Citizenship by Descent by Country: Europe and Canada

What Is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent lets you claim the nationality of a country because a parent, grandparent, or earlier ancestor was a citizen of it. You do not have to move there, and in many cases you can keep your U.S. citizenship. The result is a second passport, the right to live and work in that country, and, with an EU country, freedom of movement across the European Union.

Every country sets its own rules. Some have no generation limit, some stop at grandparents, and some require language skills or proof that your ancestor never gave up citizenship. That is why the first step is choosing the right country for your family.

How to Find Out Which Country You Qualify For

1. Start with the ancestor. Gather the name, birthplace, birth date, and approximate year of emigration for the relative you believe was a citizen.
2. Document every link in the chain. You will usually need birth, marriage, and, where relevant, death records connecting each generation from your ancestor to you.
3. Check whether citizenship was lost. In many countries, an ancestor who naturalized elsewhere before the next generation was born may have broken the line. Dates matter.
4. Compare your options. Many families qualify for more than one country, through different grandparents or great-grandparents. Look at each country's requirements above and choose the strongest path.

Why Work With a Citizenship by Descent Specialist?

Roots Recovered was the first American firm to focus exclusively on citizenship by descent, and we have more than 20 years of experience. We work across every country listed on this page, so you are not limited to one jurisdiction. Our network of genealogists, our consular relationships, and a team of dual citizens who have been through the process themselves help us build a complete, well-organized file. See our citizenship by descent services to learn what we handle from first record to final passport.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Tell us what you know about your family history and we will tell you which countries are worth pursuing. Book your free eligibility review and take the first step toward your second passport.