You Could Qualify for a Second Passport If You Have a Grandparent From Considered one of These European Nations

Should you grew up with a grandparent from the previous nation, you’re in luck. You might be eligible for a second passport, even if you’re adopted. These passports are also known as ancestry passports as a result of successfully, you’re claiming citizenship by descent. Whereas round 50 nations provide citizenship by descent, which lets you apply for a rustic’s passport, there’s no one-size-fits-all utility type and course of. Each nation has totally different hoops to metaphorically leap via and costs to pay earlier than you’re eligible to use for citizenship, and subsequently, a passport. 

Thankfully, some nations make it comparatively straightforward—and we use that time period loosely—to use for citizenship and a passport in the event that they’re the delivery nation of your grandparent and even great-grandparent. Whereas it’s doable to use for every little thing by yourself, since you’re coping with totally different nations, languages, and legal guidelines, it could be smart to rent a 3rd occasion—normally known as a “citizenship advisory agency”—that can assist you. 

Spain 

We’re beginning with Spain as a result of its present citizenship-via-grandparent program, supplied by the Democratic Reminiscence Legislation, has an upcoming deadline: October 2025. The Democratic Reminiscence Legislation was handed in October 2022, and this system was initially scheduled to final for 2 years. Nonetheless, in 2024, it was prolonged for another 12 months. Thus far, greater than 300,000 folks have utilized for citizenship citing the Democratic Reminiscence Legislation. In response to the Council of Ministers, “The regulation recognises the proper to assert nationality for folks born exterior Spain to a father, mom, grandfather, or grandmother, initially Spanish and who, having suffered exile for political or ideological causes, beliefs, or sexual orientation and id, misplaced or renounced their Spanish nationality.”

If you wish to apply for Spanish citizenship, which you’ll want earlier than you possibly can apply for a Spanish passport, you need to have the Spanish delivery certificates of your grandparent. You’ll additionally want proof of your relationship to them, normally within the type of your dad and mom’ delivery certificates. In fact, you’ll want a replica of your delivery certificates as properly, and in some instances, proof of your grandparent’s exile, along with different paperwork. Lastly, until you qualify for an exemption, you’ll must take two citizenship exams. One is a primary Spanish language take a look at, whereas the opposite covers Spanish customs and the nation’s structure. Upon getting Spanish citizenship, making use of for a passport is a fairly pain-free course of, and the appliance payment of round $35 is among the lowest. 

Eire

In response to the Nationwide Museum of Eire, one in each six People boasts Irish ancestry. Emigration from the Emerald Isle peaked within the nineteenth century, but when your grandparent was one of many more moderen emigrants, or maybe they nonetheless reside in Eire, you possibly can apply for an Irish passport. First, nevertheless, you’ll have to use for citizenship through the Overseas Beginning Registry (FBR). You’ll want “lengthy type” delivery certificates on your grandparent, your mother or father, and your self. 

You’ll additionally want copies of their photograph IDs (or demise certificates in the event that they’ve handed away), proof of residency for all of you, 4 passport-sized pictures, and a witness. The witness can’t be somebody who is said to you, and so they should apply a sure occupation (see the listing right here). The approval course of for FBR citizenship takes about 9 months. When you’ve got a sibling who additionally desires to use, and so they reside in the identical nation as you, you need to use the identical supporting paperwork and envelope, though you’ll each must submit a separate utility type. Upon getting Irish citizenship, the quickest technique to get an Irish passport is to use on-line, the place you’ll must pay round $80. 

Italy 

Not solely are you able to get an Italian passport in case your grandparent was born in Italy, however you additionally qualify for one in case your great-grandparent was born in Italy. First, nevertheless, you need to apply for citizenship. In response to the Consulate Normal of Italy in Los Angeles, “Candidates should show that their Italian-born ancestor didn’t get hold of any further citizenship (U.S. or different) earlier than the foreign-born youngster’s attainment of authorized maturity. It ought to be famous that previous to 1975, maturity was attained at age 21, whereas from 1975 and as much as the current, maturity is about at age 18.” 

The payment to use has additionally lately doubled from 300 euros to 600 euros. There’s additionally some superb print. Should you had been born previous to Jan. 1, 1948, you possibly can solely obtain Italian citizenship by ancestry through male lineage. Should you had been born previous to 1948 and wish to apply for citizenship by leveraging feminine lineage, you’ll must make an attraction to the Italian civil courtroom. Upon getting your Italian citizenship, you possibly can apply for an Italian passport. You’ll must do it in individual, normally on the nearest Italian embassy or consulate, and pay a payment of round $130. 

Poland 

Like Italy, Poland practices the precept of jus sanguinis, which is Latin for “proper of blood.” Underneath jus sanguinis, Polish citizenship might be handed down via your ancestors (together with great-grandparents), however there are just a few caveats. First, as a result of Poland didn’t achieve its independence till comparatively lately, your grandparent or great-grandparent needed to have been born or lived in Poland after January 1920. Second, your grandparent should have been a Polish citizen when your mother or father was born. And third, your grandparent and mother or father should have by no means renounced or misplaced their Polish citizenship. 

To use, you’ll want a number of paperwork, together with (however not restricted to) delivery certificates, demise certificates, photograph IDs, and proof that your grandparent and mother or father by no means gave up their Polish citizenship. You’ll additionally have to translate all paperwork into Polish utilizing an official translator or Polish consul. The approval course of takes round one 12 months. After being granted Polish citizenship, you possibly can apply for a Polish passport. You’ll must ebook an in-person appointment at your nearest Polish embassy or consulate and pay a payment of $129.