15 Nations That Grant Dual Citizenship by Ancestry

Dual citizenship offers individuals unique opportunities to connect with their heritage and access the privileges of multiple nations. Across the globe, several countries extend the possibility of acquiring citizenship through ancestry, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural enrichment. In this article, we explore 15 countries that embrace ancestry-based citizenship, illuminating the allure and the inherent challenges in this multifaceted process.

Italy

Do you have Italian ancestry? You might be eligible for Italian nationality. Italy allows persons with Italian roots to get citizenship by lineage, provided certain conditions are met, such as justifying lineage through birth records and maintaining a connection to Italian culture.

Ireland

Luck of the Irish, indeed! Ireland gives a passport by descent to folks with Irish ancestry, typically extending up to two generations. Applicants must demonstrate a link to Ireland by producing their Irish ancestors’ birth or marriage credentials.

Germany

Are you of German heritage? You could be entitled to German citizenship. Germany allows individuals with German dynasties to reclaim allegiance lost due to historical events or claim nationality if their ancestors were German citizens. Requirements include providing documents verifying ancestry and knowledge of the German language

Israel

For those with Jewish ancestry, Israel extends a spiritual connection and a pathway to becoming the country’s national. Through its Law of Return, Israel welcomes Jewish descendants to make Aliyah (immigration) and become citizens of the Jewish state. Proof of Jewish ancestry, such as a letter from a recognized rabbi or relevant proof, is required.

Estonia

Estonia, known for its digital innovation and pristine landscapes, invites descendants of Estonian emigrants to rediscover their familial ties. Through its citizenship by lineage program, the country facilitates the journey of anyone seeking to reclaim their Estonian heritage. Generally, eligibility hinges on demonstrating heredity from an Estonian ancestor, usually a parent or grandparent. To support their claim, one must provide authentication, including birth and marriage certificates and naturalization records.

Portugal

Portugal’s citizenship by descent law allows folks with Portuguese roots to become citizens. Applicants must bring documentation, including birth and marriage credentials and naturalization records, to support their claim.

Spain

Through Sephardic heritage law, Spain extends citizenship to anyone with Sephardic Jewish ancestry. People interested in becoming Spanish citizens must provide evidence of their Sephardic values, such as genealogical records or an affidavit from a recognized Jewish community.

Hungary

Hungary’s laws permit descendants of Hungarian citizens to claim citizenship. Requirements include providing evidence of ancestry through birth and marriage papers and authentication demonstrating that the ancestors were once the country’s nationals.

Poland

With its rich history and vibrant culture, Poland welcomes descendants of Polish immigrants to reconnect with their roots. Through its ancestry-based citizenship program, Poland provides a gateway for people to embrace their Polish traditions. Eligibility often depends on proving heredity from a Polish ancestor, usually a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.

Lithuania

Do you have Lithuanian ancestry? You could be eligible for a Lithuanian passport. Lithuania allows anyone with Lithuanian kindred to claim citizenship by descent, provided they meet certain criteria and provide necessary verification, including birth documents, marriage certificates, and naturalization records.

Lebanon

Lebanon grants residency to anyone of Lebanese lineage, allowing them to reconnect with their roots and become citizens of this culturally rich nation. Requirements may vary, but they typically involve providing proof of ancestry and other necessary documentation.

Croatia

Croatia’s law allows people with Croatian ancestry to claim the country’s passport. Interested parties must prove their Croatian roots through birth or marriage documents and may need to demonstrate knowledge of the Croatian language.

Serbia

Serbia offers residency to persons of Serbian lineage, allowing them to reconnect with their cultural heritage. To be accepted, one has to prove one’s Serbian ancestry through birth or marriage papers and fulfill other requirements.

Latvia

Latvia’s citizenship law permits folks with Latvian kindred to reclaim nationality. Conditions for residency include justifying ancestry through birth or marriage certificates and demonstrating a connection to Latvian culture.

Armenia

Armenia’s law allows anyone of Armenian culture to become a country’s national, providing them a pathway to connect with their ancestral homeland. Necessary documents may include proving Armenian ancestry through birth or marriage papers and fulfilling other criteria.