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

PortugueseVery common

The Silva surname

From Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland' — originally a toponymic for someone living near a forest.

Origin: Portugal

Throughout Portugal, especially Minho and Douro Litoral

Origins & history

Silva is the most common Portuguese surname and one of the most common in the Portuguese-speaking world. It appears in Portuguese records from the 12th century onward.Massive Silva populations in Brazil (where it's the most common surname), Portugal, the United States (especially Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Florida), Canada, France, and Venezuela.

Spelling variants

Da SilvaDe SilvaSilveira

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

Genealogy research tips

1Portuguese civil registration began in 1911 nationally — before that, church parish records (registos paroquiais) are the primary source. Search the Portuguese National Archives (tombo.pt) and FamilySearch.

2For Brazilian Silva ancestors, search the Arquivo Nacional (Brazil) and the state archives (arquivos públicos estaduais) for civil registration records.

3Silva is so common that you'll need the exact freguesia (parish) or município. Portuguese emigration records often list the district (distrito).

4For Sephardic Silva ancestors (descendants of Jews who converted during the Inquisition), check the Portuguese Jewish community archives and the Lisbon/Porto Jewish community records — Portugal offers citizenship to Sephardic descendants until 2025.

Citizenship by descent

Portuguese citizenship by descent is available to children of Portuguese nationals. For grandchildren and beyond, residence in Portugal may be required unless you qualify under the Sephardic heritage path (available until 2025) or the Brazilian colonial descent path.Read the Portugal citizenship guide

Notable bearers

•Anderson Silva (MMA fighter)
•David Silva (footballer)
•Various Brazilian historical figures

Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Silva mean?

From Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland' — originally a toponymic for someone living near a forest.

Where does the Silva surname come from?

Silva originates from Portugal, specifically Throughout Portugal, especially Minho and Douro Litoral. Silva is the most common Portuguese surname and one of the most common in the Portuguese-speaking world. It appears in Portuguese records from the 12th century onward.

Can I get citizenship if my last name is Silva?

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

2For Brazilian Silva ancestors, search the Arquivo Nacional (Brazil) and the state archives (arquivos públicos estaduais) for civil registration records.

3Silva is so common that you'll need the exact freguesia (parish) or município. Portuguese emigration records often list the district (distrito).

Citizenship by descent

Read the Portugal citizenship guide