Two Dozen Countries Offering Citizenship by Descent to Americans

For Americans exploring their roots, dual citizenship can be a powerful way to connect with their heritage. Many countries around the world offer citizenship by descent, allowing individuals to claim citizenship based on their ancestry. Here are 24 nations where Americans might discover a path to a second passport:

Europe

• Italy: Italy's jus sanguinis policy grants citizenship through descent, with no generational limits. If you have an Italian ancestor, you could be eligible.

• Ireland: Similar to Italy, Ireland offers citizenship to those with an Irish-born grandparent, and in some cases, great-grandparent.

• Poland: Polish citizenship is available to individuals with a Polish parent or grandparent, regardless of where they were born.

• Germany: Germany offers citizenship to descendants of German citizens who were persecuted by the Nazi regime, as well as to those with a German parent.

• Hungary: Hungary has a relatively straightforward process for those with Hungarian ancestors, even if several generations have passed.

• Portugal: Portugal offers citizenship to grandchildren of Portuguese citizens, and in some cases, to great-grandchildren.

• Spain: Spain has specific laws for descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century, as well as for those with a Spanish parent.

• Greece: Greece grants citizenship to individuals with a Greek parent, and in some cases, to those with a Greek grandparent.

• Lithuania: Lithuania offers citizenship to descendants of Lithuanian citizens who left the country before 1990.

• Latvia: Latvia grants citizenship to descendants of Latvian citizens who left the country before 1940.

• Croatia: Croatia offers citizenship to those with a Croatian parent or grandparent, and in some cases, to those with more distant Croatian ancestry.

• Czech Republic: The Czech Republic allows dual citizenship and offers citizenship to those with a Czech parent or grandparent.

Africa

• Ghana: Ghana grants citizenship to individuals of Ghanaian descent, regardless of where they were born.

• Kenya: Kenya allows dual citizenship and offers citizenship to individuals with a Kenyan parent.

Asia

• Israel: Israel's Law of Return grants citizenship to individuals with at least one Jewish grandparent.

• Philippines: The Philippines allows dual citizenship and offers citizenship to individuals with a Filipino parent.

• India: India offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, which provides many of the benefits of citizenship, to individuals of Indian origin.

• Vietnam: Vietnam allows dual citizenship and offers citizenship to individuals with a Vietnamese parent. North America

• Canada: While Canada's citizenship by descent program is not as broad as some European countries, it does offer citizenship to individuals born abroad to a Canadian citizen parent.

• Mexico: Mexico permits dual citizenship and offers a path to citizenship for individuals with a Mexican parent.

Central & South America

• Argentina: Argentina allows dual citizenship and grants citizenship to individuals with an Argentine parent.

• Brazil: Brazil permits dual citizenship and offers citizenship to individuals with a Brazilian parent.

• Colombia: Colombia allows dual citizenship and grants citizenship to individuals with a Colombian parent.

• Chile: Chile permits dual citizenship and offers citizenship to individuals with a Chilean parent.

Important Considerations It's important to note that each country has specific requirements and processes for claiming citizenship by descent. These can include:

• Documentation: You'll need to provide documentation to prove your ancestry, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records.

• Language Requirements: Some countries may require you to demonstrate proficiency in their official language.

• Residency Requirements: In some cases, you may need to reside in the country for a certain period before or after applying for citizenship.

• Application Fees: There are typically fees associated with the application process.

Taking the Next Step If you're interested in pursuing citizenship by descent, it's essential to research the specific requirements of the country you're interested in and we can help. Unlocking your heritage through dual citizenship can be a rewarding experience, opening doors to new connections, opportunities, and a deeper understanding of your family history.