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Claim citizenship through a parent or grandparent rather than an investment. Mirabello Consultancy guides eligible families through the descent and birthright routes for Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.
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Ancestry route
At a glance
| Country | How the descent route works |
|---|---|
| Grenada | Citizenship by descent for those with a Grenadian parent or grandparent, subject to registration and proof of the qualifying ancestral link. Typical processing 6 to 12 weeks. current generational limit and fees in the Grenada Citizenship Act |
| St Kitts and Nevis | Descent route for applicants with a Kittitian or Nevisian parent, and in defined cases a grandparent, established through birth and lineage records. Typical processing 60 to 90 days. grandparent eligibility scope and current fees |
| Antigua and Barbuda | By birth or birthright: citizenship for those born in Antigua and Barbuda or, in qualifying cases, born abroad to an Antiguan parent. Typical processing 4 to 6 weeks. exact born-abroad-to-parent provisions and generational reach |
Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship by descent, known in law as jus sanguinis or right of blood, is the acquisition of nationality through a qualifying ancestor rather than through birthplace or investment. A country recognises that its citizenship passes down a family line, so a person born abroad may claim it through a parent, and in some countries a grandparent, who held that nationality. It restores a birthright rather than purchasing status.
The route is entirely distinct from a financial contribution. Where citizenship by investment grants a passport in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution, descent recognises a bond that already exists in law. The task is one of evidence and correct procedure, not capital. Mirabello Consultancy covers three descent and birthright pathways: Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Eligibility usually rests on a direct ancestral link to a parent, and in some jurisdictions a grandparent, who was a citizen of the country at the relevant time. The precise generational reach, the treatment of maternal and paternal lines, and whether a link can be claimed through a naturalised rather than native-born ancestor all vary by country and by the law in force when each ancestor was born. Each family must be assessed against the specific statute.
As a general guide, a parent-based claim tends to be the most straightforward, resting on that parent's birth certificate and proof of their citizenship. A grandparent-based claim, where a country permits it, requires an unbroken documentary chain across two generations. Antigua and Barbuda additionally recognises citizenship by birth in the territory. Because rules and cut-off dates differ, Mirabello confirms which route fits before any application begins. Some historic provisions carry generational limits or registration deadlines. country-specific generational cut-offs and any registration time limits
Descent and investment are separate legal tracks with different costs, timelines, and eligibility tests. Descent has no qualifying investment; the applicant instead demonstrates a hereditary right through records. Investment programmes are open to applicants with no ancestral tie but require a qualifying contribution to a government fund, real estate, or an approved project.
For families with genuine roots in a country, descent is often the more natural and cost-effective path, since it relies on lineage rather than capital. Where no qualifying ancestor exists, an investment programme may be the appropriate alternative. Mirabello assesses both honestly and recommends only the route that genuinely fits each family's circumstances.
Descent applications succeed or fail on the strength of the documentary chain linking the applicant to the qualifying ancestor. Typical evidence includes full birth certificates for the applicant, the parent, and where relevant the grandparent, marriage certificates that bridge name changes, the ancestor's proof of citizenship, and valid identification. Records must be certified, and often apostilled or legalised, before submission.
Gaps, discrepancies, and archaic spellings across historic records are the most common obstacle, particularly where a certificate has been lost or a name was recorded differently across generations. Establishing an unbroken, consistent chain is the heart of the work. Mirabello helps families locate, order, and authenticate the correct records, and reconciles inconsistencies before an application reaches the authorities. General guidance on nationality and citizenship principles is available from neutral public sources such as gov.uk. better authority source for jus sanguinis nationality law
Mirabello Consultancy provides Swiss-standard, discreet guidance across the full descent journey, from the first eligibility assessment to the issued passport. Our specialists confirm which route applies, map the documentary chain, and manage certification, translation, and legalisation so each file meets the receiving authority's requirements the first time.
With more than a decade of investment migration experience and multilingual support across seven languages, we treat every family's records with care and precision. If you believe you may have a claim through a parent or grandparent, or through birth in Antigua and Barbuda, arrange a free consultation and we will assess your eligibility honestly and confidentially.
Questions
Citizenship by descent, known in law as jus sanguinis, is the right to acquire a country's nationality through a qualifying ancestor, typically a parent and in some countries a grandparent, rather than through investment or birthplace. It recognises a hereditary bond and is established through documentary proof of the family link.
Mirabello guides three pathways: Grenada citizenship by descent, St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by descent, and Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by birth. Each has its own eligibility rules, evidence requirements, and processing timelines.
In some countries a grandparent-based claim is possible, in others eligibility stops at the parent. The generational reach depends on the specific nationality law and on when each ancestor was born. Mirabello assesses your family line against the applicable statute before any application begins. per-country grandparent eligibility scope
Descent recognises a hereditary right and requires no financial contribution, only proof of the ancestral link. Citizenship by investment requires no ancestor but does require a qualifying economic contribution. They are separate legal tracks; Mirabello recommends only the one that genuinely fits your circumstances.
You will generally need full birth certificates for yourself, your parent, and where relevant your grandparent, marriage certificates that bridge any name changes, proof of the ancestor's citizenship, and valid identification. Records usually must be certified and often apostilled or legalised. Mirabello helps locate, order, and authenticate the correct records.
The three countries Mirabello covers for descent permit dual citizenship, so acquiring one need not require renouncing your existing nationality. You should always confirm the rules of your current country of citizenship as well, since some nations restrict holding a second passport. current dual-citizenship provisions per country
Indicative processing is around 6 to 12 weeks for Grenada, 60 to 90 days for St Kitts and Nevis, and 4 to 6 weeks for Antigua and Barbuda. Timelines depend on the completeness of your documentary chain and how quickly historic records can be sourced and authenticated. current official processing times
The best first step is a confidential eligibility assessment. Mirabello reviews your family history and available records, identifies the qualifying ancestor, and confirms which route applies. Arrange a free consultation and our specialists will advise you honestly on whether you have a claim.
A confidential, no-obligation conversation with a Mirabello specialist. We confirm your eligibility and, where descent does not apply, map the investment route instead.
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