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

Irish (Gaeilge)Very common

The Kelly surname

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

Origin: Ireland

County Galway, County Roscommon, Ulster

Origins & history

The Ó Ceallaigh were a major Gaelic dynasty, with branches in Connacht (Ui Maine) and Ulster. The name appears in the Annals of the Four Masters as early as the 10th century.Large Kelly populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK — descendants of Irish emigrants from the 18th century onward (including pre-Famine Ulster Scots-Irish).

Spelling variants

O'KellyKelleyKellie

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

Genealogy research tips

1Distinguish between native Irish Kellys (Ó Ceallaigh, mostly Connacht/Munster) and Scots-Irish Kellys (from Ulster) — the citizenship path is the same (Irish FBR) but the genealogy sources differ.

2For Connacht Kellys, search the Galway and Roscommon parish records on the National Library of Ireland's genealogy portal.

3Pre-1864 Irish records require church parish registers — Catholic, Church of Ireland, or Presbyterian depending on your ancestor's denomination.

4If your Kelly ancestor emigrated during the Famine (1845-1852), check the records of the workhouses and the Irish Memorial at www.irishfamine.ie.

Citizenship by descent

Kelly descendants with an Irish-born grandparent qualify for the Foreign Births Register. Ireland's grandparent rule is among the most generous in the world — once registered, you hold Irish citizenship and can apply for an Irish passport.Read the Ireland citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Grace Kelly (Princess of Monaco)
•Gene Kelly (dancer/actor)
•Megyn Kelly (journalist)

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Kelly mean?

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

Where does the Kelly surname come from?

Kelly originates from Ireland, specifically County Galway, County Roscommon, Ulster. The Ó Ceallaigh were a major Gaelic dynasty, with branches in Connacht (Ui Maine) and Ulster. The name appears in the Annals of the Four Masters as early as the 10th century.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Kelly?

Related surnames

Murphy

Irish (Gaeilge)

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

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

2For Connacht Kellys, search the Galway and Roscommon parish records on the National Library of Ireland's genealogy portal.

3Pre-1864 Irish records require church parish registers — Catholic, Church of Ireland, or Presbyterian depending on your ancestor's denomination.

4If your Kelly ancestor emigrated during the Famine (1845-1852), check the records of the workhouses and the Irish Memorial at www.irishfamine.ie.