Italian citizenship by descent, also known as Jus Sanguinis, allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship through their Italian ancestors.
As of 2025, with the enactment of Law No. 74/2025, to be eligible for Italian dual citizenship, an individual must have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy. Alternatively, eligibility may apply if one’s Italian parent—not grandparent—resided continuously in Italy for at least two years.
For many, this offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and enjoy the benefits of Italian citizenship. However, during the documentation process, you may discover that one or more ancestors renounced their Italian citizenship. If you wish to learn whether this affects your application, keep reading.
Eligibility Criteria for Italian Citizenship by Descent
To be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, certain criteria must be met. Generally, you must have proof of Italian ancestry. The key points to consider include:
- Unbroken lineage: there must be an unbroken line of Italian citizenship from your Italian parent or grandparent to you.
- Naturalization: It is crucial that your Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death. To verify this, you must obtain certificates of non-naturalization from the relevant government agencies.
Find out here if you are eligible for Italian citizenship.
Impact of ancestor’s renunciation on descendants’ citizenship rights
One of the most common concerns is whether an ancestor’s renunciation of Italian citizenship affects the rights of their descendants. The good news is that renunciation by an ancestor does not necessarily disqualify you from obtaining citizenship. The impact depends primarily on two factors:
- Timing of renunciation: if the renunciation occurred after the birth of the next person in the lineage, it typically does not affect the transmission of citizenship.
- Documentation: providing proof of the timing and circumstances of the renunciation is essential.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Steps to verify eligibility for italian citizenship
Verifying your eligibility involves several steps:
- Gather necessary documents: collect birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestor and their descendants. Naturalization records are also crucial.
- Trace family lineage: establish a clear line of descent from your Italian ancestor to yourself.
- Consult experts: legal experts or genealogists can provide valuable assistance in navigating the complexities of Italian citizenship laws.
Application process for italian citizenship by descent
Once you have verified your eligibility, the application process involves several steps:
- Prepare documentation: ensure all documents are translated into Italian and authenticated with an apostille.
- Submit Application: Italian consulates and municipalities have ceased accepting applications for citizenship by descent. All administrative procedures are set to be centralized under a newly established governmental body; however, its structure, operational framework, and specific guidelines are still pending.
As a result, all existing consular and communal queues were formally dissolved, leaving judicial proceedings as the only available pathway to obtaining Italian citizenship.
- Attend an Interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the consulate or in Italy.
- Wait for Approval: The processing time can vary, so patience is essential.
Learn more: how to obtain Italian citizenship?
Legal framework governing italian citizenship
Italian citizenship laws have evolved over time. Key legislation includes:
- Law No. 91 of 1992: this law outlines the principles of Jus Sanguinis and the conditions for acquiring and losing citizenship. In summary, prior to this law, any person who naturalized with another citizenship lost their Italian citizenship.
However, anyone born after the enactment of this law is allowed to hold dual citizenship.
- Law No. 74/2025: establishes that to be eligible for Italian dual citizenship, an individual must have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy. Alternatively, eligibility may apply if one’s Italian parent—not grandparent—resided continuously in Italy for at least two years.
In both cases, it is essential that the Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.
Additionally, Italian consulates and municipalities have ceased accepting applications for citizenship by descent. All administrative procedures are set to be centralized under a newly established governmental body; however, its structure, operational framework, and specific guidelines are still pending.
As a result, all existing consular and communal queues were formally dissolved, leaving judicial proceedings as the only available pathway to obtaining Italian citizenship.
- Historical context: understanding the historical context of these laws can provide insight into your application.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Several resources can assist you in your journey:
- Websites: official Italian government websites and consulate pages provide detailed information.
- Legal services: lawyers specializing in Italian citizenship can offer personalized guidance.
- Community organizations: groups and forums where individuals share their experiences and advice.
- Specialized assistance: companies such as io.citizen can guide you through the Italian citizenship process with ease.
Your Italian citizenship is getting closer
By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and seeking expert advice, you can navigate the application process successfully. Explore your eligibility and take the first steps towards claiming your Italian citizenship today with io.citizen!
Our team of experts is ready to make your dream of Italian citizenship come true. Contact us today!
