How Italy’s supreme court challenges government authority: photo of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome
Two key developments this past week signal a powerful, unambiguous message: the courts are keeping a close watch on legislation that could infringe fundamental rights. The most emblematic example is the challenge posed by the Cassazione—Italy’s Supreme Court—against the government’s Decreto Sicurezza (Security Decree).
Constitutional court of Italy examines limits on the right to citizenship: photo of the town hall of Aostra, the Hôtel de Ville
In a landmark case poised to reshape the future of Italian citizenship by descent, Italy’s Constitutional Court convened on June 24 to assess whether the long-standing principle of jus sanguinis—citizenship through bloodline without generational limits—stands on solid constitutional ground.
The role of the italian diaspora in global italian identity: Photo of a small city in Tuscany
The Italian diaspora refers to the vast movement of Italians to different parts of the world, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Millions of Italians left their homeland, seeking economic opportunities, escaping political turmoil, or following family networks abroad.
italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Italian ancestor's hometown: Photo of San Gimignano, a comune in the Tuscany region of Italy
Summary

When starting the process of obtaining Italian citizenship, it is crucial to locate the comune (municipality) where your ancestor was born, married, or lived. This step is fundamental because the comune holds vital records that are necessary for proving your lineage and eligibility for citizenship.

Without the correct information about the comune, it can be challenging to obtain the required documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, which are essential for the application process.

Correctly identifying the comune ensures that you can access accurate records and avoid unnecessary delays or complications in your citizenship application.

Using records to find your ancestor’s comune

Before reaching out to Italian authorities, it is essential to conduct thorough research using sources and records available in the United States. Begin by gathering documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates from US government offices.

Additionally, censuses can provide valuable information about your ancestor’s immigration and residence history. Most of these records are available at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Local churches frequented by your family may also hold baptismal, marriage, and burial records that can shed light on your ancestor’s background. These records can help you piece together the necessary information to identify the correct comune in Italy and provide a solid foundation for your citizenship application.

Several online tools and databases can assist you in your quest to find your ancestor’s comune. Websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com specialize in genealogy and can provide access to a wealth of records and resources.

Additionally, Italian digital archives, such as Antenati, offer access to historical records and documents from various comunes in Italy. By utilizing these online resources, you can efficiently gather the information needed to identify your ancestor’s comune and obtain the necessary documents for your citizenship application.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Once you have identified the comune where your ancestor lived, it is crucial to establish direct contact with the comune’s offices in Italy. Writing a formal request for information is an important step in this process.

When drafting your request, ensure that you provide accurate and detailed information about your ancestor, including full names, dates of birth, and any other relevant details. This precision will help the comune’s officials locate the records you need more efficiently.

Be polite and respectful in your request, as establishing a positive connection with comune officials can facilitate the process and increase the likelihood of obtaining the necessary documents. Additionally, you may have to write the request in Italian.

Common difficulties in the process and alternative solutions

The process of obtaining Italian citizenship can be fraught with difficulties, particularly when dealing with historical records and language barriers. One common challenge is that many immigrants changed their names upon arriving in the United States, making it difficult to match US records with Italian ones.

Additionally, language differences can complicate the process, as records may be written in Italian. To overcome these barriers, consider hiring specialized services that can assist with translation and document retrieval. These experts have experience navigating the bureaucratic processes and can provide invaluable support in obtaining the necessary documents.

Navigating the complexities of the Italian citizenship application process can be daunting, but specialized consultancies like io.citizen offer comprehensive services that simplify the journey.

From the initial research to the final procedures in Italy, io.citizen provides tailored support to meet the specific needs of each applicant. Our expertise in genealogical research, document retrieval, and legal representation ensures that you have access to accurate records and can navigate the bureaucratic hurdles with confidence.

By working with io.citizen, you can save time and reduce stress, increasing your chances of a successful citizenship application. Our comprehensive packages provide a practical solution for individuals seeking to obtain Italian citizenship efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, finding your ancestor’s comune is a crucial first step in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship. Conducting thorough research using US sources, online tools, and Italian databases can help you gather the necessary information.

Establishing direct contact with comunes in Italy and overcoming common challenges with the help of specialized services can further streamline the process.

By utilizing comprehensive services from consultancies like io.citizen, you can navigate the complexities of the application process with confidence and achieve your goal of becoming an Italian citizen.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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