Italian Citizenship by Descent: An In-Depth Guide 

Italian citizenship by descent, also called jus sanguinis, allows you to claim Italian citizenship if you have Italian ancestors, even if you were born outside of Italy. This means that if your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Italian, you might be eligible for citizenship.

Having Italian citizenship gives you many benefits, such as the right to live, work, and travel freely in Italy and other European Union countries. You’ll also have access to Italy’s healthcare, education, and other services.

The process of getting citizenship by descent is straightforward for many, but there are a few things to consider, like the dates your ancestors were born or when they naturalized in another country.

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 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
• Italy Citizenship by Descent Time Frame
• How much does it cost to get Italian Citizenship by Descent?

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, even if they were born outside of Italy. This means that if you have an Italian parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent who was an Italian citizen, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship.

To claim Italian Citizenship by Descent, you must prove that your ancestor was an Italian citizen when you were born and that the chain of citizenship was not interrupted by naturalization in another country. Special rules apply to descendants through maternal lines, particularly those born before 1948.

Who qualifies for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The first stage is to determine if someone may be entitled to Italian citizenship. According to the Italian Citizenship law, in order to be eligible, the individual must have an ancestor who:

1. Was born in Italy, no matter how many generations back.
2. Was alive and not yet a citizen of another country as of March 17, 1861, the date of Italian unification.
3. Did not naturalize in another country before July 1, 1912.

Further exceptions to determine eligibility

• Female Ancestors and Birthdates: If your Italian ancestor was a woman and her child was born before January 1, 1948, you must apply through the court process for citizenship, as Italian women could not pass on citizenship before this date, except in specific cases.
• Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino Alto Adige Special Rules: If your ancestor was from Veneto, they must have been alive and not a citizen of another country by 1886, and if from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, or Trentino Alto Adige, they must not have immigrated before July 16, 1920.
• Marriage Before April 27, 1983: If a non-Italian woman married an Italian man (or a man eligible for Italian citizenship born outside Italy) before April 27, 1983, she automatically became an Italian citizen.
• Before September 22, 1922, Women and Marriage: Before September 22, 1922, Italian women’s citizenship followed their husband’s citizenship, so if her husband became a non-Italian citizen, she would lose her citizenship, or if she married a non-Italian man, she would automatically acquire his citizenship.
• Italian-Born Minor Children’s Citizenship: Before , an Italian-born child’s citizenship followed their father’s, so if the father became a non-Italian citizen, the child would lose their Italian citizenship automatically.
• Naturalization Before July 1, 1912: If your Italian-born ancestor naturalized in another country before July 1, 1912, this usually breaks the chain of citizenship, but if the ancestor’s child was 21 or older at the time, the chain remains intact, and you might still qualify.
• Minor Issues Law (2024): If an Italian-born ancestor acquired foreign citizenship while their child was still a minor (before March 9, 1975), it automatically interrupted the chain of citizenship, making descendants ineligible, but this rule applies only to new applications submitted to consulates and municipalities, not to cases already recognized or to court cases.

Benefits of Italian 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 citizenship along with 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 them to the satisfaction of the Italian government.

You will need to provide the following documents:

1. Birth certificate of the Italian ancestor who emigrated from Italy. This must be issued by the Italian municipality where they were born.
2. Full birth certificates of all descendants in the direct line, including the person applying for citizenship.
3. Full death certificates of any deceased ancestors in the direct line.
4. Marriage certificate of the Italian ancestor who emigrated from Italy.
5. Marriage certificates of descendants in the direct line, including the parents of the applicant.
6. A certificate from the foreign state of emigration confirming that the Italian ancestor did not acquire citizenship in that country before the birth of the applicant’s ancestor.
7. Certificate from the competent Italian consular authority confirming that neither the direct-line ancestors nor the applicant has ever renounced Italian citizenship (according to Law no. 555 of 1912).

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 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:

1. Determine eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for citizenship by descent, which generally means you have an Italian ancestor who did not renounce their citizenship and whose lineage is intact.
2. Gather required documents: Collect official documents proving your Italian ancestry.
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: The process can take months to years depending on the consulate’s workload. 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.

Italy Citizenship by Descent Time Frame

The timeline for the citizenship recognition process is as follows:

For the Consulate, the procedure takes up to 730 days (2 years) from the submission of the application.

For the Municipality, the process is generally completed within 180 days (about 6 months) from the submission of the application.

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.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Italy allows dual citizenship, 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.

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. 

Frequently asked questions about Italian citizenship by descent

What is Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis)?

Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis) allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship based on their Italian ancestry, with no generational limit. If you have Italian ancestors who were citizens and did not renounce their citizenship, you may be eligible. This process involves proving your lineage through documents like birth and marriage certificates.

Who is eligible for Italian citizenship by descent?

You may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent if:

• Your ancestor was born in Italy, regardless of how many generations ago.
• Your ancestor was alive and not a citizen of another country as of March 17, 1861, the date of Italian unification.
• Your ancestor did not naturalize in another country before July 1, 1912.

What does jure sanguinis mean?

“Jure sanguinis” or “jus sanguinis” are Latin phrases meaning “right of blood.” It is a principle meaning that citizenship can be dermined through your parents, or ancestors, citizenship, i.e., being born to Italian citizens or having Italian ancestors. It also means that children under the age of 18 are automatically Italian if one of the parents is an Italian citizen, and their birth certificate is registered in Italy.

How many generations back can you claim Italian citizenship by descent?

You can claim Italian citizenship by descent for as many generations back as you can trace as long as the chain of citizenship remains unbroken. This means your ancestor must not have renounced their Italian citizenship or naturalized in another country before the next generation was born.

Do I qualify for Italian dual citizenship?

If you hold Italian citizenship, and your second citizenship is held by a country that permits dual citizenship, then yes, you qualify for dual citizenship in Italy.

How do I find out if I am a citizen of Italy?

If you suspect you have Italian heritage, you will need to request your family member’s official documents from their place of residence at the Italian Consulate or Embassy. You can source Italian citizenship assistance from a third-party company to help you with the entire process.

Can I get an Italian passport if my mother or father is Italian?

Yes, you are eligible for Italian citizenship, and therefore an Italian passport, if either parent has Italian citizenship, or even heritage, if you can locate the documents to prove it.

How do I inherit Italian citizenship?

You can apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent when you have an Italian heritage. For example, if your paternal grandfather or grandmother was born in Italy and was a citizen or had the right to become one prior to the birth of your father. You’re also eligible if you were born to an Italian citizen parent or to a parent who has the right to Italian citizenship “jure sanguinis.”

Can a US citizen get Italian citizenship by descent?

Yes, a US citizen can obtain Italian citizenship by descent if they have Italian ancestors and meet the eligibility requirements. This includes proving their lineage and providing necessary documents, such as birth and marriage certificates. There is no generational limit, but specific conditions must be met, such as ensuring that ancestors did not renounce their Italian citizenship.