Can you get Italian citizenship through your ancestors? Yes — but Italy's citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) rules changed significantly with Decree-Law 36/2025 (in force since 29 March 2025, converted by Law 74/2025). For those born abroad who also hold another citizenship, recognition now requires meeting specific conditions.
If you were born abroad and hold another citizenship, you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent on a new application if:
- Option 1: A parent or grandparent holds, or held at the time of death, exclusively Italian citizenship (no other nationality), OR
- Option 2: Your Italian-citizen parent was resident in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring citizenship AND before your birth.
In practice a great-grandparent or earlier ancestor can no longer carry a new claim on their own for applications filed after 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, unless an appointment had been communicated by then. Claims through an Italian woman who gave birth before 1 January 1948 still go to court rather than a consulate, and new court claims filed after 27 March 2025 must also meet these conditions.
Italian citizenship by descent grants you an EU passport, the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union, and access to Italy's healthcare and social benefits. Unlike citizenship by naturalization (which takes 10 years), jure sanguinis has no residency requirement — you can apply from abroad if you meet the new eligibility criteria.
Quick Answer: Italian Citizenship by Descent (2026)
Eligible (born abroad with another citizenship): Those with a parent or grandparent who holds, or held at death, exclusively Italian citizenship, OR whose Italian parent lived in Italy 2+ years before applicant's birth Not eligible (new applications after 27 March 2025): Claims where no parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship and no Italian parent lived in Italy 2 years before the birth, including claims through a great-grandparent alone. 1948 Rule: Female ancestors who gave birth before Jan 1, 1948 require court application, not consulate; new court claims must also meet the 2025 conditions. Processing time: legal limit 36 months at a consulate (Law 11/2026); court cases often take several years. Cost: €600 consular fee per adult (€600 court fee per claimant in court), plus documents, translations and any lawyer's fees. Residency required: No — apply from your home country Dual citizenship: Yes — Italy allows it; no need to renounce current citizenship Language test: No — not required for descent-based citizenship Key change (Decree-Law 36/2025, converted by Law 74/2025): Applications filed, or with an appointment communicated, by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025 are processed under old rules. New applications must meet the exclusivity or Italy-residency conditions above.
Key Takeaways
- Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) now has strict conditions: for people born abroad with another citizenship, recognition requires a parent or grandparent who holds (or held at death) only Italian citizenship, OR an Italian parent who lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before the birth.
- The application process requires thorough research of ancestry, collection of relevant documents, and compliance with legal translation and legalization standards.
- Acquiring Italian citizenship offers numerous benefits, including enhanced travel opportunities and access to EU rights and social services, but applicants must verify they meet the 2025 eligibility criteria.
What Is Italian Citizenship by Descent?

Major 2025 Law Change (Law 74/2025 — Decree-Law 36/2025)
For applications filed after 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025 (Decree-Law 36/2025, in force since 29 March 2025 and converted with amendments by Law 74/2025 of 23 May 2025), a person born abroad who holds another citizenship is treated as never having acquired Italian citizenship unless:
- A parent or grandparent holds, or held at the time of death, exclusively Italian citizenship (no other nationality), OR
- Your Italian-citizen parent was resident in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring citizenship AND before your birth.
Additional changes:
- Practical 2-generation limit: only a parent or grandparent can meet the exclusive-citizenship test, so a great-grandparent alone can no longer carry a new claim. The law has no separate generation clause.
- Applications already filed: applications filed with a consulate or comune by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, applications filed on the day of an appointment communicated by that time, and court claims filed by that time are decided under the previous rules.
- 1948 cases narrowed: claims through an Italian woman who gave birth before 1 January 1948 still require a court application. Court claims filed by 27 March 2025 stay under the old law; new claims by people born abroad with another citizenship must also meet the conditions above.
This is the most significant change to Italian citizenship by descent in decades.
Italian citizenship by descent offers individuals with Italian ancestry the opportunity to reclaim their heritage and enjoy the privileges of Italian nationality.
This pathway, rooted in the principle of jure sanguinis (right of blood), historically enabled descendants of Italian citizens to obtain citizenship regardless of their place of birth. However, the 2025 reforms have introduced important new conditions that applicants must now satisfy.
What Is Jure Sanguinis?
Jure Sanguinis, Latin for "right of blood," is a legal principle allowing individuals to acquire citizenship based on their ancestry. In Italy, this means that descendants of Italian citizens can claim Italian citizenship — but following the 2025 law changes, for people born abroad who hold another citizenship, recognition now depends on whether a parent or grandparent holds (or held at death) only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 years before the birth.
Key Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship
Obtaining Italian dual citizenship offers numerous advantages:
Freedom of Movement Live, work, and study in any EU country without needing special visas.
Visa-Free Travel Visa-free access to a large number of countries for easier global mobility.
Employment Opportunities Work throughout the EU without restrictions, expanding career choices.
Educational Access Take advantage of affordable or free education in Italy and the EU.
Healthcare Services Access high-quality healthcare services in Italy and other EU countries.
Property Ownership Purchase property freely within Italy and the EU.
Cultural Connection Deepen ties to Italian heritage, culture, and community.
Political Participation Vote in Italian national elections and some EU political processes.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent under the 2025 rules depends on several factors:
- Direct Lineage: You must have a direct ancestor who was an Italian citizen — specifically a parent or grandparent (in practice, for new applications by people born abroad with another citizenship).
- Exclusivity Requirement (NEW): if you were born abroad and hold another citizenship, a parent or grandparent must hold, or have held at death, exclusively Italian citizenship. Being born in Italy is not the test. If none does, see below.
- Italy Residency Alternative (NEW): If the exclusivity requirement isn't met, automatic acquisition can still occur if your Italian-citizen parent was resident in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring citizenship AND before your birth.
- Uninterrupted Citizenship Line: The Italian ancestor must have maintained their Italian citizenship until the birth of their child in your lineage.
- Naturalization Status: If the Italian ancestor naturalized in another country before the birth of their child, it may break the citizenship line.
- Maternal Lineage Considerations: For those claiming citizenship through a maternal line where the ancestor gave birth before January 1, 1948, special rules apply requiring a court application rather than consular processing. New court claims must also meet the 2025 conditions.
It's essential to thoroughly research your family history and gather all necessary documentation to support your application. Given the complexity of the 2025 changes, consulting with legal experts or Italian consular services is strongly recommended.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
Acquiring Italian citizenship through descent (jure sanguinis) under the 2025 rules involves meeting specific criteria. Below is an overview of the essential eligibility requirements:
| Your Italian ancestor / situation | Status under Decree-Law 36/2025 (in force 29 March 2025) |
|---|---|
| Parent or grandparent who holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship | Eligible |
| Great-grandparent or earlier | No longer accepted for new applications filed after 27 March 2025 |
| Born abroad and also holding another citizenship | Eligible only if a parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, exclusively Italian citizenship, OR the Italian parent lived in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring citizenship and before your birth |
| Maternal line, ancestor gave birth before 1 January 1948 | Court application required; new court claims must also meet the 2025 conditions |
| Application filed, or appointment communicated, by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, or court claim filed by then | Processed under the previous, pre-reform rules (grandfathered) |
Basic Qualification Criteria
- Italian Ancestry: You must have an Italian ancestor born in Italy or in territories annexed by Italy after March 17, 1861, the date marking the unification of Italy.
- Unbroken Lineage: There should be a continuous line of descent from the Italian ancestor to you, with each generation maintaining the right to pass down citizenship.
- Generational Limit (Decree-Law 36/2025): for applications filed after 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, people born abroad with another citizenship need a parent or grandparent who holds (or held at death) only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent who lived in Italy for 2 years before the birth, so a great-grandparent or earlier ancestor can no longer carry the claim alone.
- Exclusivity or Residency Requirement (art. 3-bis): For those born abroad with another citizenship, recognition requires EITHER: a parent or grandparent who holds, or held at the time of death, exclusively Italian citizenship (no other nationality), OR
- The Italian-citizen parent was resident in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring citizenship AND before the applicant's birth.
The 1948 Rule Explained
The 1948 Rule addresses the transmission of Italian citizenship through maternal lineage, reflecting historical legal distinctions. Prior to January 1, 1948, Italian law did not permit women to pass citizenship to their children.
Consequently, individuals born to Italian mothers before this date are required to pursue citizenship through the Italian court system, as consular offices are not authorized to process these applications. Court claims filed by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025 are decided under the old law; new claims by people born abroad with another citizenship must also meet the art. 3-bis conditions.
Conversely, for those whose Italian maternal ancestors gave birth on or after January 1, 1948, the law recognizes the mother's right to confer citizenship. Applicants in this category can proceed through standard consular channels, streamlining the process of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent.
Special Cases and Exceptions
In certain circumstances, individuals may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent through special provisions. Italian authorities must legally recognize the adoption and properly register the child's birth certificate before an adopted minor can become an Italian citizen. This ensures the adopted child's inclusion in the Italian civil records, affirming their citizenship status.
Additionally, when an Italian ancestor's naturalization records are unavailable, alternative documentation can be utilized to establish their citizenship status. Documents such as census records or certificates of nonexistence serve as acceptable substitutes, demonstrating the ancestor's Italian citizenship and supporting the applicant's claim.
Disqualifying Factors
Certain circumstances may disqualify an individual from obtaining Italian citizenship by descent:
- Ancestor's Naturalization Before July 1, 1912: If the Italian ancestor naturalized in another country before this date, they lost the ability to pass on Italian citizenship to their descendants.
- Voluntary Acquisition of Foreign Citizenship Before August 16, 1992: Ancestors who voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship before this date may have forfeited their Italian citizenship, affecting the eligibility of their descendants.
- Naturalization of a Parent During the Ancestor's Childhood (the "minor issue"): in July 2026 the Cassazione's joint civil divisions (Sezioni Unite, judgment 24045/2026) held that a child born abroad to an Italian parent in a country that grants citizenship by birth there was a dual citizen from birth and kept Italian citizenship even if the parent naturalised while the child was a minor. Only a minor who held Italian citizenship alone, and lived with that parent, could lose it with the parent.
- Break in Citizenship Transmission: Any interruption in the chain of citizenship transmission, such as an ancestor renouncing Italian citizenship, may disqualify descendants from claiming citizenship.
- Dual Nationality Without Italy Residency (art. 3-bis): on a new application by someone born abroad with another citizenship, if no parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship, and no Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before the birth, you do not qualify by descent.
What Documents Do You Need?

To qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, applicants must meet specific legal and documentation requirements. These requirements are designed to establish a direct link between the applicant and their Italian ancestor, ensuring the legitimacy of the claim.
Legal Requirements
- Direct Lineage: Applicants must demonstrate a direct lineage from themselves to their Italian ancestor. Under Law 74/2025, this is limited to a parent or grandparent. If you were born abroad and hold another citizenship, a parent or grandparent must hold, or have held at death, only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent must have lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before your birth. Establishing this direct connection is crucial for the application process.
- Exclusivity or Residency Condition: For those born abroad with another citizenship, a parent or grandparent must hold, or have held at death, exclusively Italian citizenship OR the Italian parent must have been resident in Italy for 2+ continuous years before the applicant's birth.
- Unbroken Chain of Citizenship: There must be an unbroken chain of Italian citizenship passed down from the ancestor to the applicant. This means that no one in the line lost or renounced Italian citizenship before the next person in the line was born. Any break in this chain can complicate or invalidate the claim.
- Documentation: Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation to support their claim (see the lists below).
Compiling accurate and comprehensive documentation is crucial for a successful application. Essential documents include:
Core Documents
- Birth certificates for all individuals in the direct line
- Marriage certificates for all ancestors in the direct line
- Death certificates (if applicable) for ancestors
- Current valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residence in your consular jurisdiction
Ancestor Documentation
- Italian ancestor's birth certificate from their comune in Italy
- Italian ancestor's marriage certificate
- Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization
- Italian ancestor's death certificate (if applicable)
- Historical passports or travel documents
- Evidence of exclusive Italian citizenship OR Italy residency (for Law 74/2025 compliance)
Supporting Documentation
- Census records (if needed to prove residency)
- Certificates of non-existence of records (when original documents cannot be found)
- Military records (if applicable)
- Ellis Island or other immigration records
- Ship manifests or travel documentation
Document Requirements
- All non-Italian documents must be: Original or certified copies from issuing authorities
- Translated into Italian by certified translators
- Apostilled or legalized for use in Italy
- Free from discrepancies in names, dates, and places
Special Case Documents
- Court orders for name changes
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Divorce decrees (if applicable)
- Documentation for 1948 cases when claiming through female ancestors.
Remember that all documents must demonstrate an unbroken line of descent from the Italian ancestor to the applicant, with no gaps in the documentation chain.
How Do You Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

Pursuing Italian citizenship by descent requires a thorough understanding of your ancestry and gathering essential records that prove your lineage.
Key documents include birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as naturalization records (or proof of non-naturalization) for each direct ancestor. This foundational research establishes your eligibility and ensures you meet the criteria for Italian citizenship.
Applying Through Italian Consulates
If your lineage meets the standard criteria and does not involve complexities such as the 1948 Rule, you can apply through the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. The process typically involves:
- Appointment Scheduling: Book an appointment with the consulate, often through their online portal. Be aware that wait times can be lengthy due to high demand.
- Document Submission: Present your compiled documents during the appointment. The consulate will review them for completeness and accuracy.
- Application Fee: Pay the required application fee, which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Processing Time: The consulate will process your application; the legal time limit for a decision is 36 months (Law 11/2026), and until the end of 2028 each consulate accepts only a capped number of adult applications a year.
Applying Through Italian Courts
For cases involving the 1948 Rule or other complexities, applying through the Italian court system may be necessary. This process includes:
- Legal Representation: Engage an Italian attorney experienced in citizenship cases to represent you in court.
- Document Preparation: Compile and authenticate all necessary documents, similar to the consular process, ensuring they meet court standards.
- Filing the Petition: Your attorney will file a petition on your behalf in the appropriate Italian court.
- Court Proceedings: The court will review your case, which may involve hearings and additional documentation requests.
- Judgment: If the court rules in your favor, you will be recognized as an Italian citizen.
This judicial process can be complex and may take several years to conclude.
| Route | Best for | Processing time | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian consulate | Standard cases with no 1948 issue | 36 months by law; yearly intake capped per consulate until the end of 2028 | Apply in your consular district by appointment; €600 per adult applicant |
| Italian court (in Italy) | 1948 maternal-line cases and other complex cases | Often several years | Requires an Italian attorney to file a petition; used where a consulate cannot decide the case |
Expected Timelines and Potential Challenges
Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent involves navigating various timelines and potential obstacles. Understanding these factors can help you prepare effectively.
Consular Processing Time Up to 36 months by law (Law 11/2026), plus the wait for an appointment under each consulate's yearly cap.
Court Processing Time May extend several years due to legal procedures.
Document Discrepancies Inconsistent information can cause delays or rejections.
Record Availability Difficulty in obtaining historical documents, especially internationally.
Legal Complexities Intricacies in citizenship laws may require expert guidance.
Appointment Scheduling Limited consulate appointments can prolong the process.
Translation and Legalization All documents must be accurately translated and legalized.
Benefits of Acquiring Italian Dual Citizenship
Acquiring Italian dual citizenship opens the door to a host of benefits, from enhanced travel opportunities to access to EU rights and social services. As an Italian citizen, you can enjoy the legal protections and privileges of living, working, and studying within the European Union.
These benefits make the effort of claiming citizenship well worth it, providing a lasting connection to your Italian heritage.
Travel and Mobility
Holding an Italian passport significantly enhances your travel freedom. Italian citizens can enter a large number of countries without needing a visa, making international travel more convenient and accessible. Additionally, you benefit from expedited passport control lines available to EU nationals, further simplifying your travel experiences.
This level of mobility is one of the most attractive aspects of acquiring Italian dual citizenship.
Access to EU Rights and Benefits
As an Italian citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU country without needing a visa. This includes access to lower tuition fees, scholarships, and other educational benefits. Social benefits extend to healthcare, pensions, and unemployment programs within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Moreover, you have the right to vote in Italian and European Parliament elections, ensuring your voice is heard in both national and EU matters.
Social Services and Healthcare
Italy's healthcare system is well-regarded and provides high-quality care, providing high-quality services at low costs. As an Italian citizen, you can access these public healthcare services, along with various social benefits, including pensions and unemployment programs, supported by the italian government.
This access extends to other EU countries, ensuring comprehensive social protection wherever you reside within the EU.
Steps to Claim Italian Citizenship by Descent
Claiming Italian citizenship by descent involves several key steps, beginning with researching your Italian ancestry and gathering the necessary documents to support your claim. It's essential to ensure that all documents are translated and legalized according to Italian law before submitting your application.
Each step can be complex, but with careful preparation, you can streamline the process and enhance your chances of success.
Researching Your Italian Ancestry
Researching your Italian ancestry is a critical first step in establishing your eligibility for citizenship. This involves tracing your lineage back to an Italian ancestor, confirming their citizenship status, and gathering relevant historical records. Under the 2025 rules, you must also determine whether your Italian parent or grandparent held exclusively Italian citizenship or met the Italy residency requirement. Preliminary research not only confirms your eligibility but also simplifies the subsequent steps in the application process.
Delving into family history can be a rewarding experience, connecting you with your Italian heritage and strengthening your claim.
Gathering Required Documents
Gathering the required documents is perhaps the most challenging aspect of the application process. Essential documents include birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation, proving the unbroken lineage from your Italian ancestor.
Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your ancestor's Italian citizenship through passports, naturalization records, or municipal documentation. Naturalization records are particularly significant as they can indicate if an ancestor renounced Italian citizenship, which is crucial for determining eligibility. These documents must accurately represent the lineage and citizenship status at each step to avoid complications.
Ensuring consistency in the information across all documents is vital, as discrepancies can lead to delays or denials. Acquiring these documents can be time-consuming, with some records requiring up to 13 months to obtain. Moreover, the cost of obtaining certified translations and apostilles can add up, making it essential to plan and budget accordingly.
Thorough documentation is the backbone of a successful citizenship application.
Translating and Legalizing Documents
Once you have gathered all necessary documentation, you must translate it into Italian and legalize it before the Italian authorities will accept it. This often involves obtaining an Apostille, a form of authentication required for documents to be recognized in Italy. The Apostille process is a common requirement for nearly all applicants, highlighting its critical role in the dual citizenship process.
Hiring agencies to compile and translate your citizenship portfolio can be beneficial, though it adds to the overall cost. Legalizing documents ensures they meet the stringent standards set by Italian law, a crucial step before submitting your application to the consulate or court.
Properly prepared documents can significantly streamline the application process and enhance your chances of success.
Potential Challenges and Costs
While the benefits of acquiring Italian citizenship by descent are substantial, the process can present several challenges and costs. These include the financial costs of document procurement, legal fees, and consular charges, as well as the time and effort required to gather necessary documentation and navigate the application process.
Understanding these potential hurdles can help you prepare better and manage expectations.
Financial Costs
The financial costs of applying for Italian citizenship by descent can vary widely. The consular fee is €600 per adult applicant, paid in local currency at the consulate's exchange rate. Depending on whether you undertake the process independently or hire professional services, documents, translations and apostilles add roughly $1,500 to $3,000 (a rough estimate), and full-service or legal help can cost several times more.
These costs cover document procurement, translations, legal assistance, and consular fees, among other expenses.
Time and Effort
The process of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent can take from a few months to several years. Factors affecting this duration include the backlog at consulates, the complexity of individual cases, and the accuracy of submitted documents.
Applicants must invest considerable time and effort in gathering required documentation, translating documents, and ensuring all legal requirements are met before submission. This thorough preparation is essential for a successful application.
Tax Implications
Acquiring Italian citizenship can have tax implications, particularly for American citizens. Italy taxes by residence, not citizenship: since 2024 you are tax resident if, for most of the tax year (more than 183 days), you have your residence or domicile in Italy or are physically present there, and registration with the resident population register (anagrafe) is a presumption you can rebut (TUIR art. 2, as amended by D.Lgs. 209/2023).
Italian citizens may face tax residency obligations if they spend significant time in Italy, and American citizens must continue to file U.S. taxes even when living abroad. Understanding these tax responsibilities, including regional and municipal taxes, is crucial to avoid legal and financial complications.
To compare ancestry routes beyond Italy, see our citizenship by descent guide.
Sources
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Citizenship
- Law 74/2025 (Gazzetta Ufficiale)
- Italian Citizenship Law (No. 91/1992), current text on Normattiva
- Law 11/2026 (consular processing of citizenship recognition), Normattiva
- Corte di Cassazione, Sezioni Unite, judgment 24045/2026
Special Cases and Exceptions
Navigating the application process for Italian citizenship by descent can sometimes involve special cases and exceptions that require unique attention. These might include specific historical periods or particular familial circumstances, such as the 1948 Rule or the citizenship status of minor and adopted children.
Understanding these nuances can assist applicants in addressing potential problems and ensuring that the appropriate Italian authorities handle their claims correctly.
The 1948 Rule
The 1948 Rule is a significant exception in Italian citizenship law. It allows individuals to claim citizenship through female ancestors who had children before January 1, 1948. This rule is crucial for those whose lineage includes maternal ancestors from this period, as they must apply through the Italian Courts rather than the consulate. New claims must also meet the 2025 art. 3-bis conditions.
Establishing the Italian ancestor's citizenship and ensuring they did not naturalize before the child's birth are key steps in this process.
Minor Children and Adopted Children
A child born abroad to an Italian citizen who also holds another citizenship is no longer automatically Italian at birth unless a parent or grandparent holds only Italian citizenship, or the Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before the birth. Otherwise the parents can make a declaration within three years of the birth, or the child becomes Italian after the declaration plus two years of legal residence in Italy. For children who were already minors on 24 May 2025 and whose parent was recognised on an application filed by 27 March 2025, the declaration deadline is 31 May 2029. Births abroad still have to be registered with the Italian authorities.
Similarly, adopted children of Italian citizens are entitled to citizenship under the same conditions as biological children. The process involves registering the adoption with Italian authorities to validate their citizenship status.
Becoming an Italian Citizen

Once the application is submitted, the Italian authorities will review the documentation and verify the applicant's eligibility for citizenship. If the application is approved, there are several final steps and formalities to complete before officially becoming an Italian citizen.
Final Steps and Formalities
- No oath: recognition by descent confirms that you have been an Italian citizen since birth, so there is no oath of allegiance. The oath applies to citizenship granted by marriage or naturalisation (Law 91/1992 art. 10). Instead, your birth and family records are transcribed in Italy.
- Registration: The applicant will be registered as an Italian citizen and will receive a certificate of citizenship. This official registration is necessary to formalize the applicant's new status as an Italian citizen.
- Passport: The applicant will be eligible to apply for an Italian passport, which will be issued once the citizenship is confirmed. Holding an Italian passport opens up numerous travel and mobility benefits within the EU and beyond.
- Residency: While establishing residency in Italy is not always necessary, it may be required in some cases. Applicants should be prepared to meet any residency requirements that may apply to their specific situation.
- Tax Obligations: Italian citizenship alone does not make you liable to Italian income tax, because Italy taxes residents. If you move to Italy and become tax resident, you file Italian tax returns. Understanding and complying with these tax responsibilities is essential to avoid legal and financial complications.
By following these steps and meeting the requirements, individuals of Italian descent can claim their right to Italian citizenship and enjoy the benefits and privileges that come with it. This journey not only reconnects them with their Italian heritage but also provides a wealth of opportunities as an Italian citizen.
Maintaining Italian Citizenship
Maintaining Italian citizenship requires adhering to legal obligations and keeping personal records up to date. This includes registering any changes in marital status, births, or deaths with the relevant Italian authorities.
Ensuring compliance with these requirements helps avoid complications with citizenship status and maintains eligibility for consular services and participation in local elections.
Renouncing Other Citizenships
Italy permits dual citizenship, meaning you do not need to renounce your current citizenship to obtain Italian citizenship by descent. This policy allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of both their original and Italian citizenships, maintaining legal rights and privileges in both countries.
This flexibility is one of the attractive aspects of Italian dual citizenship, providing a seamless transition for those seeking to connect with their Italian heritage while retaining their existing nationality.
Keeping Records Updated
Keeping personal records updated is crucial for maintaining Italian citizenship. This involves regularly informing the relevant authorities of any significant changes in personal circumstances, such as marital status or family relationships, including births and deaths.
Updating records with the AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) ensures eligibility for consular services and participation in local elections, thereby safeguarding your rights and responsibilities as an Italian citizen.
Summary
Claiming Italian citizenship by descent is a journey that reconnects you with your roots and opens up a world of opportunities. The 2025 law changes (Law 74/2025) have introduced new conditions — requiring, for people born abroad with another citizenship, a parent or grandparent who holds (or held at death) only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent who lived in Italy for 2 years before the birth — but for those who qualify, the rewards remain substantial.
From understanding the legal principles of jure sanguinis to navigating the application process and enjoying the benefits of dual citizenship, each step brings you closer to embracing your Italian heritage. While the process can be challenging, the rewards—ranging from enhanced travel freedom to access to EU rights and healthcare—make it worthwhile. Embrace this opportunity to honor your ancestry and secure a future enriched with Italian culture and privilege.
Related Italy guides: How to get Italian citizenship · Italian citizenship by marriage · Italy Golden Visa

