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Who is eligible?
Application to this project is closed. You can join the waiting list to receive information about any future application periods. Application is relevant for adoptees seeking to find their biological family members and to parents and other family members looking for a child placed for adoption years ago. Preference will be given to people who cannot afford genetic testing. Leveraging the power of genetic genealogy opens new doors in the search for relatives, and we believe everyone should be able to access this valuable technology. Join the waiting list
About DNA testing
Searching for long-lost relatives can be a challenge without a paper trail or any other informational clues. Luckily, inside the cells of our bodies is a map of our genetic history, called DNA. We each inherit 50% of our DNA from our mother and 50% from our father, which means that our biological parents’ genetic legacy is written into the cells of our body. By examining the DNA in genetic material from a cheek swab, we are able to compare one person’s DNA to that of everyone else who has taken the test. When two people’s DNA results show that they share DNA in common, we are able to calculate the likely relationship between them, such as cousins, siblings, or parent/child. When names, dates, and locations may be unavailable, DNA is often the best link between family members trying to find one another.
Already taken a
DNA test?
If you have already tested with another DNA service, you can upload your DNA data to MyHeritage for free to participate in this project. You will receive more matches and benefit others searching for their biological family.
Your privacy
Your privacy is closely protected on MyHeritage. We have made significant investments to ensure your account and personal details are secured and protected by multiple layers of encryption. Only you manage your DNA privacy settings and have access to your raw DNA data and your DNA results. All testing is done in our world-leading CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory in Houston, Texas.
We have committed as part of our privacy policy to never sell or license our users’ DNA data to any third party.
How you take the test
We will mail accepted participants a MyHeritage DNA test kit. The test consists of a simple cheek swab (no blood or spit required) and takes only 2 minutes to complete. You then mail your sample to the MyHeritage DNA lab for analysis. Your results will be available in 4–6 weeks on a secure online account on MyHeritage, accessible to you only.
How we compute your results
At the MyHeritage DNA lab, we extract your DNA from the sample and translate the biological information into digital raw data. We then compare your DNA to the DNA of more than one million people in the MyHeritage DNA database to find matches. Your DNA matches are your relatives, and we are able to calculate the likely relationship between you. Our algorithms also calculate your Ethnicity Estimate, determining which segments of your DNA originate from different regions in the world to show you a breakdown of your ethnic origins.
About MyHeritage
About us
MyHeritage is a global leader in family history and genetic genealogy. MyHeritage was founded in 2003 and offers a simple-to-use family tree platform, an expanding collection of billions of historical records, powerful matching technology, and a fast-growing, integrated DNA testing service. MyHeritage DNA is a powerful DNA test that reveals previously unknown relatives and ethnic origins. The MyHeritage DNA test is the #1 DNA test in Europe, and MyHeritage’s DNA database is one of the largest in the world. Trusted by millions of users worldwide, MyHeritage seeks to enable everyone to discover who they are and where they come from.
Other MyHeritage pro bono projects
MyHeritage has placed an emphasis over the years on doing good in the world. We love to have our employees initiate and participate in empowering projects that utilize our resources, tools and expertise to benefit humankind. Below are some of our pro bono projects.
Reuniting Jewish Yemenite Families
We are helping more than a thousand Jewish Yemenites find answers about their missing family members.
Restitution of Looted Assets
MyHeritage discovered heirs of unclaimed assets confiscated during WWII and returned looted art to its rightful owners.
Tribal Quest
MyHeritage is documenting the family stories and traditions of remote tribal communities around the world that face the risk of cultural extinction. We’re helping tribes who have no access to technology preserve their family history for future generations.
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