Many Americans, including celebrities, have expressed interest in giving up their citizenship and leaving the country following the 2024 presidential election. For those seeking dual citizenship or a second passport, there are countries that offer pathways to citizenship based on ancestry. These countries allow individuals with foreign nationality to claim citizenship through parents, grandparents, or direct ancestors. Here are nine countries that offer citizenship by descent, arranged alphabetically.
Ghana, under the Citizenship Act of 2002, allows individuals with a Ghanaian parent to apply for citizenship. The country’s “Year of Return” initiative encourages individuals of African descent to reconnect with their heritage. Ghana also offers the “Right of Abode” program, which permits individuals with African lineage to live indefinitely in the country without needing a visa, provided they can document their ancestry.
Germany provides citizenship by descent to individuals with a German parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. Special provisions exist for those whose ancestors lost citizenship under the Nazi regime due to persecution based on political, racial, or religious grounds. Eligibility for citizenship is also extended to children born before July 1, 1993, to a German father and a non-German mother, provided that paternity was established by age 23.
Hungary allows individuals with Hungarian parents or grandparents to claim citizenship, regardless of the number of generations abroad. Knowledge of the Hungarian language is not a requirement. Citizenship through naturalization is also possible for those married to a Hungarian citizen for at least five years, or 10 years without children. India, on the other hand, does not allow dual citizenship but offers Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status, which includes a lifelong, multiple-entry visa and benefits similar to non-resident Indians.
Ireland automatically considers individuals citizens if they have a parent born in the country before Jan. 1, 2005. Those with Irish grandparents can apply for citizenship through the “Foreign Birth Registration” process, which is administered in Dublin. Italy grants citizenship by descent if the applicant’s Italian ancestor did not naturalize abroad before the birth of their child in his or her direct line. This option is also available for individuals married to an Italian citizen or who have resided in Italy for at least 10 years.
Poland offers citizenship by descent to those who can trace their lineage to ancestors born in Poland or its former territories. Applicants must prove that their ancestors lived in Poland after 1920 and retained their citizenship. Portugal extends citizenship to individuals with at least one grandparent who holds Portuguese citizenship and requires applicants to provide birth certificates connecting them to their Portuguese ancestor. Spain provides citizenship to individuals with a Spanish parent or grandparent, and adoptees under the age of 18 by Spanish nationals may also apply, with the stipulation of passing two exams related to Spanish language proficiency and cultural knowledge.
It remains unclear if any celebrities who have vowed to leave the U.S. will do so before President-elect Trump is sworn into office in January. However, for those considering options for dual citizenship or a second passport, these countries offer pathways to citizenship based on ancestry, providing individuals with the opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and potentially reside in a new country.
