A Guide to Citizenship by Descent

Thinking about reconnecting with your heritage by gaining citizenship by descent? Discover how this pathway can unlock exciting lifestyle and financial opportunities for you and your family. In this article, we highlight the benefits of securing a second passport, delve into four top EU citizenship by descent options, and offer essential guidance on the required documentation for this transformative journey.

Understanding citizenship by descent: The Irish case

Between 2016 and 2022, hundreds of thousands of British people applied for and received an Irish passport. They claimed Irish citizenship by descent through their Irish-born parents or grandparents. This not only granted them an Irish passport, but it also allowed them to maintain or regain European Union citizenship. As a result, despite Brexit, they continue to enjoy the benefits of EU citizenship, including freedom of movement and access to EU rights, services, and protections.

What are the benefits of acquiring citizenship by descent?

By successfully proving your ancestry and obtaining a second passport, you gain access to a wealth of benefits, such as enhanced mobility, expanded service access, and greater financial security.

• Expanded mobility: Gaining citizenship by descent can significantly enhance your mobility. As discussed, Irish citizenship by descent grants you the right to live, work, and travel freely throughout the entire European Union. Similarly, as a New Zealand citizen, you can live in New Zealand or work in Australia without needing a visa.
• Access to more services: Being a citizen entitles you to healthcare, education, and other essential services in your ancestral country.
• Greater financial security: Citizenship by descent allows you to spread financial risks and protect your wealth. You can seize business opportunities and optimize tax planning in your second passport country. For example, as an Irish citizen, you can diversify investments globally, open international bank accounts, establish businesses abroad, and benefit from favorable tax laws.
• Family citizenship privileges: When you gain citizenship by descent, your immediate family members, like your spouse and children, can often benefit too. For instance, if you obtain Italian citizenship, your minor children automatically acquire it and can access education, healthcare, and other services in Italy.
• Security and peace of mind: A second passport provides backup should you need to relocate. In these uncertain times, additional citizenship allows you to move promptly, ensuring your family's safety.
• A cost-effective path to citizenship: Citizenship by descent is cheaper than other routes, such as citizenship by investment, making it a great option to expand your global mobility and enjoy second citizenship benefits without substantial financial outlay.

Countries with citizenship by descent: EU options

More than 50 countries worldwide offer citizenship by descent. Here are four top destinations within the European Union.

Austrian citizenship by descent

As an Austrian citizen, not only do you have access to a high quality of life, but you also enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 destinations around the world. The Austrian government grants citizenship by descent according to the citizenship law applicable at the time of birth. There are different requirements based on when you were born. For instance, if you were born before 1 September 1983, your father needs to be an Austrian citizen for a successful application. If you were born after that date, at least one of your parents needs to be an Austrian citizen.

Furthermore, recent amendments to Austrian law acknowledge its historical responsibility to victims of National Socialism by allowing persecuted persons and their direct descendants to apply for Austrian citizenship by descent.

German citizenship by descent

Acquiring German citizenship by descent allows you to live, work, and study in Germany and across the European Union without restriction. To qualify, you must demonstrate that one of your parents was a German citizen at the time of your birth. Germany also welcomes descendants of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945 to reclaim their German citizenship. All direct descendants, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, are eligible.

Irish citizenship by descent

If one of your parents or grandparents was born in Ireland, you are entitled to Irish citizenship by descent. The Irish passport ranks third on our Global Passport Index and offers holders visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to around 193 destinations. The application process can be complex and, at the time of writing, even with the right documentation, it could be more than two years before you receive your Irish passport. Our experts can help you manage your application for Irish citizenship efficiently and seamlessly. Reach out to discover how to prove your Irish ancestry and deal with authorities.

Spanish citizenship by descent

A Spanish passport offers you access to multiple new business and lifestyle prospects within the EU, as well as world-class education opportunities for your family. In general, if your mother or father is Spanish and was born in Spain, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. In addition, the Spanish Historical Memory and the Democratic Memory laws provide a pathway to Spanish citizenship for the children and grandchildren of those forced into exile during the Spanish Civil War or the ensuing period of dictatorship. The application process for Spanish citizenship by descent can take up to two years. Contact us for a complimentary consultation and learn how we can streamline it for you.

What documentation do you need for citizenship by descent?

Requirements vary from one country to another but here are some of the documents you may require for a successful citizenship by ancestry application.

• Your proof of identity: A passport or another state-issued ID is needed to confirm your identity.
• Your birth certificate: This certificate establishes your identity from birth and directly connects you to your parents, which is crucial for proving your descent.
• Your parent’s birth certificate: Specifically, the birth certificate of the parent through whom you are claiming citizenship is needed.
• Your parent's marriage certificate: Your parent's marriage certificate is required to demonstrate any name changes due to marriage. For instance, if you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent through your Italian-born mother and your birth certificate shows your mother’s name as Marina Smith but your mother’s birth certificate states her name as Marina Ricci, her marriage certificate is necessary to demonstrate name changes due to marriage. It helps establish continuity of identity by linking your parent’s birth name to their married name. If you don't have a marriage certificate, it could be more difficult to establish a clear lineage.
• Your grandparent's birth certificate: Your grandparent's birth certificate is needed to prove their birth and identity, especially if your connection to the country goes back more than one generation.
• Your grandparent's marriage certificate: As with your parent’s marriage certificate, this helps establish any name changes and confirms family connections.
• Proof of citizenship of parent or grandparent: Documents proving that your parent or grandparent was a citizen of your ancestral country are required. If birth certificates have been lost or destroyed, alternative documents like military service records or a citizenship certificate might be accepted.
• Evidence of name change: Official documents that show any legal name changes in your family history, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders, are needed.
• Your proof of residence: Property ownership deeds, utility bills, or other documents that prove your current address will be required.
• Passport-sized photos: Recent, passport-sized photos are typically required for official documentation.
• Notarization or qualified witness: You will need to verify the authenticity of your documents through notarization by a solicitor. Some countries also accept documents signed and stamped by a qualified witness who knows you but is not related to you.
• Additional documents: Depending on the relevant citizenship by descent regulations, you might need additional documents such as naturalization certificates or other evidence of residence or citizenship of your ancestors. In some cases, additional documentation may be required, depending on the country's specific laws and historical context. For instance, as the descendant of a victim of Nazi persecution applying for Austrian citizenship by ancestry, you will need historical records, such as proof of internment or exile. You may also require legal documentation verifying the familial connection to the persecuted individual. Finally, you might also be required to submit a police clearance certificate when applying for citizenship by ancestry to demonstrate a clean criminal record.

Dual citizenship limitations

As a dual citizen, you enjoy the rights and benefits of citizenship in two countries, provided both nations recognize your dual nationality under their respective laws. If your destination country does not recognize dual citizenship, you may be required to renounce your existing nationality, losing the rights and privileges of your country of origin.

For instance, if you are granted Spanish citizenship by descent, you must renounce your previous nationality. Spain does not recognize dual citizenship unless you are a citizen of a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or you are a Sephardic Jew of Spanish origin.

So before applying for citizenship by descent, it is important to check the regulations on dual citizenship in your ancestral home.

Citizenship by descent: Your next steps

Begin by researching your heritage and contacting the relevant authorities in your ancestral country, then gather all the necessary documentation for your application. Given the complexity of the process, seeking advice from an expert is advisable. Henley & Partners, a global leader in citizenship acquisition for high-net-worth individuals, can assist you. Our specialists are dedicated to making your citizenship by descent application as straightforward and seamless as possible.

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