There are various methods to acquire dual citizenship around the world, allowing individuals to possess two separate passports and enjoy the privileges of being nationals of two distinct countries.

One option is obtaining a "golden passport" by investing a substantial amount of money, while another is exploring ancestral connections to determine eligibility for citizenship by descent.

Countries Granting Citizenship by Ancestry

Croatia

Croatia provides citizenship by ancestry to descendants of individuals born within the territory now identified as the Republic of Croatia, who emigrated from the area before October 8, 1991.

This eligibility extends to parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or further ancestors. Speaking the Croatian language, residing in the country, or sharing the same surname as ancestors is not necessary for qualification, although the application procedure may span several years.

Hungary

Applicants with Hungarian parents or grandparents holding Hungarian citizenship can seek citizenship by descent, with a few specific exceptions. Proficiency in Hungarian is not a prerequisite. Those whose grandparents originated from present-day Hungary but lost citizenship due to treaties following WWI or WWII can undergo simplified naturalization, necessitating a "sufficient" level of Hungarian language skills.

Ireland

Ireland grants citizenship to descendants of individuals born on the island. Eligible individuals are required to register with the Foreign Births Register before applying for an Irish passport, which entails presenting specific documents and a fee of 278 euro for applicants aged 18 and above. The processing period typically spans around nine months, according to the Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs.

Italy

Individuals with Italian ancestors, regardless of the number of generations back, can secure Italian citizenship. The qualifying ancestor should have been born within the territory post-formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 and held exclusively Italian citizenship. As of January 1, 2025, an Italian citizenship application costs $643.70.

Portugal

Applicants with Portuguese-born grandparents holding or having held Portuguese citizenship are eligible for naturalization through ancestry. Proficiency in Portuguese is mandatory, and applicants must submit documents such as parents' and grandparents' birth certificates. The application fee totals 175 euro.

Spain

Under the Grandchildren's Law, Spanish citizenship is extended to descendants of individuals of Spanish origin, permitting eligible individuals to apply for a Spanish passport if their ancestor was exiled, renounced citizenship, or was unable to obtain Spanish nationality. However, applicants are required to renounce their original citizenship unless they are from specific countries or are Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin.

United Kingdom

The UK Ancestry visa does not immediately confer full citizenship but enables individuals to reside, work, and/or study in the UK for up to five years (with the option to bring a partner/minor child). Subsequently, applicants can extend their stay for an additional five years or apply for "indefinite leave to remain," potentially leading to citizenship eligibility after 12 months.

To qualify, applicants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country, Zimbabwe, British overseas citizen/national, and prove that one grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. The cost of an ancestry visa amounts to £637, involving an extensive documentation process.