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

French (also English, Spanish)Very common

The Martin surname

From the Latin name 'Martinus,' derived from Mars (the Roman god of war). Popularized by Saint Martin of Tours (4th century).

Origin: France

Throughout France, especially Brittany, Normandy, and Île-de-France

Origins & history

Martin is the most common French surname. It spread throughout Europe due to the cult of Saint Martin of Tours and appears in French records from the 12th century onward.Large Martin populations in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada (especially Quebec), Argentina, and Chile.

Spelling variants

MartínMartineauMartinetMartine

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

Genealogy research tips

1French civil registration (état civil) began in 1792 — records are held by the Archives départementales. Many are online at the respective department's archive website.

2Pre-1792 records require church parish registers (registres paroissiaux) — baptism, marriage, burial records from the Catholic Church.

3For French-Canadian Martin ancestors, search the Drouin Collection (on FamilySearch and Genealogy Quebec) — comprehensive parish records from 1621 onward.

4Martin is common across multiple countries — determine whether your ancestor was French, English, or Spanish before searching the relevant country's records.

Citizenship by descent

French citizenship by descent (droit du sang) is available to children of French citizens. For grandchildren, the chain must be unbroken — your parent must have been French at the time of your birth. The 2024 marriage-reform law restores nationality to descendants of those who lost French citizenship by marriage before 1927.Read the France citizenship guide

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Martin mean?

From the Latin name 'Martinus,' derived from Mars (the Roman god of war). Popularized by Saint Martin of Tours (4th century).

Where does the Martin surname come from?

Martin originates from France, specifically Throughout France, especially Brittany, Normandy, and Île-de-France. Martin is the most common French surname. It spread throughout Europe due to the cult of Saint Martin of Tours and appears in French records from the 12th century onward.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Martin?

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

Genealogy research tips

1French civil registration (état civil) began in 1792 — records are held by the Archives départementales. Many are online at the respective department's archive website.

2Pre-1792 records require church parish registers (registres paroissiaux) — baptism, marriage, burial records from the Catholic Church.

3For French-Canadian Martin ancestors, search the Drouin Collection (on FamilySearch and Genealogy Quebec) — comprehensive parish records from 1621 onward.

4Martin is common across multiple countries — determine whether your ancestor was French, English, or Spanish before searching the relevant country's records.

Citizenship by descent

Read the France citizenship guide