How Italy’s supreme court challenges government authority: photo of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome
Two key developments this past week signal a powerful, unambiguous message: the courts are keeping a close watch on legislation that could infringe fundamental rights. The most emblematic example is the challenge posed by the Cassazione—Italy’s Supreme Court—against the government’s Decreto Sicurezza (Security Decree).
Constitutional court of Italy examines limits on the right to citizenship: photo of the town hall of Aostra, the Hôtel de Ville
In a landmark case poised to reshape the future of Italian citizenship by descent, Italy’s Constitutional Court convened on June 24 to assess whether the long-standing principle of jus sanguinis—citizenship through bloodline without generational limits—stands on solid constitutional ground.
The role of the italian diaspora in global italian identity: Photo of a small city in Tuscany
The Italian diaspora refers to the vast movement of Italians to different parts of the world, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Millions of Italians left their homeland, seeking economic opportunities, escaping political turmoil, or following family networks abroad.
italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
What do I need to apply for Italian citizenship: photo of a couple watching the city of Florence from afar
Summary

Italian citizenship is a coveted status that denotes legal affiliation with Italy. Many people apply for Italian citizenship because it provides a myriad of benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Italy and the European Union. Italian citizenship can be obtained through various means such as descent, marriage, and naturalization.

For residents of the United States, Italian citizenship can hold special significance. Not only does it provide the practical benefits of European Union citizenship, but it also offers a deeper connection to one’s ancestry.

The opportunity to claim citizenship through descent allows individuals to honor their heritage and stay connected to their ancestral roots.

Basic requirements for when you apply for Italian citizenship

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, one must first establish eligibility. This method is available to individuals who have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy.

Alternatively, If one’s Italian parent–not grandparent–lived continuously in Italy for two years, they may also be eligible. It is also required that the Italian relative held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death. Citizenship through marriage or naturalization requires different processes and requirements.

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.

Here are the key documents needed for your application:

  • Birth certificates: Birth certificates for each family member starting from the applicant back to the Italian relative are crucial in demonstrating citizenship eligibility. These certificates must be official copies or extracts with full details pertaining to each birth.
     
  • Marriage certificates: If the Italian ancestor was married, marriage certificates provide a complete record of the legal union and help trace the lineage back through the Italian lineage.
     
  • Death certificates: The death certificates of ancestors are necessary to complete the documentation process. These records confirm the dates of death, which may be relevant for establishing timelines for citizenship transmission.
     

Other supporting documents, such as divorce judgments, naturalization certificates, and other legal records, may be required. All these documents must be translated into Italian and authenticated with an apostille.

Challenges in document gathering

Collecting all necessary documents accurately and in a timely manner can be a difficult task. Each ancestor’s country of residence and life events can influence the availability and complexity of obtaining these documents.

For instance, documents from certain countries may require additional steps or have specific archival processes. Moreover, ensuring that translations and apostilles are correctly done adds another layer of complexity to the process.

Given the complexities involved, it is ideal to consult a specialized company that focuses on Italian citizenship applications. These companies can provide tailored guidance, helping you navigate the document-gathering process efficiently.

Their expertise can prevent common mistakes and ensure that all documents meet the stringent requirements set by the Italian government.

How io.citizen can assist in your citizenship process

io.citizen is a specialized service provider that offers comprehensive assistance throughout the entire Italian citizenship application process.

Our services are designed to make the process more efficient and less stressful for applicants by providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.

Services offered by io.citizen:

  • Document Gathering: io.citizen assists in collecting all necessary documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and meet the requirements of the Italian government. Our team has experience in handling various types of documents and can help locate even the most challenging records.
     
  • Translations and Apostilles: The company provides professional translation services and ensures that all documents are appropriately authenticated with an apostille.
     
  • Genealogical Research: Expert genealogists at io.citizen can help trace your Italian lineage, providing detailed and verified family histories that support your citizenship application.
     
  • Legal Representation: For those needing to pursue their application through the judicial route, io.citizen offers experienced legal representation in Italian courts.
     
  • Application Submission and Follow-Up: io.citizen handles the entire application submission process, ensuring that all documents are submitted correctly and on time. We also provide ongoing follow-up and updates on the status of your application, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
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.

Why choose io.citizen?

First and foremost, choosing io.citizen means you’re opting for efficiency and expertise. Our comprehensive service package ensures that every aspect of your application is handled professionally, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays.

Additionally, our support extends beyond just the documentation; we offer personalized guidance tailored to your specific case, ensuring that you understand each step of the process.

For clients residing in the USA or other English-speaking regions, io.citizen provides multilingual support in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. This ensures clear communication and understanding, making the process smoother and more accessible.

Our services are not just about compliance but also about making the journey to Italian citizenship more manageable and less daunting.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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