Easiest Countries to Get Citizenship by Descent in 2024

Hands passing a small piece of land with a tree, symbolizing growth, heritage, and ancestry
Passing down roots: A symbolic representation of heritage, ancestry, and the continuity of generations

Spain, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and enviable quality of life, is an appealing destination for many seeking to make it their permanent home. Whether you’re drawn by the sunny beaches, the bustling cities, or the opportunity for a better lifestyle, obtaining Spanish citizenship is a dream for many.

Fortunately, Spain offers several pathways to citizenship, each catering to different circumstances and backgrounds. In this guide, we’ll explore these pathways, from residency through work and investment to naturalization and marriage, helping you understand the options available and how you can navigate your way to becoming a Spanish citizen.

What is Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent allows individuals to acquire citizenship based on their ancestral ties to a country. Instead of being born in the country or going through a naturalization process, individuals can become citizens if they have a parent, grandparent, or sometimes even a great-grandparent who was a citizen of that country.

General Requirements:

  • Proof of Ancestry: You will need to provide official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other legal records that clearly establish your family ties to a citizen of the country.
  • Generational Limits: Some countries allow citizenship by descent only up to a certain generation, such as grandparents or great-grandparents. The closer the familial tie, the easier it typically is to qualify.
  • Legal Processes: Each country has its own legal framework for granting citizenship by descent, which can include background checks, residency requirements, or a formal application process.
  • Documentation and Verification: Countries may require you to authenticate your documents, translate them into the local language, or provide additional evidence of lineage, such as family trees or historical records.
  • Additional Criteria: Some countries may have specific conditions, such as maintaining a connection to the country (e.g., language proficiency or cultural knowledge) or fulfilling residency requirements.

Citizenship by descent is an attractive option for those looking to reconnect with their heritage, obtain a second passport, or explore new opportunities in their ancestral homeland.

Benefits of Citizenship by Descent

Obtaining citizenship by descent offers a range of advantages, making it an appealing option for those with ancestral ties to another country. Here are some key benefits:

1. Access to a Second Passport

A second passport provides greater global mobility, allowing for visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries. This can make international travel easier and more convenient.

2. Right to Live, Work, and Study

Citizenship by descent grants the right to live, work, and study in the country, often extending to any economic or political unions it belongs to (e.g., the European Union). This opens up a wider range of educational and employment opportunities.

3. Dual Citizenship Possibility

Many countries allow individuals who gain citizenship by descent to hold dual citizenship. This means you can maintain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of being a citizen of another country.

4. Access to Social Benefits

As a citizen, you may be entitled to healthcare, education, social security, and other benefits provided by the country. This can be particularly advantageous if the country offers high-quality public services.

5. Reconnect with Cultural Heritage

Gaining citizenship by descent allows you to reconnect with your cultural roots, explore your family’s history, and strengthen ties with your ancestral homeland.

6. Inheritance and Property Rights

Citizenship can simplify the process of inheriting property or assets in the country of your ancestors. It may also allow for easier acquisition of real estate and other investments.

7. Rights for Future Generations

Citizenship by descent can often be passed on to future generations, ensuring that your children and grandchildren can also benefit from dual nationality and access to broader opportunities.

These benefits make citizenship by descent a valuable option for those eligible, providing both practical advantages and a deeper connection to one’s heritage.

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Easiest Countries to Obtain Citizenship by Descent

If you have ancestral ties to certain countries, obtaining citizenship by descent can be a relatively simple process. Here are five of the easiest countries where you can gain citizenship by descent, along with their key requirements:

5. Greece

The charming Little Venice area of Mykonos, Greece, with its vibrant waterfront houses overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Key Metrics for Citizenship by Descent

Generational Limit: 2nd Gen, up to grandparents
Processing Timeframe: 6-12 months
Language Proficiency: None required
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Yes
Application Fees: €700 EUR

Greece is a good option for obtaining citizenship by descent for those with Greek parents or grandparents, as it does not require language proficiency or residency. However, it ranks fifth due to the need for extensive documentation proving Greek lineage, such as birth and marriage certificates, and the potential for bureaucratic delays in processing. Dual citizenship is allowed, making it appealing for those seeking to maintain their original nationality while reconnecting with their Greek heritage.

4. Portugal

The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, connecting the historic city.

Key Metrics for Citizenship by Descent

Generational Limit: 3rd Gen+, Up to great-grandparents
Processing Timeframe: 12-24 months
Language Proficiency: None required
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Yes
Application Fees: €250 – €500 EUR

Portugal is a strong option for citizenship by descent, particularly for those with Portuguese parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents. The process is straightforward with no language requirement and moderate processing times, typically ranging from 1 to 2 years. Dual citizenship is allowed, adding flexibility for applicants who wish to retain their original nationality. Portugal stands out because of its lenient policies and clear path to citizenship, making it easier than many other countries on this list.

3. Poland

The iconic Sopot Pier stretches out into the Baltic Sea, a popular attraction in Sopot, Poland.

Key Metrics for Citizenship by Descent

Generational Limit: 3rd Gen, Up to great-grandparents
Processing Timeframe: 12-24 months
Language Proficiency: None required
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Yes
Application Fees: €100 – €150 EUR

Poland is a solid choice for citizenship by descent, especially for those with Polish parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. The country allows citizenship to be passed down, provided you can prove an unbroken chain of Polish nationality with documents like birth and marriage certificates. There is no language requirement or residency needed, but the process can take 1 to 2 years due to the need for thorough documentation checks. Dual citizenship is permitted, making Poland an appealing option for those who can meet the documentation standards.

2. Ireland

The vibrant riverfront of Cork, Ireland, lined with colorful houses and flowers.

Key Metrics for Citizenship by Descent

Generational Limit: 3rd Gen* (up to great-grandparents)
Processing Timeframe: 6-12 months
Language Proficiency: None required
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Yes
Application Fees: €270 EUR

Poland is a solid choice for citizenship by descent, especially for those with Polish parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. The country allows citizenship to be passed down, provided you can prove an unbroken chain of Polish nationality with documents like birth and marriage certificates. There is no language requirement or residency needed, but the process can take 1 to 2 years due to the need for thorough documentation checks. Dual citizenship is permitted, making Poland an appealing option for those who can meet the documentation standards.

1. Italy

Colorful cliffside houses in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy
The breathtaking view of Positano’s cliffside houses cascading down to the Tyrrhenian Sea on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.

Key Metrics for Citizenship by Descent

Generational Limit: No Limit*
Processing Timeframe: 6-12 months
Language Proficiency: None Required
Dual Citizenship Allowed: Yes
Application Fees: €300 – €400 EUR

Italy is one of the most accessible countries for obtaining citizenship by descent, with no generational limit as long as there is a continuous line of descent from an Italian ancestor who did not renounce citizenship before the next generation’s birth. The application process typically takes 6-12 months but can vary based on consulate workloads.

There is no language proficiency or residency requirement, and dual citizenship is allowed, making Italy a flexible option. The application fee ranges from €300 to €400, with additional costs for document translation and verification, which is relatively moderate compared to other countries. This straightforward process and Italy’s broad eligibility rules make it one of the top choices for those seeking to reconnect with their Italian heritage.

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Conclusion

Obtaining citizenship by descent is an attractive option for those looking to reconnect with their ancestral roots and gain the benefits of a second citizenship. Countries like Italy, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and Greece offer relatively straightforward pathways for descendants, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. From Italy’s unlimited generational eligibility to Ireland’s quick processing times and Poland’s flexible rules on lineage, these options provide diverse opportunities for those with ancestral ties.

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