What is Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood)? Definition & Guide
A principle of nationality law where citizenship is determined by the citizenship of one or both parents, regardless of the place of birth.
Jus sanguinis (Latin for "right of blood") is a principle under which a person's citizenship is determined by the nationality of their parents rather than their place of birth. Most European countries use jus sanguinis as the primary basis for citizenship.
Under jus sanguinis, a child born to Portuguese parents in the United States is a Portuguese citizen by birth, regardless of never having lived in Portugal. The child may also be a US citizen under jus soli (see separate entry), resulting in dual citizenship.
For investment migrants, jus sanguinis is relevant in two ways. First, applicants who obtain citizenship through a Golden Visa can pass that citizenship to future children born anywhere in the world. Second, some applicants may already qualify for citizenship by descent through a parent or grandparent who was a citizen of an EU country, which could eliminate the need for an investment-based program entirely.
Italy, Ireland, Poland and Hungary all have citizenship-by-descent provisions that extend to grandchildren or even great-grandchildren under certain conditions. These claims require documentation of the ancestor's citizenship and an unbroken chain of transmission.
Why It Matters for Golden Visa Applicants
Jus sanguinis is relevant to Golden Visa holders in two ways. First, applicants who eventually obtain citizenship (for example, after five years of Portuguese residency) can pass that citizenship to children born anywhere in the world. Second, some applicants may already qualify for EU citizenship by descent through a parent or grandparent, potentially eliminating the need for an investment-based program. Italy, Ireland, Poland and Hungary all have citizenship-by-descent provisions extending to grandchildren or great-grandchildren under specific conditions. Investigating ancestry claims before committing to a Golden Visa investment can save significant time and money.
Example
"Because her grandmother had never renounced Italian citizenship, she qualified for Italian citizenship by descent under jus sanguinis and did not need a Golden Visa."