DNA tests on the rise in Europe: Creating a pathway for people to claim citizenship

Individuals in Europe have started using DNA testing to obtain citizenship in other countries. Genetic genealogy tests were introduced in the year 2000, and since then, more than 40 million people around the globe have explored their ancestry. Companies such as 23andMe, MyHeritage, and Ancestry offer DNA testing to people.

As per a report by the Guardian, there is a new trend where individuals have started using their DNA ancestry results to apply for citizenship. The Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at Bath University, Prof. Turi King, mentioned in the report that as more people get to know about their ancestry and biological backgrounds, they will use this information to obtain citizenship in several countries. She said, “This will only grow.”

She expects that DNA testing will become a common practice among Britons to claim dual citizenship. The spokesperson of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that DNA evidence is now accepted for passport applications. For example, people seeking Irish citizenship are using their DNA reports as evidence to support their applications.

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Richard Syers appeared on BBC’s DNA Family Secrets in 2022 and was one the first Britons who used his DNA reports to obtain EU citizenship. With the help of his half-sibling DNA test, he was able to reveal his father’s identity who was an Irishman born in Galway. By using DNA reports and evidence, he was able to get an Irish passport, andfulfil his dream of living abroad, as he was allowed to move to Spain.

Last year, former Olympian Sarah Claxton also used DNA testing to connect with her father, and she is now obtaining US citizenship. Her case also highlights how with the help of DNA tests, people can meet their family connections.

Legal expert Louisa Ghevaert sees an increase in this practice soon. She also said that the motivations for applying for citizenship may vary, including inheritance claims, personal heritage, and the pursuit of EU citizenship.

(With inputs from agencies)