How to obtain EU citizenship by descent

Citizenship by descent, or "by right of blood", is one of the ways to get citizenship. A foreigner whose ancestors were citizens of another country may apply for its citizenship if permitted by that country’s law.

Foreigners can acquire citizenship by descent in an EU country if they can prove that their parents, grandparents or grandparents were citizens of a European country.

Each state has its own terms and conditions: some countries grant citizenship only to grandchildren, while others even allow great-grandchildren and their descendants in future generations to become citizens.

Citizenship of an EU country is amongst the most coveted in the world. Descendants of Europeans can be found in almost every country. In some cases, their ancestors emigrated, in other cases they were expelled from the country, and in some cases, the descendent is not even aware that their ancestors were citizens of a European country.

A passport issued by an EU country gives the holder the right to live, work and study in almost any country in the EU and also to move freely within the Schengen Area. EU citizens can travel to numerous other countries throughout the world without visas.

Uncover the advantages of European citizenship and the fastest way to obtain an EU passport

Children of EU citizens obtain citizenship of their parents by the "right of blood". For example, children of Portuguese citizens born in Portugal immediately become Portuguese citizens.

However, if a child is born to Portuguese citizens in, for example, Peru and they do not apply for Portuguese citizenship right away, the child does not become a Portuguese citizen but can apply to get Portuguese citizenship in future.

The requirements for applicants vary by country and their specific situation. In some countries, it is sufficient to provide documents that confirm the relationship or the birth certificate of a relative, and in others, applicants need to also pass an exam on knowledge of the language.

Grandchildren and other generations. EU countries that grant citizenship by descent are the following:

• Bulgaria — to grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

• Croatia — to grandchildren;

• Czechia — to grandchildren;

• Greece — to grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

• Hungary — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other generations;

• Ireland — to grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

• Italy — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other generations;

• Latvia — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other generations;

• Lithuania — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other generations;

• Luxembourg — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other generations;

• Malta — to grandchildren;

• Poland — to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other generations;

• Portugal — to grandchildren;

• Romania — to grandchildren;

• Slovakia — to to grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

• Slovenia — to grandchildren;

• Spain — to grandchildren.

It is also possible to become a citizen of an EU country by naturalisation, repatriation or exceptional merit. Investors participate in government residency programs to shorten the waiting period for citizenship by naturalisation.

Malta is the only EU country that offers citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment in the country’s economy.

Foreigners can be granted Maltese citizenship after undergoing rigorous Due Diligence checks and fulfilling the terms and conditions of the Maltese Citizenship Law.

Six EU countries offer residence permits by investment. After several years of living in the country, residence permit holders or permanent residents have the right to apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

These countries offer several investment options under the program: for example, investment in real estate, government bonds, business, or a science-related project.

1. EU citizenship by descent is granted based on proof that an applicant’s ancestors were citizens of an EU country.

2. Eligibility depends on the country’s laws, with some granting citizenship to children and grandchildren, and others allowing great-grandchildren or future generations.

3. Naturalisation, repatriation, and exceptional merit are other pathways to EU citizenship. For example, Malta offers citizenship for exceptional services by direct investment.

4. Golden Visa programs in six EU countries offer residence permits by investment, leading to citizenship by naturalisation after several years.