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Europe's Ancestry-Based Citizenship Rules Evolve: Portugal Tightens, Poland & Hungary Maintain, Germany & Ireland Relax

Portugal tightens its Sephardic Jew ancestry route. Poland and Hungary keep their broad rules, while Germany and Ireland relax theirs, offering varied paths to citizenship based on ancestry.

In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag...
In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag and "Critical Licence" written.

Europe's Ancestry-Based Citizenship Rules Evolve: Portugal Tightens, Poland & Hungary Maintain, Germany & Ireland Relax

Several European countries offer citizenship based on ancestry, known as jus sanguinis. Recent changes in Portugal, Italy, and Lithuania have altered these routes, while Poland, Hungary, and Spain maintain their rules. Ireland and Germany have made updates to their policies as well.

Portugal has recently tightened its citizenship route for descendants of Sephardic Jews. Applicants now need certification from a recognized Jewish community and proof of prior residence. Meanwhile, Italy has made its citizenship by descent rules stricter, requiring closer ties to Italy.

In contrast, Poland continues to recognize citizenship claims from descendants of Polish citizens who did not lose their nationality before the applicant's birth. Hungary offers a broad route to citizenship through ancestors, including great-grandparents, but requires language proficiency. Spain maintains its rules for obtaining citizenship by descent, allowing those with Spanish parents or grandparents to claim citizenship often without residency requirements. Germany has generally relaxed its regulations, allowing dual citizenship in more cases, while Ireland allows anyone with an Irish-born grandparent to register as an Irish citizen. Lithuania grants citizenship to descendants of citizens who held Lithuanian nationality before June 15, 1940, including those who fled during the Soviet occupation.

These changes in European citizenship laws by descent reflect varying approaches to ancestral ties and integration. While some countries have tightened their rules, others have maintained or relaxed theirs, offering different paths to citizenship for those with European ancestry.

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