Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italian Citizenship by Descent – Important Legal Updates in 2024 and 2025

Recent legislative changes have significantly altered the eligibility criteria for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). These updates, effective from October 2024 and March 28, 2025, introduce new generational limits and additional requirements for applicants.​

🇮🇹 Important Update: As of March 28, 2025, eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent is limited to individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy. ​

Why Pursue Italian Citizenship?

🌍 European Union Benefits – Live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries.

✈️ Italian Passport – Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide.

🛂 Dual Citizenship – Italy permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your current nationality.

Key Changes in Italian Citizenship Law

October 2024 Update: Minor Age Issue

In October 2024, the Italian Ministry of the Interior issued Circular No. 43347, clarifying that:

• If an Italian parent voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship before their child reached the age of majority (21 before March 9, 1975; 18 after), the child automatically lost Italian citizenship.
• This loss interrupts the transmission of citizenship to future generations.

📌 Note: This interpretation affects consular and comune-based applications. Court-based petitions may still succeed.

March 28, 2025 Update: Generational Limits & Bond Requirement

Decree-Law No. 36/2025, effective March 28, 2025, brought further restrictions:

• 📉 Generational Limit: Only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy are eligible.
• 🤝 Effective Bond: Applicants must show a real connection to Italy, such as cultural ties or recent visits/residency.
• 📝 Stricter Documentation: Sworn statements are no longer sufficient—full civil documentation is required.

3-Step Process to Italian Citizenship by Descent

✅ Step 1: Gather Required Documents – Collect all necessary documentation proving your direct Italian lineage.

✅ Step 2: Apply for Citizenship Recognition – Submit your application through the appropriate Italian consulate or municipality.

✅ Step 3: Obtain Your Italian Passport – Once citizenship is recognized, apply for your Italian passport.

Eligibility Criteria

✔️ Direct Ancestry: You have a parent or grandparent who was born in Italy.

✔️ No Interruption in Citizenship: Your Italian-born ancestor did not naturalize in another country before the birth of the next generation.​

✔️ Effective Bond with Italy: Demonstrate a tangible connection to Italy, such as residency or cultural ties. ​

✔️ Clean Legal Record: No criminal record or pending legal proceedings.​

Required Documentation

📄 Application Form – Completed and signed.

📸 Passport Photos – Recent and compliant with Italian passport standards.

🛂 Valid Passport – Copy of your current passport.

📄 Birth Certificates – Your original birth certificate and those of your Italian parent or grandparent.

📄 Marriage Certificates – If applicable, your marriage certificate and that of your Italian ancestor.

📄 Death Certificates – If applicable, for deceased ancestors.

📜 Naturalization Records – Documentation showing your Italian ancestor's naturalization status.

🧾 Criminal Background Check – From your country of residence.

Need Help Finding Your Ancestor’s Records?

We specialize in genealogical research for Italian citizenship applications. If you're missing key documents—such as your ancestor's birth or marriage certificate—we can help locate them through civil and church archives across Italy.

🔍 Our genealogical service includes:
✔️ Ancestry verification
✔️ Searches in Italian municipal and parish records
✔️ Retrieval of civil registrations from the 1800s to present
✔️ Certified copies ready for apostille and translation

👉 Click here to learn more about our Genealogical Research service

Important Notes

📌 Document Authentication: All documents must be certified, apostilled, and translated into Italian by a certified translator.​

📌 Application Venue: Submit your application at the Italian consulate corresponding to your place of residence.​

📌 Processing Time: Due to recent changes, processing times may vary; consult with the consulate for current estimates.​

Our Services Include:

✔ Comprehensive Application Assistance – Guidance through every step of the application process.

✔ Document Procurement – Assistance in obtaining necessary documents from Italian and foreign authorities.

✔ Legal Counseling – Expert advice to ensure compliance with current Italian citizenship laws.

✔ Translation and Certification – Professional translation and certification of all required documents.

✔ Consulate Liaison – Coordination with Italian consulates and municipalities on your behalf.

Begin Your Italian Citizenship Journey Today

Navigating the updated Italian citizenship laws can be complex. Our experienced team is here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the process.

🔹 Begin your Italian citizenship by descent application 🔹

Reconnect with your Italian heritage and enjoy the numerous benefits of Italian and EU citizenship.

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