How Americans With European Ancestry Can Get an EU Passport

Condé Nast Traveler

by Brittany Chang

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Americans with European ancestry may have access to EU citizenship and passports through a process known as "citizenship by descent." This means that if one of your grandparents or parents was born in Europe, you could be eligible for EU citizenship, offering benefits like living and working across 27 countries, free movement within the Schengen Area, and access to affordable healthcare and education. Unlike some expensive residency-by-investment programs, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, ancestry-based citizenship provides a more affordable pathway for those with European lineage. For example, Ireland allows individuals to apply for citizenship if they have a grandparent who was born in the country. Applicants must pay a fee and provide documents such as birth certificates and proof of address. Italy also offers citizenship by descent through grandparents or parents who were Italian citizens at the time of their death, with additional requirements like proof of residence in Italy before the applicant’s birth. Similarly, countries like Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Malta offer similar pathways. These nations allow individuals to trace their lineage and apply for citizenship based on family heritage. In many cases, these passports rank among the most powerful globally, offering visa-free access to over 100 countries. For Americans interested in expanding their travel options, obtaining an EU passport can be a game-changer. It not only provides the freedom to live and work across Europe but also eliminates the need for visas in many countries. For those with European ancestry, this opportunity combines a sense of heritage with practical benefits, making it an appealing option for travelers

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Originally published on Condé Nast Traveler on 2/25/2026