Italian Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

Many expats dream of reconnecting with their Italian heritage—and for some, that dream comes with a passport. Italian citizenship by descent (cittadinanza jure sanguinis) is one of the most generous paths to European citizenship available today. Unlike many countries, Italy doesn’t limit citizenship claims to just one generation back. If you have Italian ancestors, even great-grandparents, you may already be eligible.

But the process can be more complex than it seems. Understanding the legal framework, documentary requirements, and bureaucratic challenges is key to success.

This article walks you through the basics—and nuances—of claiming Italian citizenship by descent.

1. The Principle of Jure Sanguinis (Right of Blood)

Italian citizenship is largely passed down through bloodline, not birthplace. This means that if your ancestor was an Italian citizen, and didn’t renounce their citizenship before the birth of their child, that citizenship may have been passed to you automatically—even if you were born abroad.

There is no generational limit under Italian law, as long as the line of descent is unbroken and each ancestor retained their Italian citizenship at the time of their child’s birth.

So, someone whose great-grandfather emigrated to the United States in 1905 might still qualify today.

2. Key Conditions and Exceptions

Not every person of Italian ancestry qualifies. Several conditions must be met, and understanding the most common disqualifiers is essential:

• Renunciation of Citizenship: If your ancestor became a citizen of another country before their child was born, the chain is broken.

• Date of Emigration: If your ancestor emigrated before Italy’s unification (17 March 1861), they weren’t technically Italian citizens.

• Maternal Lineage Before 1948: Prior to January 1, 1948, Italian women could not pass on citizenship to their children. If your lineage includes a woman who gave birth before that date, a court case may be required to claim citizenship.

While most applications are handled by consulates or Italian municipalities, 1948 cases must go through the Tribunale Civile di Roma—a process that often requires legal assistance but has a high success rate.

3. Documents You’ll Need

A full application typically includes:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each ancestor

• Proof of non-naturalization (e.g., US or UK naturalization records, or a “no record” certificate)

• Apostilles and certified translations for all foreign documents

• Your own documents: passport, birth certificate, residency certificate

Every document must follow strict formatting and legalization rules. A small clerical error or missing translation can delay the process by months.

In some cases, it’s necessary to correct or amend civil records—especially if names were anglicized or misspelled over generations.

4. Where and How to Apply

You can apply in three main ways:

1. Through an Italian consulate abroad – The most common path, but often very slow. Wait times for an appointment can exceed 2–3 years in cities like New York, London or São Paulo.

2. Via residency in Italy – If you move to Italy and establish legal residence, you can apply directly with the local town hall (comune). This route is often faster but requires staying in Italy for several months.

3. Via court (for 1948 cases) – Applications involving a woman in the lineage who gave birth before 1948 must be handled via a civil court in Rome. The process is legalistic and usually requires an attorney.

Each path has pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your timeline, residency status, and legal background.

5. What You Get with Italian Citizenship

Once recognized, you become an EU citizen with the full rights of residency, work, and movement throughout the European Union. This includes access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities in 27 EU countries.

Italian citizenship is permanent and transmissible to your children, even if they’re born outside of Italy. It also comes with the right to vote in Italian and European elections, and access to Italy’s cultural and social systems.

Many successful applicants choose to maintain dual citizenship, keeping both their original passport and their Italian one.

6. Hidden Challenges: Bureaucracy and Patience

Despite being a right under Italian law, claiming citizenship by descent is often a bureaucratic marathon. Consulates are overwhelmed, rules differ by location, and document issues are common. Many applicants underestimate the time and paperwork involved.

Some choose to work with specialized lawyers or agencies to streamline the process and avoid delays. This is particularly helpful for complex family trees, cases requiring court filings, or claims involving ancestors who emigrated over a century ago.

Still, the process is worth it. Once granted, Italian citizenship opens doors to Europe—and strengthens your family legacy.

Conclusion: A Passport to the Past and Future

Italian citizenship by descent is more than a legal status. It’s a reconnection to your heritage, a gateway to Europe, and a valuable asset for your family’s future.

But getting there takes strategy, organization, and perseverance. With the right help, it can be not only possible—but surprisingly rewarding.

Curious if You Qualify for Italian Citizenship?

At Knotted, we guide individuals and families through every step of the citizenship-by-descent process—from evaluating eligibility to submitting documents and appealing complex cases.

📧 Reach us at: info@knotted.ch

📱 Or text us on WhatsApp: +41 76 771 30 22

Let us help you turn your Italian roots into a real future.