In this article, we discuss the 11 European Countries That Offer Citizenship by Descent. If you want to check out our detailed analysis, go directly to 31 European Countries That Offer Citizenship by Descent.
11. Hungary
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Citizenship by descent is much easier in European countries like Hungary, where the main requirement is the ability to speak the Hungarian language and having an ancestor in the family who was Hungarian. There is no limit to the extent of direct ancestry that can be traced back, as long as one can prove their link.
10. Italy
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Italy is indeed another country that allows citizenship by descent for up to three generations or more. However, it’s important to note that the family lineage can only be traced back to 1861. Additionally, Italy recognized maternal citizenship only from 1948.
9. Poland
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
In Poland, a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or an earlier ancestor who was born in Poland and lived there after 1920 can serve as the basis for applying for citizenship by descent. Moreover, even if the ancestor left the country before 1920, one can still apply provided they can provide proof that their address was registered in Poland, Prussia, Russia, or Austro-Hungary, and that they held citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth. However, if the ancestor renounced their citizenship before 1951, the applicant does not qualify.
8. Bulgaria
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
An amendment in the Bulgarian Citizenship Law of 2021 now allows individuals to apply for citizenship by descent for up to three generations. They must prove that they have a Bulgarian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.
7. Croatia
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
As with other European countries, Croatian citizenship by descent is also available to individuals who have either a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent as a current or former Croatian national. However, if the ancestor left Croatia before October 8, 1991, and moved to another country in the former Yugoslavia, then the applicant cannot claim citizenship by descent.
6. Lithuania
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
For individuals with Lithuanian ancestors (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) who were citizens of the country in specific eras of time can apply for citizenship through descent.
5. Latvia
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Latvia also allows citizenship by descent for up to three generations or even earlier, as long as a person can provide proof that their ancestors were indeed Latvian nationals. A parent, grandparent, or even a great-grandparent qualifies under the rule.
4. Luxembourg
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Luxembourg also provides citizenship by descent for up to three generations and more. This can be achieved through three methods: reclaiming citizenship, applying for citizenship by option, and proving that one has a Luxembourg national ancestor. Specific conditions must be met for each method.
3. Slovakia
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
An amendment in Slovakia’s nationality law in 2021 extended the citizenship by descent line from two generations to three, enabling individuals to claim citizenship if a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent were citizens of the country.
2. Ireland
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Individuals with ancestors up to the third generation can apply for citizenship by descent in Ireland. Specific conditions must be met to determine the validity of the claim.
1. Greece
No. of Generations: Up to Three Generations and earlier
Greece also allows third-generation citizenship by descent, provided that applicants meet a list of criteria.
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