To be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, individuals must meet specific criteria. Italian citizenship is primarily based on the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning “right of blood.”
Recent legal reforms have introduced stricter criteria for acquiring Italian citizenship. Following the approval of Law No. 74/2025, eligibility has been restricted to children and grandchildren of Italian citizens born in Italy.
An exception applies if an applicant’s Italian parent (but not grandparent) resided continuously in Italy for at least two years. Applicants must also provide proof that their Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.
In addition, the new legislation has dissolved all existing application queues at Italian consulates. While future administrative applications will be centralized under a newly established governmental authority in Italy, the organizational structure and procedural guidelines of this body have not yet been released.
As of 2025, the only route to Italian citizenship is through the judicial system. If you choose to apply through this route, you will need:
- Birth certificates of the applicant and their Italian ancestors.
- Marriage certificates of the applicant and their Italian ancestors.
- Death certificates of Italian ancestors, if applicable.
- Receipt of the original consular appointment.
Any document that is not in Italian must be translated by a sworn translator and authenticated with an apostille. These documents serve as evidence of the lineage and ensure that the application is complete and accurate.
Obtaining these records can be a time-consuming and meticulous process, as it may involve contacting various government agencies and archives in different countries.
Choosing the right path to apply for Italian citizenship
As previously noted, Italian consulates are no longer accepting citizenship applications as of 2025. All administrative requests will be handled by a newly established central governmental body in Italy. However, the details regarding its organizational structure and procedural guidelines have yet to be released.
The only available route to Italian citizenship is through the judicial system.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Judicial process
Law No. 74/2025 introduced sweeping changes to the requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship. However, these reforms have sparked considerable debate, with many legal experts questioning the constitutionality of certain provisions.
Under the principle of jus sanguinis, Italian citizenship is not granted but recognized—meaning that those with qualifying ancestry are considered citizens by birthright, not through acquisition. According to Italian legal tradition, individuals do not apply for citizenship but instead apply to have their pre-existing status legally recognized.
With the enactment of Law No. 74/2025, many individuals who had not yet formalized their citizenship recognition lost eligibility—despite having been born with the right under previous legal interpretations.
Legal experts argue that this retroactive denial of citizenship contravenes fundamental principles of Italian law. As a result, applicants beyond the second generation are expected to challenge the law’s constitutionality through the judicial system.
It’s important to note that, as of June 2025, the outcome of legal challenges against the constitutionality of Law No. 74/2025 remains uncertain. While several cases are underway, no definitive rulings have been issued, leaving applicants in a state of legal ambiguity as they navigate the judicial path to citizenship.
The judicial process for obtaining Italian citizenship typically took around two years in the past. However, with a growing number of applicants now pursuing this route, the processing time is expected to increase, potentially leading to longer wait times and greater case backlogs.
Exploring the benefits of Italian citizenship
Obtaining Italian citizenship offers a wealth of benefits for Australian residents. Some of the lesser-known advantages of holding an Italian passport include:
- Visa-free travel within the EU: Italian citizens can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. This allows for easier exploration of Europe for leisure, business, or educational purposes without the need for visas.
- Educational opportunities: Italian citizens have access to some of the world’s best educational institutions within the European Union. Many universities offer reduced tuition fees to EU nationals, making higher education more affordable and accessible.
- Work opportunities: With an Italian passport, individuals have the right to work in any EU country without the need for additional visas or work permits. This opens up a broader job market and increases career opportunities within the EU.
- Healthcare access: Italian citizens are eligible to use the public healthcare systems in Italy and other EU countries. This access to high-quality healthcare ensures that individuals receive necessary medical attention while living or traveling in Europe
These benefits extend beyond the general advantages of dual citizenship, providing Australian residents with opportunities for personal and professional growth within the European Union.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
How io.citizen can help
For those seeking to navigate the complexities of the Italian citizenship application process, specialized consultancies like io.citizen provide invaluable support. Their comprehensive services, expertise in handling complex cases, and personalized approach make them an excellent resource for individuals looking to obtain Italian citizenship.
By working with experienced professionals, applicants can increase their chances of success and secure their Italian passport, opening doors to a world of opportunities.
The services provided by io.citizen include guiding applicants through each step of the process, from initial research to final submission. We help gather and prepare all necessary documentation, ensuring that everything is in order and meets the legal requirements. io.citizen’s expertise extends to handling complex cases, such as those involving the 1948 rule, which can be particularly challenging to resolve.
Choosing a reliable and comprehensive service is crucial due to the complexity of the process. Before starting any procedure on your own, it is advisable to contact specialists who can provide guidance and support.
By making an informed decision and seeking professional assistance, Australian residents can successfully navigate the Italian citizenship application process and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with dual citizenship.
