Jus Sanguinis vs. Jus Solis

The Jus Sanguinis principle, derived from Latin, translates to “right of blood.” Under this principle, an individual acquires citizenship based on their ancestral lineage. In other words, if you have ancestors from a foreign country, you may be eligible for another citizenship. On the other hand, Jus Solis, which means “right of soil,” grants citizenship based solely on the place of birth. For instance, the United States and Canada follow jus solis, automatically granting citizenship to anyone born within their territories.

Jus Sanguinis in Italy

Jus Sanguinis citizenship is established through blood ties. If you have an Italian ancestor who immigrated and started a family, you are entitled to Italian citizenship by descent. The key requirement is proving your direct lineage to that Italian ancestor through civil registry documents. However, if the Italian ancestor naturalized as a foreign citizen before 1992, their descendants do not have the right to Italian citizenship recognition. Additionally, children born before January 1, 1948, to an Italian woman who married a foreigner are not eligible for recognition.

For more information about Italian citizenship requirements, click on this link.

Jus Solis in Italy

Italy does not recognize citizenship through Jus Soli. However, individuals born in Italy to non-Italian parents have the option to decide if they want to become Italian citizens. They have one year to make this decision upon turning 18, provided they have lived in Italy since birth. Additionally, if someone relocated abroad before turning 18, they can acquire Italian citizenship by returning to Italy for three years. Meeting residency requirements and demonstrating certified Italian language proficiency (at least B1 level) are essential for this process.

There is only one specific case in which Jus Soli applies in Italy. If a child is born in Italy with no known parents and without recognized citizenship, they have the right to Italian citizenship through jus soli.

The Advantage of Jus Sanguinis

Direct descendants of Italians have a significant advantage under Jus Sanguinis. They only need to prove their bloodline to claim Italian citizenship. Unlike jus solis, they don’t have to reside in Italy during the process. If you’re an Italian descendant, consider exploring your rights and advantages by contacting experts like io.citizenship! 

Here is summary of all the information:

• Jus Sanguinis, also known as “right of blood,” grants citizenship based on ancestry or descent.

• If you have Italian ancestors, you can claim Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis). This means that if your lineage includes an Italian-born ancestor, you may qualify for Italian citizenship.

• To prove eligibility, you must establish a direct bloodline connection with your Italian ancestor through civil registry documents (such as birth certificates).

• If your Italian ancestor naturalized as a citizen of another country before 1992, their descendants born after the naturalization decree do not have the right to Italian citizenship recognition.

• Children (or descendants) of Italian women who married foreigners and were born before January 1, 1948, do not have the right to recognition. However, there have been successful court trials in favor of those requiring Italian citizenship.

• Minors under 18 years old, whose parents are already Italian citizens, should be registered at the Consulate.

Conclusion

In summary, Jus Sanguinis connects citizenship to ancestry, while jus solis relies on the place of birth. Understanding these principles is key for those seeking Italian citizenship. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or considering a legal process, knowing your options empowers you to navigate the complexities of citizenship eligibility

If you find the Italian citizenship process overwhelming, consider seeking expert assistance, such as io.citizen. Our team of experts is ready to guide you to your long-awaited Italian citizenship. Count on io.citizen! Contact us today!