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 Murphy surname

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

Origin: Ireland

County Wexford, Munster (Cork, Kerry)

Origins & history

Murphy is the most common surname in Ireland, with roots in the ancient kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig in what is now County Wexford. The Murchadha were a powerful Gaelic dynasty from the 9th century onward.Massive Murphy populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and New Zealand — descendants of Irish emigrants from the Famine era (1845-1852) and later.

Spelling variants

O'MurphyMacMurphyMurphie

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 Irish ancestry, the key document is your ancestor's birth certificate — if they were born in Ireland, their parents' names will be on it, and you can trace back through civil registration (1864-present) or parish records (pre-1864).

2Use the Irish National Archives' census records (1901 and 1911 are fully online) to find your ancestor's household and county of origin.

3The Murphy surname is so common that you'll need the exact county and parish — try to find the Irish birthplace on US/UK/Australian naturalization records, ship manifests, or death certificates.

4Check the free Irish genealogy website (irishgenealogy.ie) for civil registration and church records.

Citizenship by descent

If you have an Irish-born grandparent, you are eligible for the Foreign Births Register (FBR) — and once registered, you are an Irish citizen with full EU rights. If only a great-grandparent was Irish-born, your parent must have been on the FBR before your birth.Read the Ireland citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Audie Murphy (most decorated US soldier WWII)
•Eddie Murphy (actor)
•Various Irish political figures

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Murphy mean?

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

Where does the Murphy surname come from?

Murphy originates from Ireland, specifically County Wexford, Munster (Cork, Kerry). Murphy is the most common surname in Ireland, with roots in the ancient kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig in what is now County Wexford. The Murchadha were a powerful Gaelic dynasty from the 9th century onward.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Murphy?

Related surnames

Kelly

Irish (Gaeilge)

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

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

2Use the Irish National Archives' census records (1901 and 1911 are fully online) to find your ancestor's household and county of origin.

3The Murphy surname is so common that you'll need the exact county and parish — try to find the Irish birthplace on US/UK/Australian naturalization records, ship manifests, or death certificates.

4Check the free Irish genealogy website (irishgenealogy.ie) for civil registration and church records.