The rest of Europe, and why the map keeps shrinking
Poland and Romania are what I specialize in, because I've completed both processes myself. But ancestry doesn't always cooperate with specialization. If your line runs through another European country, I offer research and document-gathering support as a lighter-scope service, with an honest read on whether your window is open, closing, or already shut.
The countries diaspora families ask about most
Italy Restricted
Once unlimited generations. Restricted overnight in March 2025, upheld by the Constitutional Court in March 2026. The cautionary tale for every other program on this page.
Ireland Limited
Grandparent born on the island of Ireland qualifies via the Foreign Births Register. Great-grandparent works only if a parent registered before your birth.
Germany Open, with deadlines
Strong restoration paths for descendants of Nazi-era persecution victims: no language test, no fee. One key gender-discrimination route has a 2031 deadline. Dual citizenship now fully allowed.
Portugal Closed 2026
Portugal eliminated the Sephardic-descent route for new applications effective 19 May 2026. Pending applications continue under the prior law; standard descent routes remain, with some details still depending on updated regulations.
Hungary Language wall
Generous on paper (no residency, deep generational reach) but requires demonstrated Hungarian language ability, which stops most diaspora applicants cold.
Czech Republic Open
Since 2019, grandchildren of former Czech/Czechoslovak citizens can claim by simple declaration. One of Europe's cleaner processes.
Slovakia Open
A 2021 amendment opened eligibility to the great-grandchild level for descendants of former Czechoslovak citizens. A huge, underused opportunity for the large Slovak diaspora.
Lithuania Conditional
Restoration for descendants of citizens before the 1940 Soviet occupation, reaching great-grandchildren. Dual citizenship is allowed mainly for these descent cases.
Croatia Open
Descent route with effectively no generational cutoff if lineage is documented. A 2025 diaspora residence option helps bypass consular backlogs.
Latvia Open
Restoration for descendants of pre-Soviet-occupation citizens and documented exiles, without a strict generational cutoff.
Austria Open, specific
Descendants of victims who fled Nazi persecution can restore citizenship: no language test, no residency, fees waived. Ordinary Austrian descent is otherwise narrow.
Greece Slow
Real path through documented Greek records, but the prior generation generally must be registered first. Patience-intensive.
Rules summarized as of mid-2026 and simplified for orientation; every program has exceptions and edge cases. Always verify current requirements with the relevant authority before acting.