Italian citizenship is primarily governed by Law No. 91 of 1992, which outlines how citizenship can be acquired, transmitted, or lost. One key pathway is citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim citizenship.
Before the 2025 reform, the rules for jure sanguinis were relatively inclusive. Citizenship could be passed down indefinitely through either the paternal or maternal line. The naturalization of an ancestor in a foreign country did not prevent the transmission of citizenship, as long as it occurred after the birth of their child.
However, jure sanguinis citizenship was not automatic—it required a formal application, either at an Italian consulate abroad, a municipality in Italy, or through the courts, supported by documentation proving the family lineage and continuity of Italian citizenship.
With the entry into force of Law No. 74/2025, however, applicants are now required to meet stricter eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following conditions (art. 3bis L. 91/1992):
OR
The highly restrictive approach adopted by the new legislation has aspects that are in conflict with the Italian Constitution and with European law. For these reasons, many lawyers and legal scholars believe that it is possible to proceed through the court even for those who do not meet the requirements of Article 3-bis, by raising issues of constitutional legitimacy based on the following arguments:
Required Documentation
The application process requires gathering several vital records to prove your eligibility. These typically include:
All non-Italian documents must be apostilled and translated into Italian by a certified translator. Please note that an apostille is an international certification that confirms the authenticity of a foreign document.
The Application Process
How AcrossBoundaries Can Support You
Navigating the legal landscape created by the new law on Italian citizenship can be difficult. That's where AcrossBoundaries comes in. We are a team of dual citizenship lawyers working directly with the Italian Court, which allows our customers to avoid delays at consulates and obtain Italian citizenship within one year.
Our services include:
Conclusion
Reconnecting with your Italian roots through citizenship is a meaningful and rewarding process. While Law No. 74/2025 has made eligibility more restrictive, many still qualify—especially through recent generations. If you believe you're eligible, now is the time to act. With AcrossBoundaries guiding your journey, the path to Italian and EU citizenship is within reach.
Contact Us
Obtaining Italian citizenship is a complex process that can require a significant time investment, and mistakes or incomplete paperwork could jeopardize your application. If you have any doubts or questions about the Italian citizenship by descent application, BOOK A 100% FREE CONSULTATION TODAY.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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