DNA testing is rising in Europe: How it’s assisting people in gaining citizenship

DNA testing is increasingly being used in Europe to help individuals obtain citizenship in different countries. Since the introduction of genetic genealogy tests in 2000, over 40 million people globally have explored their ancestry through companies like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritagem.

According to a report by The Guardian, experts are noting a new trend where individuals use their DNA test results to apply for citizenship. Prof. Turi King, director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University, explained in the report that as more people discover their ancestry and biological connections, they are using this information to acquire citizenship in various countries.

She anticipates that ancestry DNA testing will become a more common method for Britons to obtain dual citizenship.

For example, individuals seeking Irish citizenship have started using DNA evidence to support their applications. This practice has been confirmed by a spokesperson from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, who stated that such evidence is now acceptable for passport applications.

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Richard Sayers, featured on the BBC show “DNA Family Secrets,” successfully used DNA evidence to trace his biological father and obtain an Irish passport. This allowed him to move to Spain, fulfilling his dream of living abroad.

Similarly, former Olympian Sarah Claxton used DNA testing to connect with her American father and is now seeking U.S. citizenship. Her case highlights how DNA tests are bridging gaps in personal identity and family connections.

As more individuals use DNA tests to trace their roots, legal experts like Louisa Ghevaert are seeing an increase in inquiries about updating birth certificates and applying for citizenship.

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Ghevaert notes that the motivations for these applications vary, including personal heritage, inheritance claims, and the pursuit of EU citizenship, particularly in light of Brexit.