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What is citizenship? -

Citizenship is a relationship between an individual and a state where allegiance is promised by the individual in return for state protection. Citizens have rights, duties, and responsibilities alongside their freedom.

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What does jus sanguinis mean? -

Jus sanguinis or "right of blood" is a rule where a child's citizenship is dependent on their parents' citizenship. In other words, where you're born isn't relevant in determining your citizenship.

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Comparing jus sanguinis and jus soli -

Jus soli grants citizenship based on place of birth, regardless of parental citizenship. On the other hand, Jus sanguinis grants citizenship based on parental citizenship, regardless of place of birth.

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Why does jus sanguinis exist? -

Jus soli is not as common of a citizenship principle and is primarily used by Canada and the United States. It was designed to help immigrant families gain citizenship over time, but it has been criticized for encouraging birth tourism and illegal immigration. Most countries now use jus sanguinis.

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Eligibility restrictions for jus sanguinis -

Some countries have rules around jus sanguinis and impose limitations such as generational cutoffs or skipped generations. These barriers can make it more challenging to become a citizen.

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Can I have dual citizenship? -

In the world, 49% of countries recognize dual nationality and allow their citizens to obtain citizenship from another state. Examples of countries that allow dual citizenship are Argentina, Turkey, Canada, and Portugal.

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Does the US allow dual citizenship? -

The US does allow for dual or multiple nationalities, but it has some rules that citizens must follow regardless. For example, US citizens must enter and leave the US using their US passports.

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Who benefits the most from dual citizenship? -

Several groups of people benefit the most from dual citizenship. They include international businesspersons, frequent travelers, as well as those seeking education abroad. 

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Tax implications of dual citizenship -

One disadvantage of dual citizenship is that you may be subject to extra taxes. Dual citizens sometimes have to pay taxes in each country they hold citizenship in. 

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Benefits of a second passport -

A dual citizen can often use either passport to travel and doesn't have to fuss with visas or other requirements that non-dual citizens must deal with. Additionally, there can be business advantages for those with dual citizenship as they can choose the more favorable location to open a business.

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How far back can I trace citizenship? -

Usually, this question depends on the country you're applying to for citizenship. For example, in Ireland, you can apply for citizenship by descent through a parent or grandparent born on the island of Ireland. Other countries such as Germany offer citizenship to people who can prove their ancestors were German citizens between January 30, 1933, and May 8, 1945.

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How to tackle ancestry searches: research lineage -

Citizenship by ancestry can take a lot of time and effort. It's important to first spend time researching your lineage or even hire a genealogist.

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What details do I need? -

You'll need a lot of details and proof, including exact birth dates, details of your ancestors' emigration, and much more.

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Look locally -

There are some places that people don't think to search for ancestry information including local registry offices or town halls. Look there for vital records that can help you prove your relationships and lineage.

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Document verification -

Many, if not all, documents might need to be verified and certified as originals through an official, public notary. 

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How long does an application take to process? -

The time it takes for an application to be received, reviewed, and processed can vary greatly. For example, in Australia, 90% of applications are processed within 5 months, while in the UK it can take up to six months. These aren't guaranteed timelines, but general averages.

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Navigating bureaucracy: common pitfalls in the application process -

Each country has its application process and documents you must submit to be considered a citizen. Common mistakes involve providing inaccurate or incomplete information, failing to turn in the required documentation, and underestimating required tests.

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Language requirements for citizenship applications -

There are countries where a language proficiency test is required. Examples include Canada, Portugal, and the United States of America.

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Cost breakdown: financial considerations of dual citizenship -

Applying for dual citizenship is typically an expensive process as it usually involves hiring an immigration lawyer and paying fees for submitting your application.

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How citizenship by jus sanguinis impacts military service requirements -

Individuals with dual nationalities may have to do military service in one of the countries. For example, in South Korea, if you are a dual-national male, you may be subject to compulsory military service.

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Future generations: passing citizenship on to your children -

Citizenship can become very complicated for newborns. It's important to seek out an immigration lawyer from your home country (and possibly the country where your child was born). Consult these legal professionals to ensure your child is a known citizen of the correct country.

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How to get European citizenship without moving there -

Jus sanguinis can be your ticket to European citizenship without having lived there. However, it's always essential to confirm the residency requirements with a lawyer as some countries require a minimum period of residence before citizenship is granted. 

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Comparing European citizenship laws -

Different European countries will have varying jus sanguinis laws and thus different policies and rules. 

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European Union (EU) vs non-EU countries -

The EU generally has more flexible rules for citizenship through jus sanguinis. It often allows for multiple generations to gain citizenship and sometimes even grants citizenship to individuals who have never lived in an EU country. Non-EU countries may have stricter requirements, such as limiting citizenship to a specific number of generations or requiring a period of residency.

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Alternative routes to European citizenship -

Aside from jus sanguinis, there are several other routes to citizenship. These include naturalization, marriage, and investment programs, as well as others.

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Changing nationality laws -

Recent changes in nationality laws, especially in countries like Italy and Portugal, have aimed to streamline the process of obtaining citizenship through jus sanguinis. Such reforms include relaxing residency requirements, expanding eligibility criteria, and improving administrative procedures.

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Post-brexit considerations for UK citizens with European ancestors -

Due to Brexit, future generations of children might not share the same rights or have the same possibilities as those who were born before Brexit.

Sources: (CNN Travel) (Britannica) (Immigrant Invest) (Investopedia) (Australian Government Department of Home Affairs) (U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea) (U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs)

See also: The countries with the strictest immigration laws

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