A new report from the editors at InternationalLiving.com identifies 13 European countries where people living in the Western Hemisphere may already qualify for EU citizenship through documented family lineage, with no investment required. With one of these European passports, the holder gains access to 27 EU member states.
According to a new report from the editors at InternationalLiving.com, individuals with a parent, grandparent, and in some cases even a great-grandparent born in certain European countries may qualify for citizenship by descent.
U.S. Census data show that more than 120 million citizens claim European ancestry. While eligibility ultimately depends on each country’s laws and an applicant’s documented lineage, ancestry-based citizenship represents a far more common opportunity than many realize.
“Many Americans don’t understand how widespread European ancestry is,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living. “For a significant number of people, this isn’t about pursuing a visa program or making a large financial commitment. It’s about recognizing a legal right that may already exist through family lineage. In other words: You may already qualify for a European passport and just not realize it.”
DOCUMENTED BLOODLINE
Unlike residency-by-investment programs that require substantial financial commitments, ancestry-based citizenship is based on documented bloodline. When eligibility criteria are met, applicants may gain full European Union rights — including the ability to live, work, buy property, access healthcare and move freely across 27 EU member states.
“At a time when people are thinking more carefully about flexibility and long-term security, having a second citizenship can provide real options,” Stevens adds. “Even if someone never relocates full-time, the ability to do so changes the equation.”
Why Ancestry Citizenship is Drawing Attention Now
For retirees, access to the EU may mean access to healthcare systems that are often more affordable than in the United States, for example. For professionals, it offers geographic flexibility. For families, it creates long-term opportunity.
“Citizenship by descent requires documentation, patience and a clear understanding of each country’s rules,” Stevens says. “But for those who qualify, it’s not about buying access. It’s about reclaiming a birthright. Holding a second passport just gives you more options in terms of where you live and travel. And if you’re already eligible for one, why not claim it?”
“These programs can be complex, but they are very real,” Stevens adds. “For eligible applicants, the reward is full European Union mobility.”
Here are some of the countries where obtaining a passport might be possible:
Ireland
Ireland offers one of Europe’s most straightforward citizenship-by-descent programs.
Individuals with a grandparent born in Ireland may qualify by registering with the Foreign Births Register. Once approved, they become Irish citizens for life.
An Irish passport grants full EU mobility rights and also provides access to the United Kingdom. For English speakers, Ireland offers the added advantage of no language barrier.
Italy
Italy has long operated one of Europe’s most expansive jus sanguinis (right of blood) systems. However, reforms implemented in 2025 narrowed eligibility. Applications are now subject to stricter scrutiny, particularly regarding generational distance and whether an ancestor naturalized elsewhere before passing citizenship to the next generation.
For those who qualify, Italy offers access to a respected public healthcare system, varied regional lifestyles and full EU rights.
Portugal
Portugal grants citizenship by descent to children of Portuguese nationals and, in many cases, grandchildren who can demonstrate a meaningful connection to the country. This may include language proficiency or documented ties.
Portugal has become one of Europe’s most popular relocation destinations thanks to its mild climate, modern infrastructure and strong healthcare system. For eligible applicants, citizenship provides access not just to Portugal, but to the entire EU.
Spain
Spain primarily transmits citizenship through Spanish parents, though certain declaration or restoration routes may apply depending on historical factors.
Spain’s previous Sephardic Jewish citizenship law, which closed to new applicants in 2019, has made current ancestry-based pathways more reliant on direct lineage.
For many with Spanish heritage, eligibility hinges on whether a parent retained Spanish citizenship at the time of birth. For eligible applicants, citizenship provides access to the entire EU.
France
France recognizes citizenship primarily through French parents. Applicants must demonstrate direct transmission of nationality and meet strict documentation standards.
While France doesn’t operate one of Europe’s broader grandparent-based systems, those with a French parent may already be entitled to citizenship.
France offers one of Europe’s strongest public healthcare systems and full EU mobility once citizenship is secured.
Greece
Greece allows citizenship through a Greek parent and, in many cases, through grandparents.
For descendants of Greek emigrants, particularly those who left during the 20th century, this pathway can be viable with proper documentation. Retrieving older civil records may require effort, but eligibility remains possible for many families. As with other countries, for eligible applicants, citizenship provides access to the entire EU.
Central and Eastern Europe: Restoration Pathways
Several Central and Eastern European nations provide restoration mechanisms for descendants whose ancestors lost citizenship due to 20th-century political upheaval.
Hungary permits descendants of former Hungarian citizens to reclaim Hungarian nationality, even if generations removed, but requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in Hungarian.
Poland allows citizenship claims through parents, grandparents or great-grandparents, provided the citizenship chain remains legally intact.
Romania and Bulgaria offer descent-based pathways and permit dual citizenship, though documentation standards are strict and scrutiny has increased in recent years.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia both maintain restoration provisions tied to historical political transitions.
Malta
Malta grants citizenship to individuals with at least one Maltese parent and offers registration pathways for certain descendants, depending on historical nationality laws.
English is an official language, and Malta permits dual citizenship—an important consideration for many U.S. applicants.
