If you’re considering citizenship by descent, you’re not alone. Many people around the world are exploring the possibility of claiming a second passport based on their ancestral roots. Whether it’s an Irish grandparent, an Italian great-grandparent, or a German parent, citizenship by ancestry offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your heritage while gaining practical benefits like visa-free travel, residency rights, and work privileges. However, this process isn’t always straightforward. Mistakes are common, and they can cost applicants both time and money. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the top mistakes people make when applying for citizenship by descent—and how you can sidestep them.
Not Researching Country-Specific Eligibility Rules
One of the most common (and costly) errors is assuming all countries offer similar paths to citizenship by ancestry. In reality, each country has its own laws and limitations when it comes to descent-based citizenship. For example, Ireland allows individuals with at least one Irish-born grandparent to apply. Italy, on the other hand, offers citizenship through more distant generations—but only if no one in the line renounced their Italian citizenship before the next generation was born. In contrast, countries like Spain or Germany may place stricter generational limits or include gender-based restrictions, particularly on maternal lines.
Failing to investigate these rules can lead to dead ends after months of effort. Before you start gathering documents or contacting embassies, make sure you fully understand the country’s laws regarding citizenship by descent, including any historical cutoffs or exceptions.
Overlooking Required Documentation and Translation Needs
Even if you’re clearly eligible, you’ll need to prove your lineage with official documentation. This often includes certified birth, marriage, and death certificates for every generation connecting you to the ancestor. Many applicants underestimate the complexity of this requirement. Documents must often be:
- Original or certified copies
- Apostilled (officially legalized for international use)
- Professionally translated into the language of the country you’re applying to
For example, Italy typically requires all non-Italian documents to be translated and legalized, while Poland may require archival documents dating back several generations. If even one key document is missing or improperly translated, your application could be rejected. Start your documentation process early and ensure all records are accurate, complete, and professionally translated.
Assuming Dual Citizenship Is Always Allowed
Another common oversight is believing that dual citizenship is universally permitted. Not all countries allow you to hold more than one nationality, and applying for a second passport could require you to renounce your current one. Germany, for instance, is generally restrictive about dual citizenship unless specific exceptions apply, such as EU membership or birth circumstances.
Before you begin your application, check both your home country’s and the target country’s policies on dual nationality. If renunciation is required, weigh the legal and personal implications carefully. In some cases, you might decide that the trade-off isn’t worth it—or that legal advice is necessary to proceed.
Using Incomplete or Inaccurate Family Records
Thanks to platforms like Ancestry.com and MyHeritage, genealogy research has never been easier—but family trees built online are not substitutes for legal proof. Many people begin their applications with incomplete or unverified information, assuming a distant connection will be enough. But immigration authorities require hard evidence, not digital assumptions.
Errors in dates, names, or locations across generations can invalidate your claims. Small discrepancies—like a name spelled differently on a birth certificate—can trigger requests for clarification or additional documents. Always verify your lineage with official records from government sources and avoid submitting unverified genealogical charts or user-uploaded documents.
Underestimating the Timeline and Bureaucracy
Citizenship by descent may sound simple, but in reality, the process can take months—or even years. Embassies and consulates are often overwhelmed, and each step—document verification, translations, appointments—takes time. In countries like Italy or Argentina, consular wait times for appointments can exceed a year in some jurisdictions.
Applicants who expect quick results often become frustrated or give up mid-way. Plan for a long process, and don’t make financial or life decisions (like relocating) based on assumptions about how quickly you’ll receive citizenship. Set realistic expectations and build some buffer time into your planning.
Ignoring the Importance of Legal or Professional Help
While it’s possible to apply on your own, many applicants discover too late that the process is more legally complex than expected. Rules may be buried in legal texts, and consular officials often have different interpretations. This is especially true in countries where the law has changed over time or where political and historical events affect eligibility (e.g., Jewish ancestry cases in Germany or Hungary).
Hiring a lawyer or consultant experienced in citizenship by descent can save time, reduce errors, and provide peace of mind. These professionals can guide you through nuances like lineage confirmation, handling discrepancies, and preparing persuasive application files. While this adds an upfront cost, it often prevents more expensive delays and rejections.
Failing to Keep Copies and Track Communication
A surprisingly simple but damaging mistake is not keeping track of your paperwork and communication. Many citizenship applications involve multiple institutions, embassies, and postal submissions. If you lose a document or forget when you last followed up, you may miss deadlines or duplicate efforts.
Make sure to:
- Create digital copies of all your documents
- Log all email and phone communications
- Track postal shipments and keep receipts
Treat the process like a legal case or business transaction—stay organized and diligent. It will make a significant difference if you ever need to respond to questions or resubmit paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Applying for citizenship by descent is a meaningful journey—both personally and legally. It’s a chance to honor your roots, expand your global citizenship opportunities, and pass on a legacy to future generations. But this journey is not without its hurdles. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as ignoring country-specific rules, submitting incomplete documents, or underestimating the process—you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Take the time to prepare thoroughly, consult with professionals when necessary, and document everything carefully. With the right strategy, your ancestral passport could soon become a reality—unlocking both your past and your future.
