reinstatementIRCC representationSubstantial connection documentationPassport application

Highlights

Bill C-71 specialistLost Canadian expertIRCC liaison

Country specializations

Where Tremblay Citizenship Law practices

Canada

Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-71 (2025): substantial connection documentation (1,095 days of physical presence), IRCC filing, RFE response, and Lost Canadian reinstatement under the remedial provisions of the Citizenship Act.

Case studies

Selected cases

MacLeod family — Lost Canadian reinstatement

Client was born in 1946 to a Canadian mother, but lost citizenship due to pre-1977 gender rules. We filed a reinstatement petition under the 2015 amendments.

Outcome: Citizenship retroactively restored in 11 months. Client deemed Canadian since birth.

Client reviews

What past clients say

March 2025

“After Bill C-71 passed, Jacques handled my family's IRCC filing flawlessly. Substantial connection documentation was complex but he made it manageable.”

— James K.

Want to work with Tremblay Citizenship Law?

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

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