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

Italian (Neapolitan)Very common

The Esposito surname

Literally 'exposed' — given to foundlings (esposti) abandoned at churches or orphanages. A 'surnames of the foundlings' (cognomi dei trovatelli).

Origin: Italy

Campania (Naples), Lazio, Basilicata

Origins & history

Esposito was given to abandoned children in Naples and the surrounding region. Under the Bourbon and post-unification systems, such children were given surnames indicating their status — Esposito being the most common in Campania.Large Esposito populations in the United States (New York, Boston, Philadelphia), Argentina, and Canada — descendants of Neapolitan emigrants.

Spelling variants

EspostoSpositoD'Esposito

Surname variants often arose from regional pronunciation differences, transliteration between alphabets, or Americanization at immigration. Check all variants when searching records.

Genealogy research tips

1If your Esposito ancestor was a foundling, tracing biological parentage may be impossible — but for jure sanguinis, the foundling's Italian citizenship is established by their foundling status and birth on Italian soil.

2Foundlings (esposti) born on Italian soil were automatically Italian citizens by birth (jus soli under certain conditions), so the citizenship chain starts with them — you don't need to trace their biological parents.

3Search the Archivio di Stato di Napoli for 19th-century foundling records (registri dei trovatelli).

4Esposito is so common in Naples that you'll need the exact quartiere or frazione to narrow results.

Citizenship by descent

Foundling ancestors (esposti) born on Italian soil are Italian citizens by birth — the citizenship chain for jure sanguinis starts with them, and you do not need to identify their biological parents. This is a unique advantage for Esposito descendants pursuing Italian citizenship.Read the Italy citizenship guide

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Esposito mean?

Literally 'exposed' — given to foundlings (esposti) abandoned at churches or orphanages. A 'surnames of the foundlings' (cognomi dei trovatelli).

Where does the Esposito surname come from?

Esposito originates from Italy, specifically Campania (Naples), Lazio, Basilicata. Esposito was given to abandoned children in Naples and the surrounding region. Under the Bourbon and post-unification systems, such children were given surnames indicating their status — Esposito being the most common in Campania.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Esposito?

Related surnames

Rossi

Italian

Derived from 'rosso' meaning 'red' — originally a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

Read guide

Russo

Italian (Southern)

Southern Italian variant of Rossi — 'red-haired one.' Also a Sicilian form derived from the Greek 'Erythros' via Byzantine influence.

Read guide

Murphy

Irish (Gaeilge)

Anglicized form of Ó Murchadha ('descendant of Murchadh'), where Murchadh means 'sea warrior' or 'sea battler.'

Read guide

Kelly

Irish (Gaeilge)

Anglicized from Ó Ceallaigh ('descendant of Ceallach'), where Ceallach likely means 'bright-headed' or 'warrior.'

Read guide

Origins & history

Genealogy research tips

3Search the Archivio di Stato di Napoli for 19th-century foundling records (registri dei trovatelli).

4Esposito is so common in Naples that you'll need the exact quartiere or frazione to narrow results.

Citizenship by descent

Read the Italy citizenship guide