Citizenship by Descent: Claiming Citizenship Through a Parent or Ancestor
Citizenship by descent means holding a country's citizenship because a parent, grandparent or other ancestor was a citizen, rather than because you were born there. Each country sets its own rules, so the requirements differ widely.
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In U.S. law
USCIS explains that a child born outside the United States may acquire citizenship at birth from a U.S. citizen parent. The parent must meet the residence or physical presence requirement in the law in effect at the child's birth. For a child born to married parents, the legal parents must be married to each other at the birth. Rules for a child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father add further conditions, such as proof of the blood relationship and written agreement to provide financial support.
USCIS says a person who acquires citizenship this way is not required to hold proof of it. To document it, a person may file Form N-600 or apply for a U.S. passport, and a parent may apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
In other countries
Some countries allow descent claims across generations. Ireland, for example, lets a person born abroad register as an Irish citizen if a grandparent was born in Ireland. The Irish application asks for original civil birth certificates for the applicant, the parent and the grandparent, plus marriage or name change documents where they apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hold two citizenships through descent?
The U.S. State Department says U.S. law does not require a citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another nationality. Another country may have its own rules, so check with it.
What records do descent claims usually need?
A chain of civil records linking each generation, such as birth and marriage certificates. The exact list is set by the country you apply to.
Does the U.S. require a certificate for citizenship acquired at birth?
No. USCIS says proof is optional, though a Certificate of Citizenship or passport is how people document it.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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