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

HungarianVery common

The Nagy surname

Hungarian word for 'large' or 'great' — originally a descriptive nickname for a large person or a person of importance.

Origin: Hungary

Throughout Hungary and Hungarian-speaking regions of Romania, Slovakia, Serbia

Origins & history

Nagy is the most common Hungarian surname. It appears in Hungarian records from the 14th century onward and was carried throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire.Large Nagy populations in the United States (especially Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York), Canada, Australia, and Israel — descendants of Hungarian emigrants from the 19th and 20th centuries, especially after the 1956 Revolution.

Spelling variants

NaghyNadjNagyová (feminine Slovak/Czech)

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

Genealogy research tips

1Hungarian civil registration began in 1895 — before that, church records (anyakönyvek) are the primary source. Search the Hungarian National Archives (mnl.gov.hu) and FamilySearch.

2Pre-1895 records are kept by the Catholic, Reformed (Calvinist), Lutheran, and Jewish communities — determine your ancestor's denomination to find the right parish.

3If your Nagy ancestor emigrated from regions of the former Kingdom of Hungary (now in Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, or Ukraine), records may be in the respective country's archives.

4Nagy is extremely common — you'll need the exact village or town. Hungarian emigration records often list the megye (county).

Citizenship by descent

Hungary offers 'simplified naturalization' for descendants of Hungarian citizens — with NO generational limit. If you can prove Hungarian ancestry and demonstrate basic Hungarian language, you can claim citizenship. This is one of the most generous citizenship-by-descent programs in the world.Read the Hungary citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Imre Nagy (Hungarian Prime Minister)
•László Nagy (various)
•Various Hungarian athletes and politicians

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Nagy mean?

Hungarian word for 'large' or 'great' — originally a descriptive nickname for a large person or a person of importance.

Where does the Nagy surname come from?

Nagy originates from Hungary, specifically Throughout Hungary and Hungarian-speaking regions of Romania, Slovakia, Serbia. Nagy is the most common Hungarian surname. It appears in Hungarian records from the 14th century onward and was carried throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Nagy?

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

1Hungarian civil registration began in 1895 — before that, church records (anyakönyvek) are the primary source. Search the Hungarian National Archives (mnl.gov.hu) and FamilySearch.

2Pre-1895 records are kept by the Catholic, Reformed (Calvinist), Lutheran, and Jewish communities — determine your ancestor's denomination to find the right parish.

3If your Nagy ancestor emigrated from regions of the former Kingdom of Hungary (now in Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, or Ukraine), records may be in the respective country's archives.

4Nagy is extremely common — you'll need the exact village or town. Hungarian emigration records often list the megye (county).

Citizenship by descent

Read the Hungary citizenship guide