Italian Citizenship Laws and Processes

On this page

Learn who can apply for Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis), the process, legal requirements, and what documentation is needed for your application.

What is Jure Sanguinis?

Jure Sanguinis is the Italian law that allows descendants of Italian citizens to reclaim their citizenship by proving uninterrupted lineage. If your ancestor never renounced their Italian citizenship and meets certain legal criteria, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent.

Who is eligible for Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis?

You may be eligible if:

• You have an Italian ancestor who was born in Italy.
• Your ancestor never renounced their Italian citizenship.
• Citizenship was passed down through your lineage, even if you and your ancestors were born outside of Italy.
• You are the descendent of a an non-Italian woman who married an Italian man before 1983.

What documents do I need to apply for Jure Sanguinis?

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you generally need:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestor.
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates of any direct ancestors in the Italian lineage (your mother/father, grandparent, great-granpdarent, etc.).
• Your own birth and marriage certificates.
• Proof that your Italian ancestor did not renounce citizenship before the birth of the next descendant (naturalization or non-naturalization document).

Can I apply through the Italian consulate or can I go through the quicker route which is Italian court?

If you're eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, you can apply either through your local Italian consulate or, if you are unable to secure an appointement, you can hire an Italian Lawyer to apply on your behalf via the Italian court system. Consulates can take several years to process applications due to high demand, while court proceedings typically take 1 - 2 years.

How must foreign documents be processed for the Italian citizenship application?

To be accepted in Italian court or by a consulate, foreign documents must go through these steps:

• Apostille Authentication: Documents like birth, marriage, and naturalization certificates must be apostilled, confirming their validity for international use.
• Translation into Italian: Documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator. For court submissions, translations must be sworn and certified.
• Certification of Translations: Translations may need certification by a public notary or consulate, depending on the location of the application.
• Legalization (if needed): If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, documents will require legalization by the foreign ministry and the Italian consulate.
• Consulate-Specific Requirements: The requirements may vary by consulate. Some consulates may require additional documents, notarization, additional certification, or specific formatting for documents. It’s important to consult with us to ensure your documents meet the correct standards.

What if I don’t have all the required documents or they have not been processed?

Citizenship Italia’s document procurement team can secure and process the necessary documents as quickly as possible. Your application will require official records from your local government and the Italian authorities. Missing, unprocessed, or improperly processed documents will cause delays.

Can multiple family members apply together for Italian citizenship?

Yes, family members who share the same Italian ancestor can apply together. This can help streamline the process and reduce costs, as many documents will be shared.

How long does the Jure Sanguinis process take?

The timeline depends on whether you apply through a consulate or the court. Consular applications can take several years, while the court process in Italy generally takes 1-2 years, especially for 1948 cases or complex cases.

What is the 1948 Rule or 1948 Case?

The 1948 Rule or 1948 Case, allows descendents of an Italian woman born prior to 1948 to claim Italian dual citizenship through the Italian courts and cannot be processed by Italian Consulates.

Can I still apply for Italian citizenship if my ancestor naturalized in another country?

Yes, but with conditions. Your ancestor must have naturalized, or became a citizen of the new country after the birth of the next person in your lineage (i.e., your parent or grandparent). If they renounced their Italian citizenship before their child was born, your eligibility may be affected.

Can I apply for Italian citizenship if my ancestor was an non-Italian woman who married an Italian man before 1983?

A non-Italian woman who married an Italian man before 1983 automatically acquired Italian citizenship and can still be applied for.

Can I apply for Jure Sanguinis if I was adopted?

If you were legally adopted by an Italian citizen, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship. However, this is treated differently than Jure Sanguinis and requires additional legal verification.

What happens if my Italian ancestor was born or emigrated before March 17, 1861?

As long as your ancestor lived passed March 17, 1861, which is when Italy was unified as a nation, and meets the other requirements outlined above, you may be elgible for Italian Citizenship.

What are the benefits of Italian dual citizenship?

With Italian citizenship, you gain:

• The ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.
• Access to Italian healthcare and social services.
• The right to own property and do business in Italy.
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries with an Italian passport.
• Access to tax havens.