You Can Get Citizenship by Ancestry in These 20 Countries
By Jen Barnett, Co-founder, Expatsi
December 3, 2024 · Updated November 13, 2026 · 3 min read
Jus sanguinis means “right of blood,” and it refers to someone’s ability to claim citizenship to a country by birthright. The alternative is jus solis, or “right of soil,” which promises citizenship based on where you were born.
More Americans are pursuing citizenship by ancestry in other countries by tracing their lineage and presenting proof of descent. Notably, if you gain citizenship in the European Union, you don’t have to stay in the country of your heritage. For example, many Americans gain Italian dual citizenship and use to it move to a European country they prefer.
No matter what country’s citizenship you pursue, the process takes time, and you may need help from an immigration attorney. Facebook groups are a great resource to learn from others who’ve been there. Our citizenship by ancestry partner can help you navigate the whole process.
Some Countries Have Limited Jus Sanguinis
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Some countries, like South Africa, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, offer citizenship by ancestry, but at least one of your parents must have citizenship there, while many other countries offer citizenship to more than just the children of citizens.
Austria
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You must have an Austrian parent or be a descendent of Nazi persecution.
Bulgaria
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You can have Bulgarian parents, grandparents, or great grandparents.
Croatia
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have Croatian parents, grandparents, or great grandparents, but there are some weird political rules about when and where they moved.
Which country fits you best?
This article is the same for every reader. The Expatsi Test ranks 100 countries on what matters to you: answer 25 questions and see your top 10.
Why do you want to move abroad?
Pick all that apply.
Free · 5 minutes · 400,000 people have taken it
Germany
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You must have a German parent or be a descendant of Nazi persecution.
Greece
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have a Greek parent or grandparent. Heads up, if you’re male aged 19-45, you’ll have to serve in the military.
Hungary
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have Hungarian parents, grandparents, or great grandparents and possibly go even further back.
Ireland
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have an Irish parent or grandparent or possibly go further back by registering with the Foreign Birth Registration.
Israel
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
Any Jewish person is eligible, even by conversion.
Latvia
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You must have Latvian parents or an ancestor who fled occupation.
Lithuania
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You can have Lithuanian parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.
Poland
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have Polish parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents, but you need to prove your ancestor’s military service and lots of other complex details.
Portugal
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You can have Portuguese parents or grandparents or Sephardic Jewish ancestors who fled the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisition Period.
Romania
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You can have Romanian parents or grandparents and in some cases great-grandparents.
Slovakia
Photo Credit: Twenty20.
You must have a parent born in Slovakia before 1990, and we recommend you visit the Slovak Embassy’s website for detailed guidelines.
Spain
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
You can have Spanish parents or grandparents or Sephardic Jewish ancestors who fled the Iberian Peninsula during the Inquisition Period. If you have citizenship in a Latin American country or Andorra, Portugal, Equatorial Guinea, or the Philippines, or are from Puerto Rico, you can qualify for a fast-track citizenship in just two years.
Looking for a different path abroad? Speak to an Expatsi advisor for your own personal roadmap and concierge visa service.