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

HebrewVery common

The Levy surname

Hebrew 'Levi' — one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the priestly assistant tribe. Levy/Levi indicates descent from the Levites.

Origin: Israel / Jewish diaspora

Worldwide Jewish diaspora — especially Eastern Europe, Germany, North Africa

Origins & history

Levy is a traditional Jewish surname indicating Levitical descent. Ashkenazi Levys often originate from Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia, Hungary), while Sephardic Levis may originate from Iberia, North Africa, or the Ottoman Empire.Massive Levy populations in the United States, Israel, France, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa — descendants of the Jewish diaspora.

Spelling variants

LeviLevinLevineLevinsonLevitt

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

Genealogy research tips

1For Ashkenazi Levy ancestors from Eastern Europe, search JewishGen.org — the primary database for Jewish genealogy, with records from Poland, Russia, Hungary, and Romania.

2For Sephardic Levy ancestors, check the archives of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities (Amsterdam, London, Livorno, Bordeaux) and the Inquisition records.

3The Holocaust wiped out many Jewish communities — Yad Vashem's Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names can help identify ancestors and their pre-war residences.

4If your Levy ancestor emigrated to Israel, the Israel State Archives holds citizenship and immigration records.

Citizenship by descent

Levy descendants may qualify for: (1) Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return (if Jewish), (2) Portuguese citizenship under the Sephardic heritage path (if Sephardic, until 2025), (3) Spanish citizenship under the Sephardic path (if Sephardic, until 2025), or (4) German citizenship under Article 116 (if ancestors lost citizenship under Nazi persecution).Read the Israel / Jewish diaspora citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Eugene Levy (actor)
•William Levy (actor)
•Various rabbis and scholars

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Levy mean?

Hebrew 'Levi' — one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the priestly assistant tribe. Levy/Levi indicates descent from the Levites.

Where does the Levy surname come from?

Levy originates from Israel / Jewish diaspora, specifically Worldwide Jewish diaspora — especially Eastern Europe, Germany, North Africa. Levy is a traditional Jewish surname indicating Levitical descent. Ashkenazi Levys often originate from Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia, Hungary), while Sephardic Levis may originate from Iberia, North Africa, or the Ottoman Empire.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Levy?

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

Esposito

Italian (Neapolitan)

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

Read guide

Murphy

Irish (Gaeilge)

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

Read guide

Origins & history

Genealogy research tips

1For Ashkenazi Levy ancestors from Eastern Europe, search JewishGen.org — the primary database for Jewish genealogy, with records from Poland, Russia, Hungary, and Romania.

2For Sephardic Levy ancestors, check the archives of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities (Amsterdam, London, Livorno, Bordeaux) and the Inquisition records.

3The Holocaust wiped out many Jewish communities — Yad Vashem's Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names can help identify ancestors and their pre-war residences.

4If your Levy ancestor emigrated to Israel, the Israel State Archives holds citizenship and immigration records.

Citizenship by descent

Read the Israel / Jewish diaspora citizenship guide