In an era of increasing globalization, more and more people are searching for their roots, hoping not only for a better understanding of identity, but also for the chance to obtain citizenship of one of the European Union countries. For the descendants of expatriates, European citizenship can become a possibility if they can prove kinship with their ancestors from the particular country. However, the process is usually complicated and requires both patience and diligence in searching for documents.
Therefore, below we will provide a more in-depth look at the procedure for applying for European citizenship for the descendants of expatriates, how to find the necessary information about their ancestors, what to pay special attention to, and which EU countries offer the most affordable solutions in this regard.
Who can apply for citizenship by descent?
Many European Union countries allow people to obtain citizenship on the basis of inheritance. The rule of blood law (jus sanguinis) allows people who document their ancestry to apply for an ancestral passport – even if decades have passed since emigration and the applicants themselves have never lived in Europe.
Italy, Ireland, Poland, Germany and Portugal, among others, are the most supportive of such cases. However, conditions can vary – some countries allow citizenship to be inherited only up to the second generation, while others – such as Italy and Ireland – even allow applications by great-grandchildren, as long as the continuity of kinship and the lack of naturalization of the ancestor are properly documented.
How to start searching for your roots?
The process of applying for citizenship by descent should begin with gathering information about your ancestors. It’s best to start by talking to your oldest family members – grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles – and collecting all available documents, i.e. birth, marriage and death certificates, passports, emigration documents or records from churches and parishes.
After that, it is worth moving on to more formal sources:
- State and local archives – many European countries provide online archives (e.g. Polish digital archives, Italian Antenati, German Standesämter).
- Genealogical databases – sites such as FamilySearch, MyHeritage and Ancestry can help you create a family tree.
- Embassies and consulates – can be helpful in obtaining information on procedures and required documents.
- Genealogy specialists – for difficult searches, consider the help of a professional genealogist.
Examples of countries offering citizenship to descendants of expatriates
Italy
One of the most liberal countries when it comes to obtaining citizenship by descent. If you can prove that your ancestor was Italian and did not renounce his citizenship before the birth of his child, you have a good chance of regaining your Italian citizenship – regardless of the number of generations.
Ireland
If your grandfather or great-grandfather was Irish, you may be able to apply for an Irish passport-especially if you have the proper birth and marriage certificates proving your lineage. Ireland is in high demand, especially among Americans and Australians.
Poland
Polish citizenship can be regained if it is proven that an ancestor held Polish citizenship after 1920 and never formally lost it. While the procedure can be complex, Polish law allows for full “restoration” of citizenship even after many generations.
Portugal
An interesting interesting option is the possibility for people with Sephardic Jewish roots to obtain citizenship. Portugal (as well as Spain) allows in such cases a return to ancestral citizenship as an act of reparation for the expulsion in the 15th century.
Germany
Germany also offers the opportunity for descendants of people who had to leave it for political reasons (such as victims of the Nazi regime) to regain their citizenship. In 2021, a path to regaining citizenship for such individuals and their families was facilitated.
What to pay attention to during the process?
- quality of documents – documents must be original, legalized and often sworn translation.
- no naturalization of an ancestor – many countries require that an ancestor not renounce citizenship before the birth of a descendant.
- patience – the process can take from a few months to even a few years. It is therefore worth being patient and working systematically.
- professional assistance – immigration law firms or citizenship assistance companies can make the process much easier.
Is it worth it?
Definitely yes – almost every European citizenship broadly opens the door to living, working, educating and traveling in the 27 EU countries. For many, it’s also a form of tribute to family history and building a bridge between the past and the future.
Obtaining citizenship by descent is thus not just a formality, but a personal journey that often brings unexpected discoveries and strengthens a sense of identity. So it’s worth a try – perhaps your ancestors’ passport is just waiting for you. If, in turn, you want to learn even more or need specialized assistance, be sure to visit fivetoeurope.com and start your path to European citizenship today.
