The acquisition of European Union citizenship through ancestral connections represents a significant pathway for individuals worldwide with European heritage.
An interest in EU citizenship by descent has spiked among individuals to secure or reclaim European rights and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
This comes in light of recent developments including the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU and various legislative changes across member states.
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This guide explores the nuances of EU citizenship by descent, examining eligibility criteria, documentation, and processing times, and comparing different member states’ approaches.
European Union citizenship is a unique legal status that grants individuals rights beyond those of their national citizenship.
What Is the Meaning of Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent refers to the legal principle whereby a person acquires citizenship based on their ancestry rather than their place of birth.
The principle of citizenship by descent, legally known as ius sanguinis or “right of blood,” forms the foundation of nationality laws in most European countries.
This principle stands in contrast to ius soli or “right of soil,” which determines nationality based on one’s place of birth.
Most EU member states apply a combination of both principles, though ius sanguinis generally predominates in European nationality laws.
Under ius sanguinis, citizenship is transmitted from parent to child, sometimes extending to grandparents or even great-grandparents.
The key factors depend on the specific laws of each EU member state.
Citizenship by descent represents a recognition of familial ties and shared heritage transcending geographical boundaries.
It acknowledges that national identity can be preserved and passed down through generations, even when families migrate across borders.
This principle has particular significance in Europe, with its complex history of migration, changing borders, and diaspora communities spread worldwide.
In the modern EU context, citizenship by descent serves as a mechanism for reconnecting with European heritage while also providing practical benefits of EU citizenship.
Who Is Eligible for EU Citizenship by Descent?
Eligibility for EU citizenship by descent primarily depends on having documented ancestry from an EU member state.
While specific requirements vary by country, there are some general patterns across the EU:
Parent-Child Relationship
The most straightforward path to EU citizenship by descent is through a parent who was an EU citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth.
This first-generation connection is recognized by all EU member states, though some may have additional requirements regarding parental registration of the birth or residence.
Extended Ancestry
Several EU countries extend citizenship eligibility beyond the parent-child relationship to include grandparents and, in some cases, great-grandparents or even more distant ancestors.
This multi-generational approach is particularly relevant for descendants of European emigrants who left during historical waves of emigration.
Birth Location Considerations
Some EU member states consider the birthplace of ancestors when determining eligibility.
For example, recent changes to Italian citizenship law require any of the following requirements:
- A parent was born in Italy
- A parent resided in Italy for at least two years before the applicant’s birth
- A grandparent was born in Italy to qualify for automatic citizenship transmission
Special Provisions
Certain EU countries offer special citizenship provisions based on historical circumstances.
These include programs for descendants of those who lost citizenship due to persecution, forced emigration, or territorial changes resulting from historical events.
Age Distribution
Demographic data from Eurostat shows that EU citizenship acquisition tends to favor younger applicants.
In 2022, 39% of those granted EU citizenship were under 25 years old, while 41% were between 25-44 years old.
This suggests that ancestry-based citizenship pathways are particularly utilized by younger generations seeking opportunities within the EU.
It’s important to note that eligibility criteria can change.
Therefore, potential applicants should always verify current requirements with the relevant authorities.
What Do You Need for Citizenship by Descent?
Acquiring EU citizenship by descent requires thorough documentation to establish the ancestral connection.
While specific requirements vary by member state, the following documents are typically necessary:
Vital Records
The foundation of any citizenship by descent application is a complete chain of vital records connecting the applicant to their EU ancestor. These typically include:
- Birth certificates for all individuals in the lineage chain
- Marriage certificates for all relevant marriages in the lineage
- Death certificates where applicable
- Adoption documentation if relevant
These documents must usually be official copies obtained from government authorities rather than photocopies or informal versions.
Proof of Ancestor’s Citizenship
Evidence that the relevant ancestor held citizenship of the EU member state is critical. This might include:
- The ancestor’s birth certificate showing birth in the EU country
- The ancestor’s passport or national ID card
- Naturalization records if the ancestor became a citizen
- Citizenship certificates or other official documentation
Proof of Lineage Continuity
Some countries require evidence that citizenship was maintained across generations and not interrupted by certain events. This might include:
- Documentation showing the ancestor did not renounce their EU citizenship
- Evidence that the ancestor did not naturalize in another country before the applicant’s parent was born (if this would affect citizenship transmission)
- Proof that relevant family members were registered with consular authorities
Additional Documentation
Depending on the specific country and circumstances, additional documentation may be required:
- Residence certificates showing an ancestor’s period of residence in the EU country
- Military service records
- Historical documentation that may support special claims based on specific historical events
- Documents showing gender equality provisions for older cases where citizenship was previously transmitted only through fathers
Authentication Requirements
Most EU countries require official documents to be:
- Apostilled or legalized for international use
- Translated by certified translators
- Submitted in specific formats or through designated channels
The complexity of documentation requirements underscores the importance of thorough research and preparation before applying for citizenship by descent.
Can You Get Citizenship Through Descent?
The possibility of acquiring EU citizenship through ancestry depends on several factors, including:
- The specific EU member state in question
- The generation of connection
- Whether the chain of citizenship transmission remains unbroken
General Possibility
EU citizenship by descent is a recognized and legal pathway to obtaining European citizenship.
The fundamental principle across the EU is that citizenship can pass from parent to child, though the specifics vary by country.
Generational Limitations
While all EU countries recognize parent-to-child citizenship transmission, the number of generations through which citizenship can pass varies significantly:
- Some countries limit citizenship transmission to one generation born abroad
- Others allow citizenship claims through grandparents or great-grandparents
- A few have no generational limit if the proper documentation exists
Interruption Factors
Several factors can interrupt the transmission of citizenship across generations:
- In some countries, ancestors who naturalized in another country before having children may have lost their original citizenship
- Failure to register births with consular authorities within specific timeframes
- Gender discrimination in older laws (many countries previously only allowed citizenship transmission through fathers)
- Changes in nationality laws that may have affected ancestors’ status
Recent Legal Changes
The landscape of citizenship by descent is evolving.
For example, Italy’s March 2025 decree law modified the requirements for citizenship recognition, introducing new criteria for the automatic acquisition of citizenship for those born abroad with another citizenship.
Similar changes have occurred in other EU countries, sometimes expanding eligibility and other times restricting it.
Brexit Impact
British citizens have definitively lost their EU citizenship following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, as confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union in June 2023.
This has prompted many British nationals with European ancestry to explore citizenship by descent options from other EU member states.
How long to wait for citizenship by descent?
Application processing times for citizenship by descent in the EU vary substantially across member states and can be influenced by various factors:
Average Processing Times
While processing times vary widely, applicants typically experience waiting periods ranging from several months to several years.
The most significant variations occur between different EU member states, with some countries known for faster processing and others for considerable backlogs.
Factors Affecting Wait Times
Several factors can influence how long an application takes:
- Complexity of the genealogical connection—more distant relationships typically take longer to verify
- Completeness of submitted documentation
- Backlog at the processing authority (consulate, embassy, or interior ministry)
- Priority systems that may expedite certain applications
- Whether additional verification of documents is required
- Administrative resources allocated to citizenship processing
Regional Variations
Processing times can also vary by location even within the same country’s system:
- Some consulates or embassies may have larger backlogs than others
- Processing centers in the home country may work at different speeds than diplomatic missions abroad
- Applications submitted in regions with larger diaspora populations often face longer queues
Expedited Processing
Some countries offer expedited processing in certain circumstances:
- Applications based on direct parentage may be processed more quickly
- Some countries prioritize applications from minors
- Special historical circumstances might qualify for expedited routes
Applicants should prepare for potentially lengthy processing times and consider this timeline when planning their future.
What Is the Fastest Citizenship by Descent in the EU?
While processing speeds can fluctuate based on current administrative capacities and backlogs, certain EU member states have reputations for relatively faster citizenship by descent processes:
Countries Known for Faster Processing
Several EU member states have earned reputations for more efficient processing of citizenship by descent applications.
Well-known examples include Italy, Ireland, and Poland.
These typically include countries with:
- Well-established digital application systems
- Dedicated departments for processing ancestry claims
- Clear and straightforward documentation requirements
- Smaller applicant pools
Factors Contributing to Faster Processing
The speed of citizenship processing typically depends on:
- The complexity of the required documentation
- Whether in-person appointments are required
- The generation of connection—direct parent-child relationships are usually processed faster
- The current administrative capacity and backlog
Comparison of Time frames
While specific processing times are subject to change and individual circumstances, some countries are generally known to process applications more quickly when documentation is complete and straightforward.
The fastest routes typically involve parent-to-child transmission rather than more distant ancestral connections.
It’s important to note that the fastest does not necessarily mean easiest or most accessible, as countries with quicker processing may have stricter documentation requirements or narrower eligibility criteria.
What Is the Easiest EU Citizenship by Descent?
The easiness of obtaining EU citizenship by descent depends on several factors, including eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and administrative processes:
Broader Eligibility Criteria
Some EU countries offer more extensive generational reach in their citizenship laws, allowing claims through grandparents, great-grandparents, or even more distant ancestors.
This broader eligibility can make these countries’ citizenship more accessible for those with more distant European heritage.
Less Restrictive Requirements
Factors that can make certain countries’ citizenship processes more accessible include:
- Fewer requirements regarding ancestor’s residence in the country
- More flexible documentation standards (accepting alternative evidence when original documents aren’t available)
- No language proficiency requirements
- No requirement to renounce existing citizenships
- Less stringent requirements regarding historical continuity of citizenship
Demographic Trends
Statistical data shows varied demographic patterns in citizenship acquisition across the EU.
In 2022, the median age of persons acquiring citizenship in the EU was 31 years.
These patterns reflect both the accessibility of different citizenship pathways and the demographics of applicant pools.
Age Distribution Considerations
The distribution of citizenship acquisitions by age group varies significantly across member states. For example, in 2022:
- 26% of those acquiring EU citizenship were children below 15 years of age
- France (34%), Latvia (33%), and Spain (32%) had the highest proportions of citizenship acquisitions by children
- Countries like Croatia (6%), Ireland (7%), and Bulgaria (7%) had the lowest proportion of citizenship acquisitions by children
These patterns may reflect differences in how various countries approach citizenship by descent, particularly for younger generations.
Conclusion
EU citizenship by descent represents a significant opportunity for individuals with European ancestry to reconnect with their heritage while gaining the substantial benefits that come with European Union citizenship.
The varied approaches across member states reflect the EU’s respect for national sovereignty in citizenship matters while maintaining the shared framework of EU citizenship rights.
The landscape of EU citizenship by descent continues to evolve, as evidenced by recent legal changes.
These developments underscore the importance of staying informed about current requirements and processes.
For those considering pursuing EU citizenship by descent, thorough research into specific country requirements is essential, as is careful preparation of documentation.
The process may be lengthy and complex, but the rewards of EU citizenship make it a worthwhile endeavor for eligible individuals.
As global mobility becomes increasingly important, the value of EU citizenship will likely continue to grow, making citizenship by descent an increasingly significant pathway for those with European ancestry to secure their place in an interconnected world.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
