Italian Citizenship by Descent: An Authoritative Guide
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Contents
- What is Italian Citizenship by Descent?
- Benefits of Italian Citizenship
- Who Can Still Qualify Under the New 2025 Rules?
- What Changed on March 28, 2025?
- Who Can Qualify?
- Sample Lines of Ancestry that May Qualify You
- Why is January 1, 1948 Important?
- Documents Needed for Italian Citizenship by Descent
- Where can you get birth certificates?
- Can you apply if your ancestor comes from a former Italian colony that's now independent?
- The Application Process (Major Changes in 2025)
- The Fees
- Alternative Options for Those No Longer Eligible
- Residency-Based Citizenship
- Upcoming Referendum
- Common Mistakes and Troubles
- Document Problems
- Bureaucratic Issues
- Find out if you qualify
- FAQs
Italian citizenship by descent allows you to claim Italian citizenship through your ancestry. Over the years, we’ve helped a number of clients through this process. It’s very popular because it lets you get one of the world’s best travel documents virtually for free.
But that’s not to say it’s easy.
You have to deal with foreign government officials who have a lot of discretion to delay or even deny your case if you don’t do things right.
But if you succeed, it gives a lifetime of benefit — the right to live and work in Italy or any EU country, a great travel document, and a great option if you ever want to leave the US.
This article will give you a solid overview of how Italian citizenship by descent works, how to find out if you qualify, and how to proceed if you do.
What is Italian Citizenship by Descent?
Italian citizenship by descent, or “jure sanguinis” (right of blood), allows you to obtain Italian citizenship if you have Italian ancestors.
If your ancestor was born in Italy and did not renounce their Italian citizenship before your birth, you might qualify.
Benefits of Italian Citizenship
- A great second passport: Italian citizenship provides one of the best travel documents, allowing visa-free or visa on arrival access to more than 190 countries.
- Automatic right to live and work in the EU: Gain the automatic right to live and work in any EU country.
- Preferential access to Switzerland: Switzerland is known as a stable and secure place to live. Normally, however, it’s very difficult to get residency in unless you have a high net worth. EU citizens have preferential access that bypasses the normally high barriers to qualify.
- Easier to set up banking relationships: Having an Italian citizenship will make it easier to set up banking relationships in Italy, especially if you establish other connections there (like buying a property, for example.) It can also make it easier to open accounts in other EU countries.
- A good Plan B citizenship: Italian/EU citizenship serves as an excellent backup if push comes to shove here in the US.
- Dual Citizenship: Italy allows dual citizenship. So does the US. That means you can get an Italian passport without having to give up your American one.
Who Can Still Qualify Under the New 2025 Rules?
To qualify under the new rules effective March 28, 2025, you must meet these specific criteria:
New Eligibility Requirements:
- You have an Italian parent born in Italy, OR
- You have an Italian grandparent born in Italy, OR
- You have an Italian parent who resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before your birth.
Protected Applications: The previous citizenship eligibility rules will apply if:
- You submitted your application to an Italian consulate or Italian municipality by 11:59 p.m. Rome time on March 27th.
- You filed an Italian court case by 11:59 p.m. Rome time on March 27th.
Other Conditions that Still Apply: Your ancestor must not have renounced Italian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant. Special rules may apply to those born before 1948 or in specific cases involving naturalization.
Adoption: A person may be adopted into a family line by an Italian parent or by a parent who has the right to Italian citizenship.
What Changed on March 28, 2025?
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government enacted Decree-Law No. 36, introducing significant restrictions on Italian citizenship by descent.
The Previous Rules
Previously, anyone who could prove they had an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861 (when Italy unified) could potentially claim citizenship, with no generational limits.
The New Restrictions
However, the new law restricts automatic citizenship recognition to:
- Those who have an Italian parent (or adoptive parent) who was born in Italy.
- Those who have an Italian parent (or adoptive parent) who resided in Italy for two consecutive years prior to your birth or adoption.
- Those who have an Italian grandparent who was born in Italy.
Who Can Qualify?
To qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet specific criteria:
Ancestor Requirements: Your ancestor must have been born in Italy or an Italian colony, held Italian citizenship, and been born or still alive after Italy became a unified country in 1861.
Generational Limits: There are no generational limits, but you must prove an unbroken chain of citizenship.
Specific Conditions: Your ancestor must not have renounced Italian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant. Special rules may apply to those born before 1948 or in specific cases involving naturalization.
Adoption: A person may be adopted into a family line by an Italian parent or by a parent who has the right to Italian citizenship.
Meeting these criteria ensures you can apply for Italian citizenship by descent.
Sample Lines of Ancestry that May Qualify You
STILL QUALIFY:
Father Born in Italy: Your father was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your birth, or he was born in the US but is now Italian and registered with the Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero, the “Registry of Italians Resident Abroad.”
Mother Born in Italy: Your mother was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your birth, or she was born in the US but is now Italian and registered with Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero, the “Registry of Italians Resident Abroad”. You were born after January 1, 1948.
Paternal Grandfather Born in Italy: Your father was born in the US, your paternal grandfather was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your father’s birth.
Maternal Grandfather Born in Italy: Your mother was born in the US, your maternal grandfather was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your mother’s birth. You were born after January 1, 1948.
Paternal Grandmother Born in Italy: Your father was born in the US, your paternal grandmother was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your father’s birth. Your father was born after January 1, 1948.
Maternal Grandmother Born in Italy: Your mother was born in the US, your maternal grandmother was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen at your mother’s birth. Your mother was born after January 1, 1948.
NO LONGER QUALIFY (as of March 28, 2025):
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Great-grandparent scenarios: Any qualification through great-grandparents or earlier generations is no longer valid under the new rules for applications filed after March 27, 2025.
Why is January 1, 1948 Important?
You may be wondering why the start of 1948 is important. That marks the date when Italy’s constitution granted women equal rights to pass on citizenship.
Before this date, only men could pass citizenship to their children. Thus, individuals born before January 1, 1948, could claim Italian citizenship only through their paternal line.
Those born on or after this date can claim citizenship through either parent, making the process fairer and more inclusive.
That said, there have been numerous court cases where individuals have successfully argued that to deny them citizenship based on having the “wrong” Italian parent is discriminatory. But it is still officially the law.
Documents Needed for Italian Citizenship by Descent
To apply for this program, you’ll need:
Birth Certificates: Your birth certificate and those of your Italian ancestor, as well as everyone in between.
Marriage Certificates: Marriage certificates of relevant ancestors.
Divorce judgments: If applicable, final judgment of divorce of relevant ancestors.
Death Certificates: If applicable, death certificates of ancestors.
Naturalization Records: Proof that your ancestor did not renounce Italian citizenship before the next descendant’s birth.
Documents not already in Italian will need to be translated. All documents will need to be apostilled, something a legal professional does to confirm a document is authentic.
Depending on how many generations back you need to go, you will need to provide documentation for every link in the chain. For some, that means a lot of documents.
Where can you get birth certificates?
If you don’t have your ancestor’s birth certificate, you will need to go to the village, town, or city hall of birth to collect it. In larger cities, the process can be a little easier. In small villages, not so much.
When we work with clients whose ancestors came from a small village, it’s not uncommon for us to hire a lawyer on the ground who will then call, mail, and physically send someone to the relevant office to collect the desired birth certificate.
Can you apply if your ancestor comes from a former Italian colony that's now independent?
Here it can get a bit dicey. If you have your ancestor’s original birth certificate in Italian, then yes. If you don’t, you would have to apply to the government of their place of birth. However, because the birth certificate would be issued from a place that isn’t Italy anymore, it would not be recognized by Italy for this program.
In that case, you must try and trace the family tree back even further to an ancestor born within the borders of modern-day Italy.
The Application Process (Major Changes in 2025)
Consular Processing Suspended
Italian consulates worldwide have temporarily suspended:
- All appointments for the submission of documentation related to citizenship recognition procedures.
- The scheduling of new appointments through the booking portal.
- Registration for waiting lists for submitting citizenship applications.
- Acceptance of applications sent by post and received after 11:59 pm on March 27, 2025.
New Centralized System Being Developed
Italian consulates in other countries will no longer process citizenship applications. Instead, all applications will be processed centrally – online – by the federal government in Italy.
In-person interviews will become mandatory, meaning that citizenship applicants must travel to Italy as part of the process.
Note: The centralized system is still being implemented, and a transitional period of about one year will be allowed for the organization of the office.
Here’s the basic process:
#1: Gather Documents
Collect birth, marriage, and death certificates, plus naturalization records. You will need to apostille and translate any documents not already in Italian, to Italian.
This is the hardest part of the whole process and, although it is something you can do on your own, we do not recommend it.
#2: Wait for New System
Applicants who wish to apply for Italian citizenship by descent will be able to make an appointment online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation‘s online system once it becomes operational.
#3: Travel to Italy
All applicants must travel to Italy for mandatory in-person interviews as part of the new process.
#4: Receive Confirmation
Once approved, you will receive confirmation of your Italian citizenship.
#5: Apply for your Passport
Once your citizenship has been formally recognized, you can apply for your Italian passport.
For Protected Applications
If you submitted your application before March 28, 2025, your case continues under the previous system through the consulate where you applied.
The consulates have specific days of the week when they will process citizenship by descent applications. It is by appointment only. There is an online process you must complete to schedule an appointment.
The other option is to apply in Italy. In a nutshell, you fly to Italy and submit your application. You will then be given permission to stay in the country while the application is processed.
The process itself is much quicker and can be done in 2-3 months. The big drawback is that, if you apply this way, you will be given residency. And with residency means having to pay taxes on your income; potentially at a much higher rate than in the US.
The Fees
Applying for Italian citizenship by descent involves several types of fees:
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Document Preparation and Guidance: Fees for professional services to help gather and prepare necessary documents. You can try to do this on your own, but we don’t recommend it. These vary widely from provider to provider. However, you do get what you pay for. We’ve found the best value for money working with professionals who are slightly above average priced, but not the highest.
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Translation: Costs for translating documents into Italian and obtaining the required apostilles.
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Government Fees: As of January 1, 2025, the consular fees related to applications for the recognition of Italian citizenship by adult applicants have been increased from €300 to €600 per application. Minor children are included under their parent’s application for no additional fee.
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Travel Costs: The new mandatory travel to Italy for interviews adds expense that wasn’t required under the previous system.
What we do is to get a sense of your case and then give you a fixed-fee quote on how much it will cost to process your application.
Alternative Options for Those No Longer Eligible
If you no longer qualify under the new rules, several options remain:
Residency-Based Citizenship
Non-EU citizens can apply for citizenship after 10 years of legal residency.
As of 2025, those applying for Italian citizenship by residency need to provide proof of taxable income for all years of residency, and must have a minimum annual income of €8,263 (around $9,360) for those without children and €11,362 ($12,870) plus an additional €516 ($585) per child for those with children.
Applicants must also pass an Italian language exam and prove they have no criminal convictions in every country they’ve lived in.
People applying for citizenship through ancestry, on the other hand, currently do not need to pass a language exam or prove income.
Upcoming Referendum
On June 8 and 9, Italians will vote in a referendum on a proposal to change Italy’s rules on citizenship by residency.
The referendum, which is predicted to fail and which the government does not support, would halve the requirement from 10 years to 5 years.
But if it does not pass, it could be followed by another referendum, which, if passed, would increase the requirement to 12 years of legal residency.
Italy Investment Visa Options for Americans
The Italy investment visa program may not offer the most popular “Golden Visa” option. But maybe it’s right for you?
Here’s the full story: Italy Investment Visa.
Common Mistakes and Troubles
Any process that stretches over decades (or even centuries in the case of Italian citizenship by descent) can present several challenges. Here are the most common ones we see.
Document Problems
Missing or incorrect documents can cause delays in your application. It’s crucial to gather all necessary records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, and ensure they are accurate. These documents must be apostilled and translated into Italian. There cannot be ANY variation between names and birthdates for the same person throughout the documents.
(If there is, they can be addressed, but there’s an extra step.)
Not following the rules exactly can lead to rejection or long delays. Verifying that all documents are correct and complete will help avoid bureaucratic problems and speed up the process.
Bureaucratic Issues
Dealing with Italian bureaucracy can be challenging. The process can involve multiple steps and interactions with the consulate. (Although, if you do your paperwork correct the first time, you’ll only need one meeting). Patience is key.
That said, proper preparation and close attention to the appointment booking system used by the consulates will help you get this done faster.
To overcome these challenges, consider seeking professional assistance to streamline the process and ensure all requirements are met.
Find out if you qualify
When clients come to us for help getting a second citizenship, the first thing we do is to see if they qualify for a citizenship by ancestry program.
It’s been estimated that approximately 17 to 25 million Americans have Italian ancestry. That’s a lot of people who could possibly claim a second citizenship.
However, the March 2025 changes have significantly reduced the number who can qualify – now limited to those with Italian parents or grandparents.
If you have an Italian ancestor and would like to find out if this might be right for you, please get in touch with us to book a consultation with a Nestmann Associate to discuss your case.
FAQs
Who qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent under the new rules?
As of March 28, 2025, only those with Italian parents or grandparents born in Italy qualify for automatic recognition. Applications submitted before March 28, 2025, are still processed under the previous rules.
How many generations back can I go to claim citizenship?
Under the new rules, you can only go back two generations — parents and grandparents. Great-grandparents and beyond no longer qualify for applications filed after March 27, 2025.
What if I applied before March 28, 2025?
Applications submitted to Italian consulates, Italian municipalities, or Italian courts before 11:59 PM Rome time on March 27, 2025, are processed under the old rules with no generational limits.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need birth, marriage, and death certificates, plus naturalization records, all apostilled and translated. This has to be done for every link in the chain connecting you to your Italian ancestor.
How long does the application process take?
The process can take several months to a few years, depending on how you apply. The new centralized system’s timeline is not yet established.
Can I apply in Italy or only through the new centralized system?
All new applications will go through the centralized system with mandatory travel to Italy for interviews. The old consular system has been suspended for new applications.
Do I need to speak Italian to apply?
Speaking Italian is not required for the citizenship by descent application process. However, passing a language proficiency exam is now required for approval, unless you’re applying for citizenship through ancestry.
Can I include my children in the application?
Yes, you can include children in your application. If they are minors at the time of application, they can be included under your application. If the children are adults, they will need to officially apply on their own.
However, some consulates will allow all qualifying members of a family to apply at the same time. Each adult will have to pay an application fee of €600.
Can I include my spouse in my application?
If your spouse does not qualify on their own, it is possible for you to sponsor them under citizenship by marriage. You first need to secure your own Italian citizenship. Once you do, there’s another application process for them, which is different from the one you go through to claim citizenship by descent.
Note that there are more requirements for this one than claiming citizenship by descent, including the requirement to speak a basic-intermediate level of Italian.
What if my ancestor renounced their Italian citizenship?
If they renounced before the next generation’s birth, the chain has been broken and you will likely not qualify. However, there are sometimes special cases, so it’s worth a look.
Do I need an associate to apply?
Hiring an associate is not required but can simplify the process and help with challenges. There are also specialty services like ours with years of experience helping clients get a second citizenship. You can book a consultation with one of our Associates to learn more.
What are the main benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in the EU, visa-free travel in Schengen countries, and access to Italian healthcare and education (with residency).
How much does Italian citizenship by descent cost?
You will need to pay for various apostilles and translations, as well as a €600 fee for every adult application. Reputable services to guide you through the process can be anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 depending on the numbers of documents involved, the number of generations to be traced back, and where those documents are.
What's the difference between citizenship by ancestry and citizenship by descent?
They mean the same thing. “Citizenship by Descent” is more commonly used.
What if I no longer qualify under the new March 2025 rules?
Consider residency-based citizenship (requires 10 years in Italy), monitor constitutional challenges to the new law, or explore other EU citizenship options.
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