Official documents that record important life events, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce. In the context of citizenship by descent applications, vital records are often used to prove an applicant's lineage to a citizen or national of the country in question The specific vital records that are required will vary depending on the country, but they typically include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates.
It is important to note that vital records must be original or certified copies, and they must be translated into the language of the country where the application is being filed.
Examples of vital records required for citizenship by descent applications:
Birth certificate: This is the most important vital record for citizenship by descent applications. It should show the applicant's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of the applicant's parents
Marriage certificate: If the applicant's parents were married at the time of the applicant's birth, a marriage certificate may be required. This document should show the names of the applicant's parents, the date of their marriage, and the place where they were married
Death certificate: If the applicant's parent or grandparent who is a citizen or national of the country in question has died, a death certificate may be required. This document should show the date of death, the place of death, and the name of the deceased person.
