Europe, renowned for its rich history, diverse cultures, and thriving economies, has consistently drawn individuals in search of new opportunities. For those with European lineage, the pathway to becoming a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) country might be closer than anticipated. Seventeen nations within the EEA extend citizenship to descendants of their nationals, sometimes reaching as far as great-grandchildren or even more distant relatives.
The Significance of European Citizenship
Being a citizen of an EEA or Single Market nation grants the right to reside and work in any member state, making these citizenships among the most coveted globally. Millions of non-Europeans potentially qualify for citizenship through ancestry. This article presents a comprehensive list and an interactive map of European countries offering citizenship based on ancestry.
The Scope of Ancestral Citizenship
Although Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are not EU member states, they participate in the Single Market. Consequently, their citizens enjoy identical settlement rights across Europe as those of EU member nations. However, these four countries do not grant citizenship by descent to individuals beyond immediate descendants of citizens.
The Global Distribution of European Descendants
Descendants of European citizens are predominantly concentrated in the Americas. In the United States, as of 2016, 133 million Americans (41% of the population) identified as having European ancestry. In Latin America, an estimated 32-40% of the population (179-220 million people) are of European descent, with nearly half residing in Brazil.
The Potential for Ancestral Citizenship
Several European countries do not impose a specific generational limit on citizenship eligibility through ancestry. For example, if you can credibly demonstrate that your ancestor was Hungarian, there is no restriction on how many generations back you can trace. The increasing popularity and declining cost of genealogical research and DNA testing are simplifying the process for non-Europeans to substantiate their European descent.
Policies on European Citizenship by Descent
Below is a list of countries currently offering citizenship by descent, along with the generational eligibility criteria:
Austria: 1st generation only
Belgium: 1st generation only
Bulgaria: 3rd generation
Croatia: 2nd generation
Cyprus: 1st generation only
Czech Republic: 2nd generation
Denmark: 1st generation only
Estonia: 1st generation only
Finland: 1st generation only
France: 1st generation only
Germany: 1st generation only
Greece: 3rd generation
Hungary: 3rd generation or earlier
Iceland: 1st generation only
Ireland: 3rd generation
Italy: 3rd generation or earlier
Latvia: 3rd generation or earlier
Liechtenstein: 1st generation only
Lithuania: 3rd generation or earlier
Luxembourg: 3rd generation or earlier
Malta: 2nd generation
Netherlands: 1st generation only
Norway: 1st generation only
Poland: 3rd generation or earlier
Portugal: 2nd generation
Romania: 2nd generation
Slovakia: 3rd (Legislation pending)
Slovenia: 2nd generation
Spain: 2nd generation
Sweden: 1st generation only
Switzerland: 1st generation only
How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent in the EU
For detailed information on the requirements and procedures for claiming EU citizenship through proving European ancestry, refer to specific articles on countries such as Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Final Considerations
If you’re contemplating applying for citizenship by descent in one of the aforementioned European countries, seeking guidance from a law firm specializing in these procedures might prove beneficial. The journey to reclaiming your European heritage can be intricate, but with the right assistance, it can also be immensely fulfilling.
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