A good reason to check your ancestry
Dual citizenship is not exclusively for the rich and famous. Because of changes in requirements, individuals can explore citizenship opportunities through ancestry, marriage, or other means that don’t require substantial financial investments.
Many EU countries are recognizing jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent) – a policy that allows individuals to claim citizenship based on their ancestry rather than birthplace. The most popular countries for ancestral citizenship include Italy, Spain, Austria, Poland and Ireland, although eligibility varies by country.
For some countries such as Ireland, obtaining citizenship can be straightforward with an online application. Italy places no generational limit on how far back ancestry can be traced as long as the Italian ancestor was alive after Italy’s unification in 1861 and remained an Italian citizen until the birth of their descendants. Countries like Germany, Austria and Romania offer citizenship programs aimed at addressing historical injustices, each with its own requirements.
For those unsure where to begin, the first step is to research one’s family history or hire a genealogist. Citizenship lawyers managing an application need detailed information about ancestors’ birthplaces, emigration specifics, and whether they naturalized in another country. Even though the process can be demanding, many pursue a second passport to gain a deeper connection to their family heritage and a better understanding of their personal history.