Why did the Renaissance began in Italy: Photo of the interior of St.Peter's Basilica.
Before the flourishing of the Renaissance, Italy was a fragmented mosaic of city-states, each with its own government, economy, and cultural identity. The collapse of centralized imperial authority after the fall of the Western Roman Empire left the peninsula divided, paving the way for regional powers like Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples to rise.
Buying property in Italy: photo of the fields and farm houses in the province of Pavia, near Milan
Italy has long captivated foreign buyers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and enviable lifestyle. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily, the country offers a wide range of properties that appeal to retirees, investors, and lifestyle seekers alike.
Photo of Ponte Vecchio, showing a lot of tourists visiting
The Ponte Vecchio, meaning “Old Bridge” in Italian, is one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks and a living testament to the city’s medieval heritage. Spanning the Arno River, it is the oldest bridge in Florence, originally constructed in 1218. The current structure was rebuilt in 1345 after a devastating flood destroyed its predecessor.
Italian culinary traditions: Photo of an Italian chef preparing a dish
In Italy, food is a way of life. From bustling city markets to quiet village kitchens, the act of preparing and sharing a meal is deeply woven into the fabric of Italian culture. It reflects not only regional identity and historical legacy but also the social values that bind families and communities together.
The Italian language: Photo of a woman in florence writing notes in a park
The Italian language has undergone a long and intricate evolution, beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. During the height of Roman rule, Latin was the lingua franca—the common language imposed across the vast territories of the Empire while the spoken language of the general population evolved into various vernaculars
What is Jus Soli and how it works in different countries: Photo of the Italian flag in Rome
The concept of jus soli, Latin for “right of the soil,” refers to the legal principle that grants citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality. Jus soli reflects a nation’s commitment to inclusivity and territorial sovereignty. It ensures that individuals born on national soil are recognized as citizens from birth, often with full access to rights and protections.
Renouncing Italian citizenship: Side view of the The Colosseum in Rome
Summary

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.

Common reasons for renunciation include the desire to fully integrate into a new country, avoid mandatory military service, or comply with the laws of another country that does not allow dual citizenship.

Additionally, some individuals may choose to renounce their Italian citizenship to simplify their legal and tax obligations.

Legal procedures for renouncing Italian citizenship

Renouncing Italian citizenship requires completing several legal steps and submitting specific documents. This process can be initiated either at an Italian consulate in the United States or through the relevant authorities in Italy.

Essential documents include an original Italian birth certificate issued by the municipality of birth, proof of residence in the consular district (such as utility bills), evidence of possessing another citizenship (e.g., a valid U.S. passport or foreign naturalization certificate), Italian ID documents, and a receipt of payment for the €250 fee.

To start the renunciation process, it is necessary to book an appointment with the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over the state of residence abroad or with an Italian municipality if living in Italy.

During the appointment, applicants must present the required documents and formally declare their intention to renounce their citizenship in the presence of an official from the statistics office (Anagrafe) or an authorized consular or diplomatic official.

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Renouncing Italian citizenship has significant consequences that affect an individual’s civil and political rights, as well as their access to social benefits and public services in Italy. One of the most immediate impacts is the loss of the right to vote in Italian elections.

This means that individuals who renounce their citizenship can no longer participate in the democratic process in Italy, including voting for local, regional, and national representatives.

Additionally, renouncing Italian citizenship can affect an individual’s access to social benefits and public services provided by the Italian government. These services include healthcare, education, and social security benefits. Without Italian citizenship, individuals may no longer be eligible for these benefits, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

What to do if your relative renounced their citizenship

Under Italian Law No. 74/2025, applicants must demonstrate that their Italian relative—whether a parent or grandparent—held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.

If a relative has renounced their Italian citizenship, it is important to understand how this decision affects your own citizenship status and eligibility. According to Italian law, Italian citizens who naturalized as citizens of a foreign country before August 15, 1992, automatically renounced their Italian citizenship, whether they were aware of it or not.

This means that if your Italian-born parent, or grandparent, voluntarily naturalized as a citizen of another country between June 14, 1912, and August 15, 1992, they would have renounced their Italian citizenship and would be ineligible to pass it on to future generations by the principle of jus sanguinis.

In some cases, specific circumstances may lead to automatic loss of citizenship, such as voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces of a foreign government, accepting a government post with a foreign state, serving during a state of war with a foreign country, or having an adoption revoked by fault of their own.

It is important to seek professional advice to navigate these complexities and explore your options.

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Reacquiring Italian citizenship

If someone has renounced their Italian citizenship or lost it due to specific circumstances, there are conditions under which they can reacquire it. Individuals born in Italy who gave up their citizenship by acquiring another country’s citizenship before August 16, 1992, can regain Italian citizenship by establishing residency in Italy for a period, which could range from two months to a year.

Applicants must set up residency in their local Comune and then submit their application in person.

It is important to note that the process of reacquiring Italian citizenship can be complex and may require professional assistance. Specialized consultancies like io.citizen can provide invaluable support by guiding individuals through the necessary steps, gathering and preparing documentation, and representing them in legal proceedings.

By working with experienced professionals, individuals can increase their chances of successfully reacquiring Italian citizenship and reestablishing their connection with Italy.

By understanding the process of renouncing and reacquiring Italian citizenship, individuals can make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to secure their legal status and connection to Italy.

Whether through careful preparation, professional assistance, or exploring alternative routes, the path to Italian citizenship is attainable for those who are dedicated to achieving it.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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