Passport & Consular Services

Which EU Countries Allow Citizenship by Descent?

Several European Union (EU) countries allow citizenship by descent, granting eligibility for individuals with a parent or grandparent who is a citizen of that country. The specific rules and requirements vary between countries. Here are some EU countries that generally allow citizenship by descent:

Ireland: Ireland offers citizenship by descent known as “Irish citizenship through descent by birth or descent.” If you have an Irish parent or grandparent, you may be eligible to apply for Irish citizenship.

Italy: Italy allows citizenship by descent, commonly referred to as “Italian citizenship jure sanguinis.” If you have an Italian parent, grandparent, or sometimes even a great-grandparent, you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship.

Greece: Greece allows citizenship by descent for individuals who can prove Greek ancestry. If you have at least one Greek parent or grandparent, you may be eligible to apply for Greek citizenship.

Poland: Poland offers citizenship by descent, allowing individuals with Polish ancestry to apply for Polish citizenship. The eligibility criteria and documentation requirements can vary depending on the circumstances.

Hungary: Hungary allows citizenship by descent, commonly known as “Hungarian citizenship by origin.” If you can prove Hungarian ancestry through your parent, grandparent, or sometimes even further back, you may be eligible to apply for Hungarian citizenship.

Croatia: Croatia allows citizenship by descent, granting eligibility to individuals with Croatian ancestry. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the circumstances.

These are just a few examples, and there may be additional EU countries that offer citizenship by descent. It’s important to note that the rules, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements can vary significantly between countries. It is recommended to consult the relevant immigration or citizenship authorities of the specific EU country you are interested in for detailed and up-to-date information on their citizenship by descent process.

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