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

SpanishVery common

The González surname

Patronymic from the given name 'Gonzalo' — meaning 'son of Gonzalo.' Gonzalo itself derives from Gothic 'Gundisalvus' (battle + elf/safe).

Origin: Spain

Castile, León, Galicia, Andalusia

Origins & history

González is the second most common Spanish surname. It appears in medieval Castilian records from the 10th century and was carried throughout the Spanish-speaking world during colonization.Massive González populations in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, the United States, and Cuba.

Spelling variants

GonzalesGonsales

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

Genealogy research tips

1Spanish parish records (libros de bautismos, matrimonios, defunciones) are the primary source pre-1871. Many are on FamilySearch.

2For Latin American González ancestors, the exact country and province is essential — González is extremely common throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

3If your González ancestor emigrated from Spain to Latin America, check the Archivo General de Indias (Seville) for colonial-era passenger lists and emigration records.

4For Spanish Civil War exile ancestors (1936-1939), the Democratic Memory Law (2022) opens a citizenship window until 2025.

Citizenship by descent

González descendants with Spanish-born grandparents may qualify for Spanish citizenship through the Democratic Memory Law (if the ancestor was a Civil War exile) or through standard option de nacionalidad (if the ancestor was Spanish-born).Read the Spain citizenship guide

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname González mean?

Patronymic from the given name 'Gonzalo' — meaning 'son of Gonzalo.' Gonzalo itself derives from Gothic 'Gundisalvus' (battle + elf/safe).

Where does the González surname come from?

González originates from Spain, specifically Castile, León, Galicia, Andalusia. González is the second most common Spanish surname. It appears in medieval Castilian records from the 10th century and was carried throughout the Spanish-speaking world during colonization.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is González?

Related surnames

García

Spanish

Likely of Basque origin, from 'hartz' (bear) — meaning 'bear' or 'young bear.' One of the oldest Spanish surnames.

Read guide

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

Esposito

Italian (Neapolitan)

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

Read guide

Origins & history

Genealogy research tips

1Spanish parish records (libros de bautismos, matrimonios, defunciones) are the primary source pre-1871. Many are on FamilySearch.

2For Latin American González ancestors, the exact country and province is essential — González is extremely common throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

3If your González ancestor emigrated from Spain to Latin America, check the Archivo General de Indias (Seville) for colonial-era passenger lists and emigration records.

4For Spanish Civil War exile ancestors (1936-1939), the Democratic Memory Law (2022) opens a citizenship window until 2025.