Why did the Renaissance began in Italy: Photo of the interior of St.Peter's Basilica.
Before the flourishing of the Renaissance, Italy was a fragmented mosaic of city-states, each with its own government, economy, and cultural identity. The collapse of centralized imperial authority after the fall of the Western Roman Empire left the peninsula divided, paving the way for regional powers like Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples to rise.
Buying property in Italy: photo of the fields and farm houses in the province of Pavia, near Milan
Italy has long captivated foreign buyers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and enviable lifestyle. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily, the country offers a wide range of properties that appeal to retirees, investors, and lifestyle seekers alike.
Photo of Ponte Vecchio, showing a lot of tourists visiting
The Ponte Vecchio, meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a living testament to the city’s medieval heritage. Spanning the Arno River, it is the oldest bridge in Florence, originally constructed in 1218. The current structure was rebuilt in 1345 after a devastating flood destroyed its predecessor.
Italian culinary traditions: Photo of an Italian chef preparing a dish
In Italy, food is a way of life. From bustling city markets to quiet village kitchens, the act of preparing and sharing a meal is deeply woven into the fabric of Italian culture. It reflects not only regional identity and historical legacy but also the social values that bind families and communities together.
The Italian language: Photo of a woman in florence writing notes in a park
The Italian language has undergone a long and intricate evolution, beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. During the height of Roman rule, Latin was the lingua franca—the common language imposed across the vast territories of the Empire while the spoken language of the general population evolved into various vernaculars
What is Jus Soli and how it works in different countries: Photo of the Italian flag in Rome
The concept of jus soli, Latin for “right of the soil,” refers to the legal principle that grants citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality. Jus soli reflects a nation’s commitment to inclusivity and territorial sovereignty. It ensures that individuals born on national soil are recognized as citizens from birth, often with full access to rights and protections.
Photo of an Italian judge reading citizenship documents
Summary

The Italian judicial system is structured to handle a variety of legal matters, including citizenship cases. These cases are typically processed through the Civil Court in Rome or other regional courts, depending on the specifics of the case. The process involves a thorough examination of the applicant’s documentation and eligibility for Italian citizenship, which can be based on descent (jus sanguinis), marriage, or residency.

Important: 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. 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.

Assignment of judges in italian citizenship cases

In the Italian judicial system, the assignment of judges to cases is generally managed by the court administration. This means that petitioners do not have the option to choose their judge. 

The allocation is done to ensure impartiality and fairness, with Italian judges being assigned based on availability and workload rather than any preference from the parties involved. This system aims to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and prevent any potential bias or favoritism.

Circumstances for requesting a specific judge

While the general rule is that petitioners cannot choose their Italian judge, there are certain circumstances under which a different judge may be requested. 

These situations are exceptional and typically involve conflicts of interest or prior relationships with the judge. 

For example, if a petitioner has a personal or professional relationship with a judge that could influence the case’s outcome, they may request a different judge to ensure impartiality.

However, it is important to note that such requests are not guaranteed to be granted. The court will evaluate the validity of the request and decide whether a change of judge is warranted. The primary concern is to uphold the principles of fairness and justice, ensuring that all parties receive an unbiased hearing.

Role of legal representation in citizenship cases

Given the complexities of the Italian judicial system, having a lawyer who is well-versed in Italian citizenship law is crucial. 

A knowledgeable lawyer can navigate the intricacies of the process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is correctly prepared and submitted. They can also provide valuable advice on how to handle any potential issues that may arise during the case.

Legal representation is particularly important when dealing with the assignment of judges. An experienced lawyer can advise on the likelihood of a successful case. They can also help to present the case in the best possible light, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

Learn more about Italian citizenship through the judicial system.

Impact of legal representation on case outcomes

The quality of legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a citizenship case. Effective legal counsel can streamline the process, making it more efficient and less stressful for the petitioner. They can anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively, ensuring that the case proceeds smoothly.

Moreover, a competent lawyer can make a compelling argument for the petitioner’s eligibility for citizenship, backed by thorough documentation and legal precedent. This can be particularly important in cases where the evidence is complex or where there are potential disputes over the interpretation of the law.

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Limited choice but crucial representation

In summary, while petitioners generally cannot choose their judge in Italian citizenship cases, there are exceptional circumstances where a specific judge may be requested. 

However, these requests are not always granted, and the decision ultimately lies with the court. The key to navigating this process successfully lies in having high-quality legal representation. 

A knowledgeable lawyer can provide invaluable assistance, ensuring that the case is presented effectively and that the petitioner receives a fair and just hearing.

The limitations on choosing a judge highlight the importance of focusing on the aspects of the process that can be controlled. By securing competent legal representation, petitioners can significantly enhance their chances of a successful outcome, regardless of which judge is assigned to their case. 

The quality of legal counsel is a critical factor in achieving a favorable resolution, making it an essential consideration for anyone pursuing Italian citizenship.

In this regard, having specialized assistance in Italian citizenship is the best option for those seeking a smooth and effective process. Contact io.citizen now and find out how we can assist you.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.