Documentary evidence of European ancestry enables citizens from various countries to apply for ancestral permanent residency. This legal principle is supported by EU countries and the USA, granting it to descendants based on familial hierarchy.
Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship by Descent
In the 21st century, people have become more interested in family history and genealogy. Many are surprised to discover that their ancestors lived in different territories, were nomadic, and had mixed marriages. These facts have led many to relocate, obtain a second passport by filiation (birthright), and naturalization.
Residence by jus sanguinis or the right of blood is obtained by children through their parents' passports. If the parents were born in different countries, they choose one document based on priority. The obtained status is passed down by inheritance.
Filiation by jus soli or obtaining status by the right of the soil automatically guarantees descendants citizenship, regardless of their parents' immigration status. It is considered unconditional. This type is effective in 30 countries. If local laws include legal amendments for parents, it is called conditional. *Jus sanguinis* status is more commonly granted by countries in North and South America and the Caribbean region. In Europe, immigrants can obtain passports through both types of filiation.
The timelines for naturalization vary. Under certain conditions, such as volunteer activities and rapid integration into society, the process can be shortened to three years. While revoking status obtained through *jus soli* is not possible, naturalized citizenship can be annulled under specific conditions. In countries where dual citizenship is prohibited, passports are issued on the condition that the previous citizenship is renounced. These conditions and the decision timelines are enshrined in legislative acts.
Case
This example illustrates how different countries' laws can be. A couple with a child immigrated from Italy to America, where they had another child. After a period of naturalization, the parents became Americans. The second child automatically received status through *jus soli*.
Upon reaching adulthood, this child can obtain an Italian passport by right of blood (*jus sanguinis*). However, the older child will only receive permanent residency in the U.S. through the derivative citizenship process, as will their descendants.
What the Facts Say
The law of filiation has stimulated global migration processes. People from third countries seeking a better life have increasingly relocated and applied for foreign residencies. These residencies allow for unrestricted travel across Europe and other regions and provide access to government and social benefits.
The chance to obtain citizenship by birth has stimulated the growth of birth tourism. Pregnant women travel abroad to give birth and obtain alternative citizenship for their children. In the U.S., there are no statistics by country. However, estimates from the Center for Immigration Studies indicate that foreigners give birth to 20-33 thousand children annually in local clinics.
Families seeking to secure jus soli status for their children travel to Chile, Argentina, Panama, Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Panama. These countries may not offer the same social benefits and living conditions as the U.S., but they guarantee visa-free entry to most countries. Due to the baby boom, these nations have started amending immigration laws and increasingly denying visas to women.
Root searching
Some EU countries issue passports regardless of generational hierarchy. Italian and Spanish authorities have explicitly stated this. If an ancestor once lived on their territory, descendants gain legal status without lengthy naturalization processes. Czechia, Poland, Croatia, and France are interested only in first and second generations.
For those interested in European citizenship through ancestry, gathering information about relatives connected to a specific country is essential. The challenge lies in the evidence base, as many struggle even to trace great-grandparents. Even fewer citizens establish connections between 2-4 generations.
Many are unsure where to find information. Global-Relocate recommends starting by talking to relatives. They remember:
- Close ancestors by names;
- Ethnic and religious affiliation;
- Love and family legends;
- Family occupations.
Archival Data
Some information can be found in home archives. Traditionally, they store commendation certificates, diplomas, employment records, diaries, letters, old photographs with captions. Once you've determined your search direction, you can approach state archives. They provide information upon request, although the process can be time-consuming. Information about people of the same blood, born before 2017 in the Ryazan or other provinces, can be found in regional archives. Parish priests recorded births, marriages, and deaths in their parish registers, which are preserved in these archives.
You can search for the necessary information on library websites. They also host calendars listing residents of major locations. The Russian State Library (RGB) website has scans of guild books listing merchants of the trading guilds by name. Information from the Union of Genealogical Traditions will also assist in this work.
How to Confirm the Relationship
Experts from GR in the field of information security recommend using electronic archives. Personal data on individuals dating back to 1927, including metrics and death certificates, are stored in these folders. A digitized database of copies allows for quick access to necessary documents in any region of the country.
To confirm kinship with close relatives, gather birth certificates, marriage certificates, and records of name changes. Additionally, translated and notarized archival records from the Registrar's Office will be required to restore connections with distant relatives. Requirements for obtaining permanent residency vary by country. Experts advise checking the embassy's website or consulting with a lawyer from an accredited visa center for clarification.