Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): How to Apply 

Italian citizenship by descent, or Jure Sanguinis, allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim Italian citizenship. It is based on the principle that citizenship is passed down through direct lineage. In other words, if your parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen, you might be eligible. However, recent changes in Italian law have placed limits on this, especially for those whose ancestors became citizens of another country.

Having Italian citizenship has many benefits, including the right to live, work, and travel freely in Italy and across the EU. You’ll also gain access to Italy’s healthcare, education, and other services. While obtaining citizenship by descent is straightforward for many, factors like your ancestors’ birth dates or naturalization in another country can affect eligibility.

This article will explain everything you need to know to check if you’re eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, including the application steps, required documents, and more.

This is more of what we will cover:

• What is Italian Citizenship by Descent, “Jus sanguinis”?
• Who qualifies for Italian Citizenship by Descent?
• Required Documents for Italian Citizenship by Descent
• Italy Citizenship by Descent Application Process
• How long does it take to get Italian Citizenship by Descent?
• How much does it cost to get Italian Citizenship by Descent?
• What if your Italian Citizenship by Descent application is denied?

Italian Citizenship by Descent 2025 Update

The decree introducing changes to Italy’s citizenship by descent rules was officially converted into law with modifications on May 23, 2025. The new legislation is now known as Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, and it sets new limits on eligibility for citizenship by descent, including a generational cap and other conditions.

Italian citizenship by descent is now limited to two generations. You must have a parent or grandparent born in Italy.

If your citizenship was officially recognized before March 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM (Rome time), you are still eligible. Your application will be evaluated based on the laws that were in effect at the time of submission.

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an “effective bond” (vincolo effettivo) with Italy, such as a recent residence or direct family ties.
 
The Italian Parliament has approved the decree. For full details, see our Italy Citizenship Law Update guide.

What is Italian Citizenship by Descent “Jus sanguinis”?

Italian Citizenship by Descent (“Jus Sanguinis”) allows individuals to acquire Italian citizenship if they have Italian ancestry, such as parents or grandparents who were born in Italy. This principle of blood right applies when the Italian ancestor was born in Italy and the citizenship lineage remained uninterrupted before the next generation was born.

Therefore, to claim Italian citizenship by descent, you must prove that your parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen at the time of their child’s birth or while the child was still a minor. The citizenship line must not have been broken by naturalization in another country before the next generation was born. Special rules apply to descendants through maternal lines, particularly those born before 1948.

Who qualifies for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The first step is to determine whether someone is entitled to Italian citizenship. On 23 May 2025, the Italian government converted Decree No. 36/2025 into Law No. 74/2025, introducing new rules that update who can qualify for citizenship through descent.

Therefore, according to the Italian Citizenship law, you are eligible for Italian citizenship by descent if:

• You have a parent or grandparent who was born in Italy or was an Italian citizen at the time of death and held no other citizenship. Italian citizenship by descent is now restricted to two generations.
• If citizenship status has been officially recognized, or the applicant received an appointment notification to submit their application by 27 March 2025.
• If citizenship has been granted through a court decision based on a legal request filed by 27 March 2025.
• Your Italian ancestor must have been born after 17 March 1861 (when Italy became a unified country), or died after that date if they were born earlier.
• If someone has an Italian parent or grandparent but is not eligible for citizenship by descent, they have the right to apply for Italian citizenship through residency after living in Italy for two years.

You can acquire Italian citizenship through the maternal line under these conditions:

• If your Italian ancestor was a woman and her child was born before 1 January 1948, you must apply through the court process since Italian women couldn’t pass on citizenship before this date (except in specific cases).
• Special rules for regions like Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino Alto Adige require that your ancestor was alive and not a foreign citizen by 1886 (Veneto) or didn’t emigrate before 16 July 1920 (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, or Trentino Alto Adige).
• Marriage before 27 April 1983: A non-Italian woman who married an Italian man (or someone eligible for Italian citizenship born abroad) automatically gained citizenship.
• Before 22 September 1922, women’s citizenship followed their husbands’, so if he lost or changed citizenship, she did, too.

Minor children of Italian citizens can automatically be recognized as Italian citizens if:

• Minor Issues Law (2024): If an Italian-born ancestor became a citizen of another country before their child was born or while the child was still a minor, it broke the chain of Italian citizenship. This means descendants are not eligible to apply for citizenship by descent. However, this rule only applies to new applications submitted to Italian consulates or municipalities. It does not affect court cases or previously recognized citizenship claims.

New 2025 Law for Minor Children

Starting 20 May 2025, children born abroad to Italian parents will no longer automatically receive Italian citizenship unless the parent has lived in Italy for at least two years immediately before the child’s birth.

Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

• Freedom of movement: As an Italian citizen, you have the right to live, work, and travel freely in Italy and all other European Union (EU) countries. This gives you access to over 25 countries within the Schengen Area without the need for a visa.
• Access to healthcare: Italy offers high-quality healthcare services to its citizens through its public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). As an Italian citizen, you can access these services at a lower cost or even for free, depending on your circumstances.
• Education opportunities: Italian citizens are eligible for local tuition rates at universities and other educational institutions in Italy. These rates are often much lower than those for non-citizens, making higher education more affordable.
• Work opportunities: As a citizen of Italy, you can work in any EU country without needing a work visa or permit. This opens up job opportunities across the EU, which can be especially valuable for those seeking to advance their careers.
• Voting rights: Italian citizens have the right to vote in national, regional, and local elections in Italy. You can also vote in European Parliament elections, giving you a voice in the decisions that affect Italy and the EU.
• Dual citizenship: Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold Italian dual citizenship and citizenship from another country, without needing to renounce your original nationality.
• Access to an Italian passport: An Italian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide, making travel easier. It ranks 22nd on the Global Citizen Solution Global Passport Index, reflecting its strong international mobility.

Required Documents for Italian Citizenship by Descent

Once the descendant has confirmed that the Italian ancestor meets the criteria, he or she must gather the supporting documentation necessary to demonstrate this to the satisfaction of the Italian government.

Documents to bring to the appointment:

• Completed Application Form
• Valid Passport
• Full Birth Certificate
• Marriage, Divorce, or Death Certificates
• If the applicant lived in Italy, provide a certificate of residence (“certificato storico di residenza anagrafica”) issued by the local Municipality.
• Declaration of Past Residences for your ancestors.

Documents for the ancestor grandparent or parent born in Italy:

• Birth Certificate: Request this from the Italian Municipality where your ancestor was born. It must be the original certificate (“Estratto per riassunto dell’atto di nascita” or “Copia conforme dell’atto integrale di nascita”).
• If your ancestor was born before the Italian Municipality had a Registry Office, submit the original Baptism Certificate, signed and stamped by the church and diocesan curia.
• A letter from the Italian Municipality confirming the year the Registry Office was established, if applicable.
• Marriage, divorce, or death certificates (if applicable), in original form, issued by the Italian Municipality.
• Foreign Certificates: Submit the original, long-form certificate (e.g., birth, marriage, or death), legalized with an apostille, and translated into Italian.
• Negative Naturalization Declaration: This shows that your ancestor did not give up Italian citizenship when moving abroad. Get this from the country your ancestor emigrated from, legalize it with an apostille, and translate it into Italian.

Documents for the next descendant born abroad must also include a full birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage, divorce, or death certificates, all in original form with an apostille and translated into Italian. The birth certificate must reflect the correct parental status, with both parents listed if unmarried and one if married.

Important notes

• All documents issued outside of Italy must be translated into Italian and legalized by the consulate or have an Apostille, depending on the country’s agreement with the Hague Convention (1961).
• Minor children automatically become Italian citizens when their parents acquire citizenship, with no extra procedures needed. Their birth certificate will be registered with the Italian municipality of residence or AIRE if they live abroad.

Italy Citizenship by Descent Application Process

Once the documents have been gathered, the application process can begin. However, special circumstances such as applying through a maternal line before 1948 or if an ancestor naturalized in another country, may require additional steps. The application must be submitted to the local Italian Consulate if you reside abroad or to the Municipality of residence if you are living in Italy.

Here is an overview of the general process of acquiring Italian citizenship: 

1. Determine eligibility

Ensure you meet the requirements for citizenship by descent, which generally means you have an Italian parent or grandparent who did not renounce their citizenship and whose lineage is intact.

2. Gather required documents

Collect official documents proving your Italian descent.

3. Translate and legalize documents

All foreign documents must be translated into Italian and legalized with either a consular stamp or an apostille, depending on the country.

4. Submit application

File your application at the Italian consulate in your home country or directly in Italy, if you live there. The consulate or municipality will check your documents and assess your eligibility.

5. Wait for processing

Depending on the consulate’s workload, the process can take months to years. The consulate will notify you when your application is approved.

6. Receive citizenship

If approved, you’ll be granted Italian citizenship, which may include the ability to obtain an Italian passport.

How long does it take to get Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The timeline for Italian citizenship by descent can differ, from a few months to several years, depending on whether you apply in Italy or at a consulate. Your application should be processed within 24 months if it is complete and error-free. In some cases, this time may be extended up to 36 months. For pre-1948 maternal line cases, applying through the Italian courts system is required; depending on the court and the complexity of the case, it can take 2 to 4 years.

How much does it cost to get Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The cost of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent can vary depending on where you apply and the specific circumstances of your case. As of January 1st, 2025, the administrative fee for applying for Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) is €600. In addition to this fee, you may also incur other costs, such as:

1. Consular fees: When applying through an Italian consulate, additional fees may apply, ranging from €250 to €300 per person, depending on the consulate.
2. Translation and legalization: Documents like birth certificates and marriage certificates need to be translated into Italian and legalized (apostille or consular legalization). This can cost between €50 and €150 per document.
3. Additional costs: You might face other expenses like notary fees, administrative fees for certificates, and costs for obtaining the necessary documents.

What if your Italian Citizenship by Descent application is denied?

If your Italian citizenship by descent application is denied, it does not mean it’s the end. You will still have these options:

• Appeal the decision: If you applied in Italy, you can file an appeal with the consulate or the Italian administrative court (Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale).
• Correct mistakes: Denials often occur due to missing documents, incorrect translations, or gaps in your family tree; submitting the corrected documents may allow reconsideration.
• Reapply: You can submit a new application if new evidence or properly authenticated records become available.
• Get legal advice: Speak to a legal expert who knows Italian immigration law to help identify the reason for denial and guide you through the appeal or reapplication process.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Italy dual citizenship

is possible, meaning individuals can hold both Italian citizenship and citizenship from another country. This can be acquired through various means, such as by birth, marriage, or naturalization. While Italy permits dual citizenship, there are some considerations to keep in mind. As an Italian citizen, you may be subject to taxes on worldwide income, so it’s important to understand your tax obligations in both countries. Italy has tax treaties with many nations to prevent double taxation.

Tax considerations: When do you owe Italian taxes?

Becoming an Italian citizen does not automatically change your tax obligations. However, where you live and how much time you spend in Italy can determine whether you must pay taxes there. If you establish tax residency, you may owe Italian taxes on your worldwide income, while still being required to file U.S. taxes as an American citizen. Italy considers you a tax resident if you meet any of the following:

• You spend more than 183 days in Italy in a year.
• You own or rent a primary residence in Italy.
• Your main social and financial ties, such as family, business, or assets, are in Italy.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.

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