Italian citizenship not only reconnects you with your heritage but also opens the door to significant personal, professional, and mobility benefits. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down the primary routes to becoming an Italian citizen, including citizenship by descent, citizenship through marriage, and citizenship by residency.
Italian citizenship by descent
Italian citizenship by descent is regulated by Law 91/1992 and updated by Decree‑Law 36/2025, later converted into Law 74/2025, which significantly narrowed who can file an application. Today, recognition is possible only when very specific lineage and citizenship conditions are met. Below is a clear overview of the current routes available.
Administrative consulate route — Available only to applicants who meet the strict new legal criteria:
- Born in Italy to an Italian parent, or
- Hold only Italian citizenship and cannot claim another, or
- Were already recognized as Italian (administratively or judicially) by March 27, 2025, or
- Have a parent or grandparent who held only Italian citizenship at the time of their death, or
- Have a parent who lived in Italy for two consecutive years after becoming Italian and before the applicant’s birth.
This route now applies only to children and grandchildren of Italian citizens. The process of Italian citizenship recognition can take up to four years, depending on the complexity of your case. For more information, check official sources.
Judicial route in Italy — There have been challenges to the constitutionality of Law 74/2025, but their outcome remains uncertain. We recommend this route only for applicants who meet the current legal requirements.
Residency‑based confirmation — If one the applicant’s parents lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years after becoming an Italian citizen and before the applicant’s birth or adoption, this residency can serve as a qualifying basis for recognition.
Italian citizenship through maternal lineage
For those with Italian-born female ancestors, eligibility requires the child to be born after January 1, 1948. For example, if your grandmother was born in Italy in 1920 and emigrated to the US without naturalizing, and your father was born after 1948, you can apply administratively. However, if your father was born before 1948, you may need to seek judicial assistance.
Italian citizenship by marriage
Spouses of Italian citizens can apply after three years of marriage, or 18 months if they have children. The period is reduced for residents in Italy to two years, or one year with children.
Italian citizenship for minor children
Before May 24, 2025, children born abroad to an Italian parent could be recognized as Italian as long as the parent registered their birth before age 18, and even adults could still qualify if their Italian‑born parent maintained citizenship until their birth.
Under Law 74/2025, minor children born abroad can still be recognized as Italian “from birth” in limited situations, such as when a parent holds only Italian citizenship, when a dual‑citizen parent lived in Italy for two consecutive years before the child’s birth, or when a grandparent held only Italian citizenship at the time of the child’s birth and the parent was also Italian. In these cases, the traditional jure sanguinis process still applies without the need for a formal declaration or the €250 fee, though supporting documents—like the child’s birth certificate and proof of the parent’s or grandparent’s citizenship or residency—must still be provided.
Required Documents for italian citizenship
The documentation needed includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residency, and any relevant legal records. Each route may require additional specific documents. For more information, head to this webpage.
European passport strength
The Italian passport is one of the world’s most powerful travel documents, offering visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to 161 countries as of June 2024 and enabling smooth global mobility for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Beyond travel benefits, Italian citizenship grants the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union and allows participation in local and European Parliament elections in any EU country of residence.
Italian dual citizenship
Italy’s Law No. 91, enacted on August 15, 1992, marked a significant change by allowing dual citizenship. This law enables Italians to hold citizenship in another country without forfeiting their Italian nationality.
Costs of Italian citizenship
The average cost for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent
When opting for assistance from specialized agencies, can range significantly. The estimate for a process involving at least 4 people is a minimum of US$3,000.00 (remember to convert to your local currency) per person on the entire application, which includes records, translations, apostilles (if required), service fees (registration fee of $703.10, but it may vary) and other services. However, for a comprehensive turnkey service, the average cost can vary, depending on the complexity of your case, the number of people involved, and the number of generations involved.
Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the issuing authority and the specific requirements of your case, such as the number of documents needed and their translations and apostilles.
Costs for the process of obtaining Italian citizenship by marriage
The process of obtaining Italian citizenship by marriage involves several costs. The application fee is €250, which is paid to the Italian Ministry of Interior. This fee does not include additional expenses such as the cost of obtaining a passport and the revenue stamp, which are required during the application process.
In addition to the application fee, there are other costs to consider:
- Passport issuance fees: Italy charges a €73.50 administrative fee for issuing ordinary passports, added to the existing €42.50 passport cost, while eliminating both the issuance tax and the annual passport tax—changes that also apply to temporary and group passports.
- Document search: Obtaining necessary documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and translations can incur costs.
- Italian language test: A B1 level Italian language proficiency certificate is required, which may involve fees for the language course and the test itself.
It’s important to note that these costs are estimates and can fluctuate based on individual circumstances and requirements.
Costs for Italian citizenship by residency (administrative route)
You must consider several costs involved:
- Application Fee: There is no specific fee for citizenship by descent through residency, but general application fees may apply.
- Residency Costs: Living expenses in Italy, which include housing, utilities, food, and other daily costs.
- Legal and Professional Fees: Hiring a lawyer or agency to assist with the process can incur significant fees, depending on the complexity of your case.
- Document search: Costs for obtaining and translating necessary documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates.
- Miscellaneous Fees: Additional costs may include notary fees, apostille fees, and any travel expenses incurred during the process.
The total cost can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, such as the duration of the residency period and the level of professional assistance required.
New governmental body
Responsibility for adult citizenship applications will shift from Italian consulates to a new central office within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs starting in 2029, while consulates will handle only cases involving minor children of already recognized Italians. During the transition, annual caps will limit how many applications consulates and the new office may accept, likely tightening waiting lists and making early submission advisable. Applications must be filed exclusively by postal mail, processing times will extend to 36 months, and communication will occur electronically. The reform also restructures AIRE into a unified national registry and updates rules for passports and ID cards for Italians living abroad.
Embark on your journey
Choose Excellence in Italian Citizenship Assistance. Embarking on the journey to Italian citizenship is a significant step that requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of complex legal procedures.
By choosing io.citizen’s assistance, you’re not just hiring experts; you’re gaining partners who are committed to the success of your application.
Our team of seasoned professionals ensure that every document is accurately prepared and every step of the process is navigated with precision. We pride ourselves on providing personalized service, tailored to your unique case, and we’re dedicated to making your dream of Italian citizenship a reality.
With our assistance, you can rest assured that your application is in capable hands, allowing you to look forward to your new life as an Italian citizen with confidence and ease.