If you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible to claim Italian citizenship by descent. Known as “jure sanguinis“, this process allows descendants of Italian citizens to reconnect with their heritage, access European Union benefits, and enjoy the privileges of dual citizenship. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent: Requirements, Process, Benefits and amendments and changes in Italian legislation
If you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible to claim Italian citizenship by descent. How does Italian citizenship by descent work
Italian citizenship by descent is a legal right that allows individuals to obtain Italian citizenship through their ancestry. Unlike citizenship by naturalization, “jure sanguinis” relies on proving an unbroken lineage to an Italian citizen. Italy’s laws prioritize maintaining connections with its diaspora, from the 1860, making this pathway available to millions of descendants worldwide.
Requirements for Italian Citizenship. Eligibility criteria for Italian dual citizenship
To qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following criteria:
- Ancestral Connection: You must have an Italian ancestor who was a citizen of Italy and never renounced their citizenship before the next generation was born.
- Uninterrupted Lineage: The lineage can be traced through both paternal and maternal lines, but cases involving maternal lineage before 1948 require judicial proceedings.
No Citizenship Renunciation: If your ancestor became a citizen of another country, they must not have renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next generation.
Italian Citizenship by Maternal Line.1948 Rule for Maternal Descent
If your lineage is through a female ancestor and the next generation was born before 1948, you’ll need to file a judicial appeal to the Italian courts due to historical and italian cosituzional legal limitations.
Documents needed for Italian citizenship by descent
To apply for citizenship, you’ll need to provide:
- Birth Certificates: For all individuals in the ancestral line.
- Marriage and Divorce Records: To confirm lineage connections.
- Naturalization Records: Proving that your Italian ancestor retained their citizenship at the time of your ancestor’s birth.
- Death Certificates: For deceased ancestors in the lineage.
These documents must be translated into Italian and apostilled to meet Italy’s legal requirements.
How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent. Italian consulate waiting times for citizenship applications
Administrative Process in the Consulate
- Most applicants submit their requests through the Italian consulate in their country of residence. While this is a straightforward process, consulates often face long waiting times—sometimes up to 10 years due to high demand.
Iure Sanguinis Application Process. Italian citizenship court process for alternative to the consulate
If your case involves complex situations, such as the 1948 rule or difficulties obtaining documents, or to prove lineage, or to bypass consular administrative procedures, the judicial process is a faster alternative. Filing a claim with the Civil Court ensures a definitive resolution in the less than 2 years.
Changes to Italian Citizenship by Descent
The Italian government has decided to impose an additional fee for the application for citizenship from great-grandparents of €600 both for the recognition of citizenship at the Consulate, the Municipality and in the Court. But it is a tax that raises doubts of legitimacy
Benefits of Italian Citizenship by Descent
Obtaining Italian citizenship offers numerous advantages:
- EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries without restrictions.
- Access to Italian Healthcare and Education: Enjoy Italy’s high-quality public healthcare and world-renowned education system.
- Cultural Reconnection: Reconnect with your Italian roots and preserve your family’s heritage.
- Economic Opportunities: Open doors to investment, real estate ownership, and career opportunities in Europe.
Obtaining Italian passport through ancestry How We Can Help. Proof of Italian ancestry for citizenship
Navigating the process of obtaining Italian citizenship can be complex, especially when dealing with legal requirements, translations, and documentation. Our team specializes in:
- Document Retrieval: Helping you locate and prepare vital records.
- Translation and Apostille Services: Ensuring all documents meet Italian legal standards.
- Judicial Representation: Managing court cases for complex applications, such as the 1948 rule.
- Reconstruction of genealogy and lineage
Contact Us Today Legal assistance for Italian citizenship
Let us guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a consultation to find out if you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent.
