Thinking about claiming dual citizenship? If your parents or even grandparents came from one of these nine countries, you might be eligible. Many nations offer citizenship by descent—meaning you can inherit nationality through your bloodline, even if you were born abroad. That can mean fewer visa hassles, easier international travel, and new opportunities for work and study. Here’s a breakdown of nine countries with generous ancestral citizenship policies—and what you need to know to get started.
1. Italy: A Legacy That Lasts Generations
Italy has one of the most open policies when it comes to citizenship by descent. If you have Italian ancestry, you might already qualify—even if your family left the country over a century ago. The process hinges on something called jure sanguinis, or “right of blood.” The rules are fairly flexible. There’s no limit to how far back your Italian roots go, as long as no one in the chain renounced their citizenship before passing it on. You’ll need to gather original documents like birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation. That can take time, but the reward is an Italian passport—and access to the European Union. Italy even allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your current nationality. For Italian Americans, this is one of the most common pathways to holding two passports.
2. Ireland: A Grandparent Is All It Takes
Ireland has a streamlined process for those with Irish grandparents. If at least one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, you can register in the Foreign Births Register and apply for Irish citizenship. Even if it was your great-grandparent, there’s still a chance—if your parent claimed Irish citizenship before your birth. That technicality can make things tricky, but for many people, the path is clear. Ireland’s passport is one of the strongest in the world, and its citizenship can open doors across the EU. This process can be done without setting foot in Ireland, though you’ll need certified paperwork and patience. And yes, Ireland also allows dual citizenship.
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3. Poland: Keep the Line Unbroken
Poland offers citizenship to those who can prove uninterrupted Polish citizenship in their lineage. The process is technical, and the government takes documentation seriously. You must show that your Polish ancestor did not lose their citizenship through emigration, military service, or naturalization elsewhere. If your ancestor left Poland after 1920 and didn’t renounce their citizenship, you may be in luck. Polish citizenship gives you EU mobility and access to free or low-cost education across Europe. Though the rules are strict, if you can prove your case, Poland welcomes you—no matter where you live now.
4. Hungary: Especially Friendly to the Diaspora
Hungary stands out for its open approach to ancestral citizenship. If any of your ancestors were born in what was once the Kingdom of Hungary (pre-1920), you may qualify—even if the area is now part of Slovakia, Romania, or Ukraine. You’ll need to demonstrate Hungarian ancestry and language knowledge. Unlike some countries, Hungary does require a basic language test. If you pass that and prove your family history, you can become a Hungarian citizen. Hungary offers dual citizenship and has actively encouraged its diaspora to reconnect. If your grandparents or great-grandparents were Hungarian, this is worth exploring.
5. Greece: Passed Down from a Parent or Grandparent
Greek citizenship law allows you to inherit citizenship from either parent—or even a grandparent, if the line remains unbroken. If your Greek ancestor was born in Greece and later became naturalized elsewhere without renouncing their Greek citizenship, you’re likely eligible. You’ll need to track down municipal birth records in Greece, which may require working with local authorities or hiring help. Greece does not require you to live there or speak Greek fluently to apply, though the process involves several layers of paperwork. And yes—Greece recognizes dual citizenship, giving you access to EU residency rights and healthcare benefits.
6. Portugal: Recent Changes Favor Descendants
Portugal has expanded its citizenship laws in recent years, especially for those with Sephardic Jewish heritage. If you can prove descent from Jews expelled during the Inquisition, you may qualify for Portuguese citizenship. But even outside that group, Portugal allows for citizenship by descent through parents or grandparents. If your parent is Portuguese, you’re almost certainly eligible. If your grandparent was Portuguese and maintained ties to the country, you might be as well. The process requires authenticated records and a clear lineage. Portuguese citizenship gives you access to EU work and travel, and the country allows dual nationality with no problem.
7. Spain: More Inclusive Than Before
Spain’s policies have shifted in recent years. While it’s traditionally more restrictive, recent changes under the “Law of Democratic Memory” opened up new opportunities for descendants of exiled Spaniards, including those who fled during the Civil War or Franco regime. If your parents or grandparents were Spanish citizens and left for political or economic reasons, you may be able to reclaim citizenship—even without living in Spain. Spain allows dual citizenship with specific countries (mostly in Latin America), and the application process is rigorous. But if you can trace your ancestry and meet the criteria, the rewards are worthwhile: a Spanish passport and EU residency.
8. Lithuania: Tight Rules, But Worth a Try
Lithuania grants citizenship by descent if you can show that an ancestor was a Lithuanian citizen before 1940 and left due to occupation or persecution. The country’s laws have shifted several times, so eligibility depends heavily on the exact year and the reason for emigration. If your ancestor became a citizen elsewhere before 1940, you might be disqualified. However, if they were forced to flee or left under duress, you may still be eligible under exceptions. Lithuanian citizenship means EU rights and visa-free access across the Schengen Zone. The process involves legal review and original documents but can be completed without traveling to Lithuania.
9. Germany: Restitution for Nazi-Era Persecution
Germany has a unique citizenship-by-descent option: restitution for families affected by Nazi-era persecution. If your ancestors were stripped of German citizenship due to race, religion, or political beliefs between 1933 and 1945, you may have a path to reclaim it. This includes Jewish families who fled during the Holocaust or anyone whose German citizenship was unlawfully revoked. Germany recently simplified the process and removed many bureaucratic hurdles. You don’t need to speak German or move to Germany to apply. And the country now fully recognizes dual citizenship for these restitution cases. If your family has a history tied to this era, this could be a powerful way to reconnect with your heritage.
Why Dual Citizenship Matters
Having two passports offers real-world advantages. You can live, work, and study in more countries. You can also own property more easily, pass citizenship to your children, and avoid long visa processes. For many, it’s also about identity—reclaiming a cultural or family connection that history interrupted. Whether for opportunity or personal meaning, citizenship by descent can open doors and deepen your sense of belonging.
Key Documents You’ll Probably Need
While each country has its own process, you’ll usually need the following: Birth certificates for each generation in the lineage, Marriage certificates, Death certificates (if applicable), Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization, Official translations and apostilles. You may also need certified copies, not just scans or photos. In some cases, you’ll need to work with consulates or hire a genealogical service to track down missing pieces.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Before diving in, take the time to: Research the specific rules for your country of ancestry, Contact the nearest consulate or embassy, Collect as many original records as possible, Stay patient—the process can take months or even years, Verify whether dual citizenship is allowed under your current nationality. The effort is worth it. With persistence, a paper trail, and a little luck, you could soon be holding a second passport that honors your past and secures your future.
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