Reclaim Your
Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent consultants helping Americans claim a second EU or Canadian passport through Italian, Irish, German, Polish, and other ancestry (and now, we do Canadian citizenship, too!). Start with a free eligibility review.
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15+
Countries
Citizenship by descent programs
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98%
Approval Rate
On citizenship applications
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40+
Collective Years' Experience
Guiding families to a second passport
About Roots Recovered: America's First Citizenship by Descent Firm
Roots Recovered was the first American firm to focus exclusively on citizenship by descent. Collectively, our dedicated, knowledgeable staff has over 40+ years of experience in helping families reclaim their ancestral citizenship and earn a second passport.
Every Jurisdiction, One Firm
Unlike small shops that specialize in a single country, we handle citizenship by descent for every country we serve.
Genealogists and Consular Connections
A vast network of genealogists, extensive consular relationships and trusted contacts help set your application up for success.
Dual Citizens on Your Case
Everyone who touches your file is a dual citizen who has been through the citizenship by descent process themselves.
40+ Years of Focused Experience
Collectively, our staff has spent more than 4 decades helping families reclaim the citizenship in their family tree.
Often imitated, never duplicated.
Experience the Benefits of European and Canadian Citizenship
The European Union is a group of 27 countries that share open borders, a common set of citizens' rights, and, in many cases, a single currency. Through citizenship by descent, you can claim European or Canadian citizenship and the freedom, security, and opportunity that come with it.
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Live and Work Anywhere in the EU
Unlock freedom of movement across all 27 EU member states. Live, work, study, or retire in any EU country without visas or work permits.
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Make a Home in Canada
Canadian citizenship means the right to live, work, and settle anywhere in Canada, with access to its public services and a stable, welcoming country.
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Pass It On to Your Children
Claim citizenship through your ancestry now and, depending on the country, pass its benefits on to future generations.
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The World's Strongest Passports
EU and Canadian passports rank among the most powerful in the world, with visa-free travel to more than 170 destinations.
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Education and Healthcare Benefits
Study at world-class universities at local tuition rates and use public healthcare systems across Europe and Canada.
Citizenship by Descent Services: What Roots Recovered Can Do for You
Reclaim Your Ancestral Citizenship and Get a Second Passport
Roots Recovered guides U.S. families through eligibility, documents, and applications for Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Canada, and more.
We keep the process clear and organized, so you can focus on your family story instead of the paperwork.
Browse citizenship by descent by country
Book a free consultationWe'll help you every step of the way:
- Check your eligibility for citizenship by descent
- Gather birth, marriage, and naturalization records
- Get apostilles and certified translations in order
- Prepare and file your citizenship application
- Track your case with the consulate or authorities
- Receive your recognition and apply for your second passport
Claim Your Citizenship by Descent, a Second Passport, and Your Place in the World
Somewhere in your family tree is a birthright. A great-grandfather who came through Ellis Island. A grandmother who left behind a country she loved. If an Italian, Irish, German, Polish, or other European ancestor emigrated, you may qualify for citizenship by descent. And if you have a Canadian ancestor, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship, too! Their journey doesn't have to end with yours.
At Roots Recovered, we help Americans and families around the world research their family history, collect vital records, and file citizenship applications through our citizenship by descent services. The result is a second passport, the freedom to live, work, and study abroad, and a legacy you can pass to your children.
Most people assume dual citizenship is impossibly complicated, expensive, or out of reach. With our help, it doesn't have to be. Our clients come to us with a family story and leave with a passport. Book your free eligibility review.
Heritage is history. Citizenship is the future.
Citizenship by Descent by Country: Find Your Path to a Second Passport
Do you have Italian, Irish, German, Polish, Canadian or other ancestors abroad? Compare citizenship by descent requirements for 15 countries and see which ancestral citizenship you may qualify for.
Italian Citizenship by Descent
After the 2025 reform, Italian citizenship by descent is still possible case by case with careful review.
Italian citizenship requirements →
Irish Citizenship by Descent
Irish citizenship by descent can reach your grandparents and unlock an Irish passport today.
Irish citizenship requirements →
German Citizenship by Descent
German citizenship by descent for families of German citizens, including Nazi-era victims.
German citizenship requirements →
Polish Citizenship by Descent
Polish citizenship by descent has no generation limit if your ancestor's status never lapsed.
Polish citizenship requirements →
Austrian Citizenship by Descent
Austrian citizenship by descent for families of Nazi-era persecution victims under Section 58c.
Austrian citizenship requirements →
Canadian Citizenship by Descent
Canadian citizenship by descent has expanded. See if a parent or grandparent qualifies you.
Canadian citizenship requirements →
Croatian Citizenship by Descent
Croatian citizenship by descent for applicants who can document Croatian ancestry over generations.
Croatian citizenship requirements →
Czech Citizenship by Descent
Czech citizenship by descent for descendants of Czechoslovak citizens and families who lost it.
Czech citizenship requirements →
Hungarian Citizenship by Descent
Hungarian citizenship by descent: prove one Hungarian ancestor and apply by simplified naturalization.
Hungarian citizenship requirements →
Latvian Citizenship by Descent
Latvian citizenship by descent is open to descendants of pre-1940 Latvian citizens.
Latvian citizenship requirements →
Lithuanian Citizenship by Descent
Lithuanian citizenship by descent traces to the interwar Republic and can reach several generations.
Lithuanian citizenship requirements →
Luxembourgish Citizenship by Descent
Luxembourgish citizenship by descent can pass down through unlimited generations of your family.
Luxembourgish citizenship requirements →
Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
Portuguese citizenship by descent reaches children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Portuguese citizenship requirements →
Slovak Citizenship by Descent
Slovak citizenship by descent is a growing program for applicants with documented Slovak roots.
Slovak citizenship requirements →
Spanish Citizenship by Descent
Spanish citizenship by descent for children and grandchildren of Spanish citizens.
Spanish citizenship requirements →
Three simple steps
How It Works
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1
Start with a Free Review
We research your family history and determine which citizenship programs you qualify for.
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2
Build Your File
Our team obtains all necessary vital records, legal documents, and certifications.
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3
Submit & Celebrate
We submit your application, then celebrate when you receive your citizenship.
Why People Choose Roots Recovered
Citizenship by descent consulting, handled with care from first record to final passport.
- Personalized service tailored to your family history
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Experienced team with proven success rates
- Established relationships with European consulates
- End-to-end support from research to citizenship
- Multilingual staff and translation services
Citizenship by Descent Means Global Mobility and a Second Passport
Your roots may be worth more than you think.
If your ancestors came from Europe or Canada, there is a real chance you already qualify for citizenship by descent. That means the legal right to live, work, study, and build a life abroad. It also means the ability to pass citizenship on to your children.
Most people assume dual citizenship is impossibly complicated, expensive, or out of reach. With our help, it doesn't have to be.
We'd love to help you get your dual citizenship. Book your free eligibility review.
Your Future Starts in the Old Country.
But Don't Just Take Our Word for it.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients reach back into their family trees to find not only a treasure trove of information, but also the key to true global mobility: a second passport. Your story started in the old country, and your future might, too. But don’t just take our word for it. Look at some of our happy clients.
Schedule your FREE citizenship by descent consultation
Find out if you qualify for a second passport through your ancestry. Book a free 30-minute call with our citizenship by descent experts.