Irish Citizenship by DNA Landmark Development

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The Latitude Perspective On Irish Citizenship by DNA

We are Citizenship by Descent specialists. A recent BBC article describes the life-changing experience of American Prof John Portmann. While modern Irish Citizenship by Descent dates back to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, this 21st-century acquisition of Irish Citizenship by DNA appears to be a first.

The 1956 Act decriminalized dual citizenship in Ireland. It also made it easier for descendants of Irish nationals to obtain citizenship in Ireland and Prof John Portmann’s groundbreaking Irish Citizenship by DNA qualification might well inspire others to use this route.

“USA man made Irish citizen after DNA test surprise”

Meet Prof John Portmann. He was born in Arizona’s Phoenix, back in the summer of 1963. The Arizona capital’s Sisters of Mercy were the first carers of Portmann before he was adopted.

It was Portmann’s adoptive sister who suggested her brother take a DNA test. When the results came back, it was a 100% match with Ireland. Portmann has since met a cousin and received an Irish passport, the third most powerful travel document in the world.

This passport allows you to enter 113 countries without a visa, request a visa on arrival in 36 destinations, and secure an eVisa in a further 25. As the American professor said to the BBC, “The Irish passport is quite special. It’s the only one that gives you privileges not only in the EU but also in the UK.”

Alternative European Citizenship by Descent Programs

Your DNA is one thing you cannot control in life. Perhaps you don’t have Irish genes. You still might be available to qualify for 4 other Citizenship by Descent Programs in Europe. 

Perhaps you’re eligible for Austrian Citizenship by Descent, open to applicants 1-3 generations removed and enabling you to receive the Austrian passport which is joint 3rd with the Irish travel document in terms of strength.

Or maybe Italian Citizenship by Descent, with an Italian passport, the world’s 2nd most powerful travel document, rewarding a 1-2 year processing time.

Another European Citizenship by Descent Program that might be available to you due to your ancestry is Polish Citizenship by Descent, allowing you to become a passport holder of the 4th strongest travel document, the Polish passport.

Finally, there’s Portuguese Citizenship by Descent, an avenue that can see the 3rd most powerful travel document, the Portuguese passport, become available to you.

How to Apply for Citizenship by Descent in 2024

What can start off as a treasure hunt can become a chore with clues becoming mounds of paperwork. Instead of DIY, turn to an experienced Citizenship by Descent consultant like Latitude Group. So, don’t delay and contact us today.