Italian citizenship by descent, also known as jus sanguinis, allows individuals to obtain Italian citizenship through their ancestral lineage. This means that if you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible to claim Italian citizenship.
The concept of jus sanguinis (right of blood) is rooted in the idea that citizenship can be passed down through generations, regardless of where one is born.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proof of ancestry: Documentation such as birth, marriage, and death certificates proving the connection to an Italian ancestor.
- Continuous lineage: Evidence that the lineage has not been interrupted by naturalization in another country before the birth of the next descendant. For this, you will need a certificate of non-naturalization.
Principle of jus sanguinis
Jus Sanguinis, meaning “right of blood” in Latin, is a principle where a child inherits their parents’ nationality or citizenship, no matter where they are born. This legal concept was recognized as early as Italy’s Civil Code of 1865, establishing the idea that citizenship passes through bloodlines. Italy continues to embrace this principle as a way for descendants of Italian ancestors to reconnect with their heritage and obtain Italian citizenship.
Historical context
The Italian nationality laws have evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal values and governance. Notably, Law No. 555 of 1912 played a significant role in defining citizenship rules before being superseded by Law No. 91 of 1992.
The latter introduced more inclusive policies, allowing for dual citizenship and broadening the scope of who could claim citizenship by descent.
Maternal Lineage Citizenship (1948 Rule)
The 1948 Rule for Italian citizenship through great-grandparents applies to cases where citizenship was interrupted due to Italy’s ancient laws. If your closest Italian ancestor was a woman who gave birth to the next descendant before January 1, 1948, the descendant would not inherit Italian citizenship, thereby affecting your eligibility.
In 1983, the Consiglio di Stato (Council of State) granted women equal rights to transmit Italian citizenship, enabling individuals born to Italian women after 1948 to inherit this right. Later, in 2009, the Italian Court of Cassation expanded these rights, allowing individuals born before 1948 to claim citizenship through maternal lines—provided they pursue this through the judicial system.
Therefore, to be eligible for Italian citizenship through maternal lineage, you must provide documentation proving the maternal line of descent, and the only route of application for such cases involves filing a legal petition in an Italian court.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Documentation and proof
Proving Italian ancestry involves gathering various documents, including:
- Birth, marriage and death certificates of the Italian ancestor and subsequent generations.
- Naturalization records, if applicable, to confirm that the ancestor did not renounce their Italian citizenship or, if they did naturalize, that it occurred after the birth of the next descendant in the lineage.
Costs of obtaining citizenship by descent
Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent involves several costs, including:
- Document acquisition: Costs for obtaining birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Translations: Professional translation of documents into Italian.
- Legal fees: Fees for legal assistance and representation.
- Consular fees: A fixed application fee of €600.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applicants often make common mistakes during the citizenship process. Here are some errors to avoid:
- Incomplete documentation: Ensure all required documents are gathered and properly authenticated.
- Missed appointments: Confirm consular appointments and arrive on time to avoid delays.
- Lack of legal assistance: Consider hiring a specialist to navigate complex cases, especially for the 1948 Rule.
Applying for Italian citizenship online
Applying for Italian citizenship online offers a streamlined process for many applicants. Individuals can begin the process by booking an appointment at the local consulate through the Prenot@mi platform.
Although the application starts online, most of it must be completed in person. Here are the steps to follow:
- Initial Assessment: Determine eligibility based on ancestral lineage.
- Documentation Gathering: Collect essential documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Online Booking: Schedule an appointment at the consulate using the Prenot@mi platform.
- In-Person Submission: Attend the consular appointment to submit the application and documentation.
- Follow-Up: Track the progress of the application and address any issues that arise.
Other Forms of Citizenship
In addition to citizenship by descent, there are other methods to obtain Italian citizenship, each with its own time requirements, costs, and key requirements. Spouses of Italian citizens, for instance, are entitled to apply for Italian citizenship after three years of marriage if living abroad and two years if residing in Italy.
This period is halved if the couple has children. It is also important to highlight that Italy recognizes same-sex marriage. The process duration varies by location, and applicants must demonstrate B1 level Italian proficiency. Marriage to an Italian citizen grants the right to live in Italy, and non-Italian spouses can obtain a “Carta di Soggiorno” without needing Italian citizenship.
Another route to obtain Italian citizenship is by residing in Italy legally and continuously for at least ten years (with reduced periods for EU citizens, refugees, adoptees, and descendants of Italians). Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, a clean criminal record, and proficiency in Italian at the B1 level.
The application process involves gathering necessary documents, submitting the application online, scheduling an interview with the local municipality, and waiting for the result. Once approved, applicants must swear allegiance to the Italian Republic to receive their citizenship certificate.
Here’s a summary of the three most relevant routes to Italian citizenship:
| Method | Time Required | Cost | Key Requirement |
| By Descent | 2-5 years | €600-€3,000+ | Proof of ancestry |
| By Marriage | 1-4 years | €200 – €800 | Valid marriage and Italian language B1 proficiency certificate |
| By Residency | 10+ years | €2,000+ | Continuous residency and Italian language B1 proficiency certificate |
Italian Dual Citizenship Benefits
Italian dual citizenship provides numerous benefits:
- Visa-free travel: Experience the freedom to roam across the European Union without the hassle of obtaining visas. Embrace the opportunity to explore the continent for professional development and educational advancement.
- Family connection: Reconnect with your ancestral roots and preserve your heritage for future generations.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
FAQ
Can I get Italian citizenship if my ancestor naturalized?
Yes, you can still obtain Italian citizenship if your ancestor naturalized in another country, provided that the naturalization occurred after the birth of the next descendant in the lineage.
How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship?
The process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the route chosen (consular vs. judicial).
Is dual citizenship allowed?
Yes, Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Italian citizenship alongside another nationality.
How to obtain Italian citizenship through ancestry?
To obtain Italian citizenship through ancestry, gather the necessary documentation proving your lineage, book an appointment at the local consulate, and submit your application.
Do I need to speak Italian to apply by descent?
No, proficiency in Italian is not required for citizenship by descent, but it is beneficial for integrating into Italian society.
Can I pass Italian citizenship to my children?
Yes, once you obtain Italian citizenship, you can pass it on to your children and future generations.
What’s the fastest way to get Italian citizenship?
The fastest way to obtain Italian citizenship is typically through the judicial process, as it can bypass the lengthy consular wait times.
