Residency
Citizenship by descent
Also known as jus sanguinis, citizenship by ancestry
Citizenship by descent is nationality acquired through an ancestor rather than through birthplace, residence or investment. In transmission systems the citizenship was never lost and is merely recognised; in restoration systems a state offers it back to descendants of those who lost it.
In plain terms: A passport you may already be entitled to because of a parent or grandparent.
Why it matters
Ireland, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Germany, Greece and Lithuania all operate routes. Two facts decide most cases: whether the ancestor naturalised elsewhere before the next generation was born, and whether the line passes through a woman before the relevant equality reform.
Common misunderstanding
Assuming there is no hurry. Transmission claims generally do not expire, but restoration windows do, and eligibility has been narrowed with only months of notice — Italy restricted its route to two generations in 2025.
Read the full guideThe passport you may already qualify for