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

Italian (Southern)Very common

The Russo surname

Southern Italian variant of Rossi — 'red-haired one.' Also a Sicilian form derived from the Greek 'Erythros' via Byzantine influence.

Origin: Italy

Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Campania)

Origins & history

Russo is the dominant form of the 'red' surname in southern Italy and Sicily, reflecting the historical Greek and Byzantine influence on the region. It appears in Sicilian records as early as the 11th century.Large Russo populations in the United States (New York, Louisiana, Chicago), Argentina, and Australia — primarily descendants of Sicilian and southern Italian emigrants from 1890-1924.

Spelling variants

RossiDe RussoRusso Russo

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 Sicilian Russo ancestors, search the Antenati portal (antenati.san.beniculturali.it) which has digitized civil records for all Sicilian provinces.

2Sicilian civil registration began in 1820 — if your ancestor was born after 1820, records should exist. Pre-1820 records require church parish registers (matrimoni, battesimi).

3Check the Tribunale di Palermo records for naturalization documents if your ancestor emigrated to the US — this is critical for jure sanguinis eligibility.

4Russo is extremely common in Sicily — knowing the exact comune (often from ship manifests or US naturalization records) is essential.

Citizenship by descent

As a southern Italian surname, Russo descendants may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent. If the ancestor never naturalized, or naturalized after their child's birth, the jure sanguinis chain is intact. For pre-1948 cases through female ancestors, a judicial '1948 case' through the Rome tribunal may be faster than consular filing.Read the Italy citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Renzo Russo (various)
•Giuseppe Russo (historical)

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Russo mean?

Southern Italian variant of Rossi — 'red-haired one.' Also a Sicilian form derived from the Greek 'Erythros' via Byzantine influence.

Where does the Russo surname come from?

Russo originates from Italy, specifically Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Campania). Russo is the dominant form of the 'red' surname in southern Italy and Sicily, reflecting the historical Greek and Byzantine influence on the region. It appears in Sicilian records as early as the 11th century.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Russo?

Related surnames

Rossi

Italian

Derived from 'rosso' meaning 'red' — originally a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

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

Kelly

Irish (Gaeilge)

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

Read guide

Origins & history

Genealogy research tips

1For Sicilian Russo ancestors, search the Antenati portal (antenati.san.beniculturali.it) which has digitized civil records for all Sicilian provinces.

2Sicilian civil registration began in 1820 — if your ancestor was born after 1820, records should exist. Pre-1820 records require church parish registers (matrimoni, battesimi).

3Check the Tribunale di Palermo records for naturalization documents if your ancestor emigrated to the US — this is critical for jure sanguinis eligibility.

4Russo is extremely common in Sicily — knowing the exact comune (often from ship manifests or US naturalization records) is essential.

Citizenship by descent

Read the Italy citizenship guide