Italian citizenship loophole: what are the special circumstances of Italian citizenship?

Italian citizenship in Seattle: Aerial photo of Seattle's skyline by the sunset
The interest in obtaining Italian citizenship among U.S. residents has been steadily growing. This increased interest is largely driven by the multiple benefits associated with holding an Italian passport. For those living in the United States, particularly in a dynamic and diverse city like Seattle, dual citizenship offers a gateway to a wealth of opportunities.
How to apply for italian citizenship in Australia: Aerial photo of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
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.” This principle allows individuals to apply for Italian citizenship through their ancestors. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an unbroken line of descent from an Italian ancestor.
Renouncing Italian citizenship: Side view of the The Colosseum in Rome
Renouncing Italian citizenship means voluntarily giving up one’s status as an Italian citizen. This process is often pursued by individuals who have acquired or are planning to acquire citizenship in another country and do not wish to maintain dual citizenship.
italian citizenship by descent in Australia: Photo of the Opera House in Sydney
For many Australian residents, obtaining Italian citizenship is not just a way to reconnect with their heritage but also a strategic move to enhance their future prospects. Dual citizenship provides the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Italy while enjoying the practical benefits associated with being a citizen of the European Union.
Italian citizenship in Florida: Photo of the Alhambra Towers office in Coral Gables
Italian citizenship, in particular, offers a range of advantages that appeal to many individuals, including access to European Union rights, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and opportunities for education and employment across Europe.
Italian americans: Photo of Little Italy, an Italian neighborhood in Boston
The history of Italian immigration to the United States dates back over a century and has left a lasting impact on the nation’s cultural fabric. Italian Americans are among the largest ethnic groups in the country, with millions of individuals identifying as descendants of Italian immigrants.
Italian citizenship loophole
Summary

When applying for Italian citizenship, the evidence of your family line is the most important part. 

Italian authorities must have no doubts of your legal right to claim it, and the key relies on the naturalization (or not) of the ancestor who migrated from Italy in the first place.

What is naturalization?

This term refers to whether your family member resigned or not to their Italian citizenship in order to become a citizen of the foster country. 

If your ancestor did not resign to italian citizenship, you are one step closer to claim yours. On the other hand, in case they did, do not panic! There might still be a way to achieve your italian dream and io.citizen can help you.

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.

The special circumstances of Italian citizenship

There are certain special cases that might give you the opportunity to still apply for Italian citizenship even though your ancestors renounced it back in the days.

One example of it will be in case your ancestor resigned their citizenship after giving birth to the person you are filing the claim through.

Other cases might include children whose parents acquire or re-acquire their citizenship while they were still under the age of 17. 

As you can see, the journey to Italian citizenship involves a lot of research, knowledge and patience. At io.citizen we count on several reliable professionals in two different countries that will assist you during the entire process.

1948 Rule and how it began

1948 was a meaningful year for Italian History. Prior to this moment, the only ones allowed to pass Italian citizenship through bloodline were men.

The updates on the Italian Constitution in 1948 pursued equality and gave women missing civil rights such as voting and transferring citizenship to their children.

1948 cases of dual citizenship

If you or one of your family members were born before 1948 and are attempting to claim your Italian citizenship through a female, you might file a motion to appeal to the 1948 Rule in court in Rome.

Even though the law has not been modified yet, this petition might give you the possibility to apply for dual citizenship by descendent bloodline. 

2009 law changes about italian citizenship

In 2009 new law changes were made in the italian law expanding the possibility to become italian citizens.

The key areas were:

  • Recognition of Jure Sanguinis, meaning the principle of claiming for italian citizenship through family line with no generational limit or gender restrictions.
  • Naturalization through marriage.
  • The length of permanency in Italian territory to claim citizenship through residence rights. 

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.

Reacquisition of italian citizenship

The expression reacquisition relates to those individuals that for different circumstances might have lost their Italian citizenship and are attempting to claim it back. 

In these cases, applicants must demonstrate a link to Italy by proof of residency, official documents and/or family line with enough evidence to convince the italian authorities.

Special circumstances of Italian citizenship examples

In case you are still have questions regarding your personal case, here are some examples to help you clarify a little more:

  •  If you have a male ancestor who resigned his Italian citizenship when migrating to a new country before having kids, you are still eligible to claim citizenship though the female who got naturalized by marriage, as long as the child was born prior to 1948.
  • If you have a female ancestor who married a non-Italian before 1922: back in the days, women were obligated to share citizenship with their husbands. Italian authorities now consider this rule obsolete and that female did not actually renounce her citizenship; therefore her descendants can request double citizenship.
  • If your main italian ancestor was a female but line continues with a female born before 1948: you are still able to apply for the 1948 rule and claim your rights as italian citizen.

But most important, do not hesitate to contact our specialist for one on one consultations. 

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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