Citizenship by Descent 2026: Italy, Ireland & Portugal Passports Through Ancestry
An EU passport gives you the right to live, work, and study in 27 countries. What many Americans, Brazilians, Argentines, and Australians don''t realize is that they may already qualify — through a grandparent or great-grandparent born in Italy, Ireland, or Portugal. Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) is one of the most powerful legal pathways to a second passport, and in 2026 three programs stand out.
What Is Citizenship by Descent?
Citizenship by descent — or jus sanguinis ("right of blood") — grants nationality based on having a qualifying ancestor. Unlike residency-based naturalization, you do not need to live in the country. You inherit the citizenship you were already legally entitled to.
Italy — Jure Sanguinis (The Broadest Program)
Italy has historically allowed unlimited generations, which is why millions of descendants of Italian emigrants worldwide qualify. Key rules:
- An unbroken paternal or maternal line to an Italian ancestor
- The ancestor must not have naturalized elsewhere before their child was born (and before 1912 for some cases)
- Processing is done via Italian consulates abroad or directly in Italy (faster)
- 2024–2025 reforms tightened some rules — always check current requirements
Average timeline: 2–5 years via consulate, 1–2 years via Italian municipality.
Ireland — Foreign Births Register
Ireland allows citizenship by descent up to grandparents born in Ireland. Great-grandparents only qualify if your parent was registered on the Foreign Births Register before you were born.
- Straightforward documentary process
- Apply via the Foreign Births Register online portal
- Processing time: currently 2–3 years due to high demand
- Cost: approximately EUR 278
Portugal — Nationality by Descent
Portugal offers citizenship to children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens. Grandchildren must demonstrate effective ties to the Portuguese community (language, cultural connection, or time spent in Portugal) — but the bar is relatively low.
- Up to grandparents, sometimes great-grandparents via special programs
- A2-level Portuguese may be required for grandchildren
- Processing: 12–24 months
- Faster than Italy via consulate in many cases
Comparing the Three Programs
- Italy: Unlimited generations (with conditions), slowest via consulate
- Ireland: Up to grandparents, middle-ground timeline
- Portugal: Up to grandparents, fast but language required
Documents You Will Need
All three programs require the same core chain of documents, apostilled and officially translated:
- Birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates for every link in the chain
- Proof of the ancestor''s original nationality (passport, naturalization records, census)
- Proof of non-naturalization before a specific date (Italy)
- Your own documents, apostilled
Costs and Timelines
Expect $2,000–$10,000 USD in total costs depending on complexity — document retrieval, apostilles, translations, and optional legal help. Timelines vary from 1 year (best case, Portugal or Italian municipality) to 5+ years (Italian consulate backlogs).
Why Pursue an EU Passport in 2026?
Full freedom of movement across 27 EU countries, visa-free access to 180+ destinations, and a hedge against political or economic uncertainty at home. Use VisaCompass to explore travel rights with an EU passport and compare against your current nationality.