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

Photo of a person showing their Italian passport in front of the Colosseum
The Italian passport is not just a travel document; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities. As the official travel document for Italian citizens, it grants the holder unprecedented global access, including visa-free entry to numerous countries. This includes the United States, which allows Italian passport holders to visit for up to 90 days without a visa through the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program. More than a tool for travel, the Italian passport is a powerful symbol of belonging to the European Union (EU). It confers rights such as free movement and residency within EU member states.
Person on desk working on translation for Italian citizenship documents
Obtaining Italian citizenship is an intricate and detail-oriented process. One crucial aspect of this journey is ensuring that all documents submitted are accurately translated into Italian. This necessity rises from the requirement to have documents issued in other countries accepted by Italian authorities, ensuring they are understood and recognized without any issues. Translation for Italian citizenship is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle but a fundamental step in guaranteeing that your application is clear, complete, and compliant with Italian regulations.
Person working on documents for a federal apostille
An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of documents intended for use in international contexts. It’s essential for documents to be authenticated with an apostille when they are part of processes such as acquiring Italian citizenship. The apostille certifies that the document in question is legitimate and has been issued by the appropriate authority, thereby ensuring its acceptance by foreign institutions. This practice aligns with the Hague Convention of 1961, which established a simplified method of certifying documents for international use.
In the intricate journey of applying for Italian citizenship, accurate documentation emerges as a pivotal element. Italian authorities maintain stringent requirements to ensure that all names and dates on the documents presented align seamlessly. This consistency is crucial to verify the lineage and, consequently, the eligibility of the applicant. Whether pursuing citizenship through ancestry (jus sanguinis) or other routes, consistency in the documentation stands as a non-negotiable pillar. Any spelling discrepancies, particularly in the spelling of names, can pose significant challenges and hinder the application process.
Person holding documents for the certificate of naturalization
A Naturalization Certificate is a pivotal document in the process of applying for Italian citizenship by jus sanguinis, which translates to “right of blood.” This legal principle allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship through their ancestry, provided they meet specific criteria. A key part of this process is proving the citizenship status of one’s Italian ancestor, which is where the Naturalization Certificate comes into play. This document provides concrete evidence of whether and when an ancestor naturalized in another country, thus potentially losing their Italian citizenship.
Person holding documents of their Italian citizenship portfolio
The Italian Citizenship Portfolio is the meticulously organized collection of all necessary documents required to prove one’s right to Italian citizenship by descent. This portfolio plays a pivotal role in the recognition process, ensuring that all evidence is systematically presented. Keeping this portfolio comprehensive and well-organized not only mitigates the risk of delays but also significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful outcome. Recognizing the complexity and the high stakes involved in this process, it becomes evident why attention to detail and thorough preparation are paramount.
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.

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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.