We’re passionate about helping people reclaim their European heritage through citizenship by descent. Your story is our mission.
Our story
Our Story: America's First Citizenship by Descent Firm
Roots Recovered was the first American firm to build its practice on citizenship by descent. We helped pioneer an industry that barely existed when we started, and we have focused on one thing ever since: helping families claim the citizenship in their family tree, in 15 countries across Europe and Canada.
2003
Where it began
Our founder starts her own Italian dual citizenship journey in the "early" days of dual citizenship, when there was little to no information online and you had to actually hit the books.
2009
Moving to Italy
By 2009, our founder moved to Italy and enrolled in college. While there, she successfully applied for recognition of Italian citizenship.
2016
A passion becomes a business
Free help in exchange for a cappuccino makes her so busy that our founder has to start charging for it. A lifelong passion is born.
Today
A team of dual citizens
Case managers, translators, and genealogists, all dual citizens, now guide clients through citizenship by descent in Europe and Canada.
Photo of founder goes here
Meet our founder
Hi! I'm the Founder of Roots Recovered, and I'm a dual citizen
I started my own Italian dual citizenship journey in 2003, way back in the Wild West days of dual citizenship, when there was next to nothing online. To learn, I had to actually physically purchase books on Italian law and pore over them, in Italian (thanks, grandma and grandpa, for insisting I learn!), which later helped me when I enrolled in college in Italy.
By 2009, I had settled into my new life in Italy. Soon, word spread in the expat community that there was an American who knew about the dual citizenship process and successfully completed it, and by 2016 what was free assistance I was giving to people in exchange for a cappuccino made me so busy I had to start charging for it. And so, a lifelong career was born.
Credentials
Citizenship by Descent Expertise You Can Trust
Experience, education, and a professional standard of ethics, all behind every case we take.
40+ Collective Years of Experience
Our team has more than 40 collective years of experience in dual citizenship by descent, from the early days of the industry to today.
Master's in Italian Immigration Administration
Our founder has academic training in Italian immigration administration, paired with nearly two decades of hands-on casework.
CERT(IM) Certified
Founded by a Certified Investment Migration Professional, CERT(IM), which means being held to the highest industry standards of professionalism, discretion, and ethics.
15+
Countries
Europe and Canada
98%
Approval Rate
On citizenship applications
40+
Collective Years' Experience
Pioneering citizenship by descent
What sets us apart
Why Families Choose Our Citizenship by Descent Firm
We started with citizenship by descent and never stopped. Here's what that means for your case.
Every Jurisdiction, One Firm
Unlike small shops that specialize in a single country, we handle citizenship by descent for all 15 countries we serve, including Canada.
Genealogists and Consular Connections
A vast network of genealogists, extensive consular relationships, and trusted contacts help set your application up for success.
Dual Citizens on Your Case
Everyone who touches your file is a dual citizen who has been through the citizenship by descent process themselves.
Pioneers of the Industry
We were the first American firm to focus on citizenship by descent, and we have been refining the process ever since. See our services.
Often imitated, never duplicated.
Our team
A Team of Dual Citizens Who Live and Breathe Citizenship by Descent
Our case managers, translators, and genealogists, along with our office pets/mascots, are all about putting an ancestral passport in your hands.
Case Managers
Your guide from first review to final recognition, keeping your file organized and your questions answered.
Translators
Certified translators who make sure every document meets consular and court requirements.
Genealogists
Researchers who find the records and fill the gaps in your family tree.
Photo of Dot goes here
Dot, our Chief Morale Officer
Photo of Luna goes here
Luna, our Head of Security, as a puppy. She's all grown up now, all 70 lbs of her!
Client stories
What Our Citizenship by Descent Clients Say
Client Story“
Two other firms told me my case was too complicated because of an unofficial name change, despite obviously qualifying. Roots Recovered didn't give up. They found my grandfather's old school records to bridge the discrepancy. They put in work when nobody else would, and my Irish citizenship was confirmed in March 2025.
Lyle O.
Bridgeport, CT
Client Story“
We wanted a better pace of life for our family. Roots Recovered traced our line back to my wife's great-great grandfather in Italy and guided us through every step. My wife and children became dual citizens in 2023, and I'm working on my own Italian citizenship by marriage. Grazie mille!
Dan S.
Rimini, Italy
Client Story“
When my company offered me a position in Berlin, I assumed I'd need a work visa. Roots Recovered found that my great-grandfather from Germany actually made me eligible for citizenship, which felt like kismet to me.
Now I can work anywhere in the EU.
Jason L.
Berlin, Germany
The Roots Recovered difference
Why People Choose Roots Recovered
Citizenship by descent consulting, handled with care from first record to final passport.
Personalized service tailored to your family history
Clear, customized quotes with no hidden fees or vital record markups
Experienced, multilingual team with proven success rates
Established relationships with consulates in Europe and Canada
End-to-end support from research to citizenship
Firsthand experience: every case manager has gone through the dual citizenship process
Schedule your FREE citizenship by descent consultation today
Find out if you qualify for a second passport through your ancestry. Book a free 30-minute call with our citizenship by descent experts.
