Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent is a great opportunity for people of Italian descent to obtain an Italian passport and all the privileges that come with it. Find out who is eligible for citizenship by descent, what requirements and documents are needed, how the application process works, and what important changes to the rules come into effect in 2025

Italy is a country widely known for its rich history, culture and cuisine. That is why many foreigners dream of obtaining citizenship of this state. One of the ways to obtain a passport is citizenship based on jure sanguinis, or “by descent”. It allows people of Italian descent to apply for citizenship even if they were born outside of Italy. Given the numerous changes to the procedure for obtaining an Italian passport by descent in 2025, we have prepared a detailed guide for everyone who plans to obtain an Italian passport this year.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy on the Visit World portal to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses during your move. Support from a trusted insurance agent with a guaranteed payout in just a couple of clicks!

Who can obtain Italian citizenship by descent?

The right to Italian citizenship by descent extends to individuals who can prove that they have Italian ancestors. However, eligibility depends on several factors:

1. Direct descent

Citizenship can be transmitted through ancestors, and applicants must trace their Italian ancestry directly through the maternal or paternal line. For example, if you have Italian grandparents or great-grandparents, you can apply for citizenship by descent.

2. Unbroken chain of citizenship

The key condition for obtaining the right is that the ancestor through whom you claim citizenship must have been an Italian citizen at the time of the birth of the next person in the chain (your grandfather, grandmother, great-grandfather, etc.). The chain of Italian citizenship must be unbroken. If at any point in the family line an ancestor renounced his citizenship or became a naturalized citizen of another country before the birth of his descendant, the right to Italian citizenship may be lost.

Requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent

To obtain Italian citizenship by descent, several requirements must be met:

- Proof of Italian descent

You must establish your direct lineage from an Italian citizen. This may include proving that one of your ancestors was born in Italy and had Italian citizenship before the birth of his descendant.

- Lack of naturalization before the birth of the descendant

As mentioned earlier, if your ancestor was naturalized in another country before the birth of your father or grandfather, you may not be eligible for citizenship.

- Residence

There are no residency requirements for those applying for citizenship by descent, as long as you can prove your Italian ancestry and meet other criteria.

Documents required for Italian citizenship by descent

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you will need to gather various documents that prove your eligibility. Specific documents may vary depending on individual circumstances and consulate requirements, but generally, you will need:

- Birth certificates: your own birth certificate, the birth certificates of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who are direct ancestors of Italian citizenship.

- Marriage certificates: If possible, provide your ancestors' marriage certificates to establish the relationship between you and your Italian ancestor.

- Death certificates: death certificates of your ancestors (if they are deceased) to confirm their identity and lineage.

- Naturalization records: You will need to provide proof that your Italian ancestor was never naturalized in another country before the birth of their descendant. This is extremely important, as naturalization usually breaks the chain of Italian citizenship.

- Copies of passports: You may be asked to provide copies of the passports or other identity documents of your Italian ancestors, if any.

- Proof of your current citizenship: You must provide proof of your current citizenship (e.g. passport or national identity card).

- Other documentation: Depending on your family history and the specific requirements of the consulate, additional documents may be requested, such as residence records, adoption records or official translations of documents.

Important! Most documents submitted for citizenship applications must be translated into Italian and have an apostille, which is an official confirmation of the authenticity of the document.

How to obtain Italian citizenship by descent?

The process of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent consists of several steps, which may vary slightly depending on the consulate or municipality in Italy. Here is a brief description of the general procedure:

Step 1 - Trace your Italian ancestry

Establish your ancestry by gathering the necessary documents that prove your descent from an Italian citizen. This may include researching your family history and consulting the relevant civil registries in Italy and your country.

Step 2 - Prepare your documents

Collect all the necessary documents (birth, marriage, death certificates, etc.) and, if necessary, ensure that they are officially translated into Italian by a certified translator.

Step 3 - Apply

Apply for citizenship to the Italian consulate in your country of residence or to the municipality in Italy where your ancestor was born. The consulate or municipality will assess your eligibility based on the documents you provide.

Step 4 – Verification and Processing

Once your application has been submitted, the Italian authorities will verify your documents, which can take several months or even a year. They will review your background, ensure that your citizenship is not interrupted, and confirm that all documentation is correct.

Step 5 – Obtaining Citizenship

If your application is approved, you will be granted Italian citizenship. This means that you will be recognized as an Italian citizen, eligible to receive an Italian passport, and have the rights and privileges associated with Italian citizenship.

Does Italy allow dual citizenship?

Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning that you do not have to renounce your original citizenship to become an Italian citizen. However, it is important to understand your country’s laws regarding dual citizenship, as some countries do not allow this.

How long does it take to process an application for Italian citizenship

The process of obtaining citizenship can take a significant amount of time, ranging from a few months to several years. The duration depends on the complexity of your case, the specific consulate and the volume of applications.

Changes to the procedure for obtaining citizenship by descent in Italy in 2025

In 2025, the Italian government introduced a number of significant restrictions on the procedure for obtaining citizenship by descent:

1. Restrictions on lineage

Previously, anyone whose ancestor was Italian and lived after March 17, 1861 could apply for citizenship. Now, to apply, you must have at least one Italian father, grandmother or grandfather. This significantly reduces the pool of potential candidates.

2. Language requirement

Now candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language. Previously, this requirement applied only to those who obtained citizenship through naturalization after residence in the country or through marriage. To confirm their knowledge, you will need to pass a state exam.

3. Possible residence restrictions

While citizenship does not require an immediate residence permit, applicants may be required to demonstrate that they have resided in Italy for the past three years. This may include providing proof of residence, employment or study, which demonstrates real ties to the country.

4. Verification of dual citizenship status

To maintain dual citizenship, it is necessary to maintain an active link with Italy. This includes regular tax payments, voting, and timely renewal of an Italian passport, which proves permanent residence, not just possession of a passport.

5. Suspension of acceptance of documents at consulates

Italian consulates around the world will no longer accept applications for citizenship. This means that foreign applicants will have to submit their documents directly in Italy, which creates additional financial and organizational difficulties, and requires direct contact with Italian authorities.

Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent is a great opportunity for people of Italian heritage to reconnect with their roots and gain the benefits of EU citizenship. By understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and following the legal procedures, you can successfully apply for Italian citizenship and enjoy the privileges it brings. Remember that the process can take a long time, so patience and careful preparation are essential.

Navigating the documents and legality of applying for Italian citizenship by descent can be difficult to figure out. Many applicants hire specialized lawyers to help with the collection of documents and ensure a smooth process.

Get advice from a qualified migration specialist on the Visit World portal!

Recall! Italy is a country with a rich culture and history, whose fantastic landscapes attract tourists and expats from different parts of the world. The state is the leader in the number of migrants, in addition, it has the highest rates of issuing temporary residence permits in the EU. We have already told you how a foreigner can move to Italy for work, what are the conditions for obtaining a visa and what package of documents is required for moving.

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;

Legal advice on immigration to Italy;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Italy;

Medical insurance all over the world.

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.