Italian Citizenship by Descent: Procedure and Requirements

Do you have Italian roots and want to reconnect with your heritage — or even become an Italian citizen? If you have Italian ancestry, you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent (also known as jure sanguinis), a process that allows you to reclaim citizenship passed down through generations.

Italy recognizes the principle that citizenship is inherited through bloodline. This means that, in many cases, you can become an Italian citizen even if you were born abroad, as long as your ancestors did not lose or renounce their citizenship before passing it on. However, the process is detailed and often involves gathering international documents, understanding legal requirements, and dealing with long waiting times.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your journey toward becoming an Italian citizen.

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:

Requirements for Obtaining Italian Citizenship by Descent (Updated 2026)

Descent from an Italian Citizen: To qualify, you must prove that you have a direct lineage to an Italian citizen — for example, a grandfather or great-grandfather who was still an Italian citizen at the time their child (your next direct ancestor) was born.

No Interruption in Citizenship Transmission: There must be no break in the chain of Italian citizenship. This means none of your ancestors renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of their descendant.

Naturalization of Your Italian Ancestor: If your Italian ancestor became naturalized in another country, you must show that this occurred after the birth of their child. If naturalization occurred before, the line of citizenship is likely interrupted.

Important Note on Maternal Line (Pre-1948 Cases): Under current Italian law, women could not transmit citizenship to children born before January 1, 1948. However, many applicants have successfully obtained citizenship by filing a judicial petition through an Italian court. This route is not administrative and requires legal representation in Italy.

Required Documentation:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates for all individuals in your line of descent
• Naturalization records (or proof of non-naturalization)
• Official translations into Italian
• Apostilles or other forms of legalization as required by Italian authorities

Moving2Italy consultants can help you gather and verify these documents, especially if they are archived abroad or require coordination with foreign authorities.

How to Get Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Gathering Documents:

• Italian Ancestor’s Birth Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Naturalization Certificate or proof of non-naturalization
• Vital Records for Each Generation (birth, marriage, death)
• Divorce decrees if applicable

Our team at Moving2Italy can help you locate these internationally and ensure they are correctly translated and legalized.

Translation and Legalization: All documents must be translated into Italian and may require an apostille to be legally recognized in Italy. The apostille certifies the authenticity of documents for international use.

Where to Submit Your Application:

• Abroad: Apply at the Italian consulate for your jurisdiction. Be aware that waiting lists are often extremely long (even up to 10 years in some countries). It is essential to check current timelines.
• In Italy: You may apply directly with a local municipality (comune) if you are legally residing in Italy. You must demonstrate actual residency, not just a formal address. Municipalities may deny or suspend the process if residency appears temporary or not genuine.

The Verification Process: The Italian authorities will review and validate each document. The timeline varies greatly — from a few months to several years depending on the case complexity and workload of the consulate or municipality.

Special Case: 1948 Court Petition If your claim is through a female ancestor with a child born before 1948, you must file a petition before the Italian Civil Court. This legal pathway can only be handled within Italy. Our immigration legal partners can assist with judicial procedures for these cases.

Additional Guidance and Considerations

Timeline Expectations and Tips for Managing Delays Given the overwhelming number of applications at certain consulates, processing times can stretch over many years. While waiting:

• Keep your documents up to date (apostilles and translations may expire)
• Follow the consulate’s digital systems like Prenot@Mi or Fast It regularly
• Store copies of all communications and submissions

Dual Citizenship and Tax Implications Becoming an Italian citizen may not automatically affect your current citizenship, as Italy allows dual citizenship. However, it could:

• Affect your tax residency if you move to Italy
• Trigger obligations such as the monitoraggio fiscale (disclosure of foreign assets)
• Require attention to double taxation treaties if you have income or property abroad. For those planning to relocate, understanding taxes in Italy for foreigners is essential to avoid unexpected fiscal obligations.

Document Checklist (Quick Reference):

✅ Italian ancestor’s birth and marriage certificates

✅ Proof of naturalization or non-naturalization

✅ Birth, marriage, and death records for all descendants

✅ Divorce or name change certificates

✅ Apostilles and official Italian translations

Consulate vs. Municipality Applications – Key Differences:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Do I need to speak Italian? — Not to obtain citizenship, but it may help in dealing with authorities.
• Can I include my children? — Yes, minor children can acquire citizenship automatically with you.
• What if a document is missing? — Some flexibility is allowed, but alternative evidence and legal support are often necessary.

Establishing a Relationship with Your Immigration Consultant

1. Initial Contact

• Book a first consultation
• Be prepared with details about your ancestry and goals
• Ask specific questions about requirements, documents, and timelines

2. Open and Honest Communication

• Be transparent with your history and documentation
• Set expectations on communication and updates

3. Active Collaboration

• Respond promptly to requests and deadlines
• Maintain a professional and constructive relationship
• Provide feedback at the end of the process
• Consider staying in touch for future immigration or tax support

4. Understand the Consultant’s Role Your consultant can guide and support you through the process, but the final decision lies with Italian authorities. Managing expectations helps ensure a positive experience

At Moving2Italy, we assist clients worldwide with citizenship applications, legal guidance, and supporting services like tax planning — so your path to Italy is as clear and successful as possible.