Title: Uncovering Seven Nations That Extend Passport Privileges Based on Ancestry
Obtaining dual citizenship is a fascinating venture, enabling you to carry two separate passports and relish the perks of being a national of two distinct countries. While there are numerous ways to achieve this globally, one common method is by tracing your ancestry. Many countries adhere to the concept of jus sanguinis, or "right of blood," granting citizenship based on nationality, often inherited from one or both parents. Sometimes, these nations even look deeper into your family history.
If your parents, grandparents, or other ancestors hail from Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, or the United Kingdom, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent. This lucrative opportunity doesn't necessarily involve speaking the language, living in the country for a specific timeframe, or retaining the same surname as your ancestors. However, be prepared for a prolonged process if you opt for this path.
Let's delve into the specifics of each nation:
Croatia
Croatia is indeed one of the many countries affected by shifting borders, historical conflicts, and the transformations brought about by globalization and politics. Regardless, it warmly welcomes descendants of people born in the present-day Republic of Croatia before October 8, 1991. Your eligibility can be traced back through your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or even further.
Hungary
Hungarian citizenship by descent is open to individuals whose parents or grandparents possessed Hungarian nationality. In certain circumstances, you may even be eligible for simplified naturalization if your grandparents came from Hungary but lost their citizenship due to treaties signed after WWI or WWII. Adequate proficiency in the Hungarian language is required for this process.
Ireland
To claim Irish citizenship by descent, locate your ancestors who were born on Ireland's island. Register with the Foreign Births Register to initiate the application process for an Irish passport. You will need to submit specific documents as well as pay a fee of 278 euros for those over 18. The Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that this process takes approximately nine months to complete.
Italy
Italy generously provides eligibility for Italian citizenship to persons with Italian ancestors, even if those ancestors are numerous generations back. The qualifying ancestor must have been born in the territory post-1861 and did not possess additional citizenship.
Portugal
To apply for Portuguese citizenship through ancestry, your grandparents must have held or possess Portuguese citizenship. Ensure you have the necessary documentation, including birth certificates, to prove your proficiency in the Portuguese language and demonstrate your family history.
Spain
Spanish citizenship is granted to descendants of some Spanish citizens under the Grandchildren's Law. Your grandparent (or parent) must have been exiled, renounced, or lost their Spanish nationality or could not become a citizen to be eligible. However, you should consider renouncing your original citizenship, unless you are from certain Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or are a Sephardic Jew of Spanish origin.
United Kingdom
The UK Ancestry visa does not grant immediate citizenship but allows you to live, work, or study in the UK for up to five years. After this period, you may be eligible for extended stay or indefinite leave to remain, which could lead to citizenship eligibility after 12 months. To qualify, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country, Zimbabwe, or British overseas citizen or national, and prove that one of your grandparents was born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. Complete your visa application with extensive documentation and pay the £637 fee.
If you're interested in obtaining an ancestry passport to travel, you might want to explore your family history for ancestors from countries like Croatia, where descendants of people born there before 1991 can apply for citizenship by descent. Alternatively, if your grandparents were Hungarian nationals, you may be eligible for simplified naturalization under certain circumstances, and proficiency in Hungarian is required for the process.
