Unlocking Second Passports

HARVEY LAW GROUP REVEALS THE RISE OF CITIZENSHIP-BY-ANCESTRY PROGRAMS AND HOW EASY IT CAN BE TO CLAIM CITIZENSHIP THROUGH LINEAGE

As interest in dual citizenship surges, more people are exploring foreign citizenship options than ever before. Citizenship-by-Ancestry (CBA), which allows applicants to claim citizenship through their lineage, has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a second passport.

One of the key advantages of CBA is that it simplifies the pathway to citizenship without the need for job offers, relocation, or hef ty investment funds. Unlike other immigration routes that can be complex and costly, CBA allows individuals to obtain citizenship based on their family heritage, making it a more accessible and straightforward option for those looking to pursue a second passport while staying rooted in their home countries.

“If you think you don’t have any ancestors with foreign nationality, take a closer look at your family tree. You might just find an ancestry link that opens the door to a second nationality and passport, which can really enhance your lifestyle and career opportunities,” advises DB resident Jean-François Harvey, Global Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group, the leading international business and immigration firm headquartered in Hong Kong.

CBA hotspot: the European Union

Did you know that over 50 countries worldwide offer some form of CBA? Popular destinations for claiming CBA include Canada, France, Italy, Slovakia, Spain and Portugal. While most countries require you to have at least one citizen parent to qualify – think France and South Korea – others allow you to claim citizenship through a grandparent, like Greece, Spain and Ireland. Some nations, like Slovakia, even extend this opportunity to great-grandparents.

Recently, there’s been a remarkable surge in interest in CBA programs across the European Union. This is because, with an EU passport, one gains not just a powerful travel document but also the right to live, work and study anywhere within the EU. Plus, EU citizens can access consular protection and social benefits across member states, making this pathway to citizenship increasingly attractive for non-EU nationals.

France’s CBA program is particularly appealing, as it allows children of French citizens to apply for French citizenship regardless of their birthplace, language proficiency, or familiarity with French culture. Similarly, Portugal’s citizenship law offers a citizenship pathway for grandchildren and children of Portuguese citizens, regardless of their birthplace.

Relaxation of CBA rules

With the world becoming more accepting of dual nationality, some countries with historically rigid rules are now relaxing their requirements. For instance, Austria, which typically does not recognise dual citizenship, has recently allowed descendants of Nazi persecution victims to claim citizenship wi thout renouncing thei r foreign nat ional i t y. Slovakia has also made significant strides in making citizenship more accessible to its diaspora. The country has streamlined the application process for Slovak descendants, allowing many to reclaim their citizenship through relaxed requirements. Remarkably, qualified descendants can still apply for Slovak citizenship, even if their ancestors lost or renounced their Czechoslovak citizenship.

In a similar vein, the United States is now accepting DNA tests as valid proof of a connection to a qualifying ancestor. This development is a game-changer for those who may lack sufficient documentation to support their claims, opening new avenues for citizenship that were previously out of reach.

The Global Ancestry Index

If you’re interested in claiming CBA and have roots in multiple countries, consider using the Global Ancestr y Index (globalancestryindex.org) to explore your options. With a comprehensive evaluation of 197 CBA options worldwide, this index empowers you to compare and contrast various programs and discover which nations offer the most favourable conditions and streamlined application processes for obtaining citizenship.

If you have any questions about CBA, we encourage you to reach out to us at harveylawcorporation.com/citizenship-by-ancestry . The experienced team at Harvey Law Group is here to provide the guidance and support you need to move forward with confidence.