Linear-fractional branching processes with countably many types

We study multi-type Bienaymé–Galton–Watson processes with linear-fractional reproduction laws using various analytical tools like the contour process, spinal representation, Perron–Frobenius theorem for countable matrices, and renewal theory. For this special class of branching processes with countably many types we present a transparent criterion for R -positive recurrence with respect to the type space. This criterion appeals to the Malthusian parameter and the mean age at childbearing of the associated linear-fractional Crump-Mode-Jagers process.