This article offers a comprehensive overview of Italian citizenship, outlining the various pathways to its acquisition, conditions for its loss, and provisions for its reacquisition. Rooted in Law no. 91 of February 5, 1992, Italian citizenship law emphasizes individual intent and acknowledges the right to hold multiple citizenships. The foundational principles include the transmissibility of citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis), acquisition by birth on Italian territory (ius soli) in specific residual cases, and the explicit expression of intention for both acquisition and loss of citizenship. We will delve into the intricacies of these provisions, including recent amendments introduced by Decree-Law no. 36 of March 28, 2025, converted by Law no. 74 of May 23, 2025, which impact automatic acquisition for those born abroad holding other citizenships.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Italian Citizenship: A Brief Introduction

2. Acquisition of Citizenship

2.1. Citizenship by Descent According to the Principle of Ius Sanguinis;
2.2. Attribution of Citizenship Following Recognition, Adoption, Judicial Declaration of Filiation of a Child Under the Age of 18 or Cohabitation with the Parent Who Becomes a Naturalized Italian Citizen
2.3. Election of Citizenship Following the Recognition of Filiation at the Age of Majority
2.4. Evaluation of Applications Pursuant to Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025, Converted by Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025
2.5. Citizenship Provided by Law
2.6. Granting of Citizenship (Including Service in the Employ of the State)
2.7. Citizenship by Marriage and Civil Union
2.8. Attribution of Citizenship Ius Soli as a Residual and Supplementary Criterion

3. Loss of Citizenship

4. Renunciation of Citizenship

5. Reacquisition of Citizenship

6.Declaration of Uninterrupted Possession of Italian Citizenship for Women Married to Foreign Citizens Since January 1, 1948

7. Recognition of Citizenship Pursuant to Law No. 379/2000 and Law No. 124/2006

8. Administrative Simplification and Costs

1. Italian Citizenship: A Brief Introduction

Italian citizenship is governed by Law no. 91 of February 5, 1992 (and related implementing regulations: in particular Presidential Decree no. 572 of October 12, 1993, and Presidential Decree no. 362 of April 18, 1994) which, unlike previous legislation, places greater emphasis on individual intention in the acquisition and loss of citizenship and recognizes the right to hold multiple citizenships simultaneously.

The principles underpinning Italian citizenship are:

• the transmissibility of citizenship by descent (the principle of “ius sanguinis”);

• the acquisition of citizenship “ius soli” (by birth on the territory) in some residual cases;

• the possibility of multiple citizenship;

• the expression of intention for acquisition and loss of citizenship.

Since August 16, 1992 (the date Law no. 91/92 came into force), the acquisition of foreign citizenship does not result in the loss of Italian citizenship unless the Italian citizen formally renounces it (Art. 11 of Law no. 91/92), except where otherwise provided by international agreements.

2. Acquisition of Citizenship

Italian citizenship can be acquired according to the methods outlined below. With the introduction of Decree-Law no. 36 of March 28, 2025, converted with amendments by Law no. 74 of May 23, 2025, the automatic acquisition of citizenship referred to in points 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 for those born abroad holding another citizenship is subject to the existence of one of the exceptions set out in Art. 3-bis of Law no. 91 of February 5, 1992. For further information, please refer here.

2.1 Citizenship by Descent Under the Principle of Ius Sanguinis

Art. 1 of Law no. 91/92 establishes that a child born to an Italian father or mother is an Italian citizen by birth. This confirms the principle of ius sanguinis, already present in the previous legislation, as the fundamental principle for the acquisition of citizenship, while ius soli remains an exceptional and residual case.

By explicitly declaring that citizenship can also be transmitted by the mother, the article fully incorporates the principle of gender equality in the transmission of status civitatis.

Regarding the procedures for the recognition of Italian citizenship through iure sanguinis, these have been formally outlined in circular no. K.28.1 of April 8, 1991, issued by the Ministry of the Interior.

The competent authority for the verification process is determined based on the applicant’s place of residence: for those residing abroad, the responsibility lies with the territorially competent Consular Office.

The procedure for recognition includes the following steps:

• verification that the line of descent originates from an Italian ancestor (“avo dante causa”), in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned Circular K.28.1;

• confirmation that the Italian ancestor retained Italian citizenship until the birth of the next person in the line of descent. The absence of naturalization or the date of any naturalization of the ancestor must be certified by the competent foreign authority;

• proof of descent from the Italian ancestor through civil status records of birth and marriage. These documents must comply with legalization requirements, where applicable, and must be accompanied by official translations. It should be noted that transmission of Italian citizenship through the maternal line is only recognized for children born on or after January 1, 1948, the date on which the Italian Constitution entered into force;

• certification that neither the applicant nor any of the direct ancestors ever formally renounced Italian citizenship, thereby interrupting the line of transmission. Such certification must be issued by the competent Italian diplomatic or consular authorities.

The applicant is responsible for submitting the application accompanied by all required documentation, complete and duly legalized, in order to demonstrate compliance with the conditions outlined above.

2.2 Attribution of Citizenship Following Recognition, Adoption, Judicial Declaration of Filiation of a Child Under the Age of 18 or Cohabitation with the Parent Who Becomes a Naturalized Italian Citizen

Law no. 91/92 devotes particular attention to the acquisition of citizenship of a minor in the following cases:

a) recognition or judicial declaration of filiation;
b) adoption;
c) naturalization of a parent.

a) Citizenship by recognition or judicial declaration of filiation

A minor is recognized as an Italian citizen if he or she is acknowledged as the child of an Italian citizen by a judge, or if filiation is judicially established in relation to an Italian citizen (Art. 2, paragraph 1 of Law no. 91/92).

b) Attribution of citizenship Following Adoption of a Child Under the Age of 18

A foreign minor adopted by an Italian citizen acquires Italian citizenship through a ruling issued by the Italian Judicial Authority. In the case of an adoption abroad, citizenship is acquired following a ruling by the competent foreign authority which has been made effective in Italy through an order of transcription in the civil registers issued by the Juvenile Court.

If the adoptee is of legal age, he or she may acquire Italian citizenship by naturalization after 5 years of legal residence in Italy following the adoption.

c) Attribution of Citizenship to Minors as a Result of Parental Naturalization

According to Art. 14 of Law no. 91/92, “Minor children of those who acquire or reacquire Italian citizenship shall themselves acquire Italian citizenship, provided they are cohabiting with the parent. Upon reaching the age of majority, they may renounce citizenship, provided they hold another citizenship. This provision shall apply if, at the time of acquisition or reacquisition of citizenship by the parent, the minor has legally resided in Italy for at least two continuous years or, if under the age of two, since birth.”

Citizenship is acquired on condition of the cohabitation of the minor, under Italian law, provided that the minor has been legally residing in Italy at least two continuous years at the time of the parent’s acquisition or reacquisition of citizenship (or since birth if under two years of age). This requirement was introduced by Legislative Decree no. 36 of March 28, 2025, as converted by Law no. 74 of May 23, 2025.

Art. 12 of Presidential Decree no. 572/93 further specifies that cohabitation must be stable and effective, supported by appropriate documentation, and must also exist at the moment the parent acquires or reacquires Italian citizenship.

2.3 Election of Citizenship Following Recognition of Filiation at the Age of Majority

In cases where recognition or judicial declaration of filiation involves a person of legal age, that individual may acquire Italian citizenship only if, within one year of the relevant decision, he or she expresses his or her intention to do so, through an “election of citizenship” (Art. 2, paragraph 2 of Law no. 91/92). Pursuant to Art. 3 of Presidential Decree no. 572 of October 12, 1993 (Implementing Regulation of Law no. 91/92), the declaration of election of citizenship under Art. 2, paragraph 2 of the aforementioned law must be accompanied by the following documents, which constitute the necessary prerequisites for requesting this benefit:

• birth certificate (for the exact identification of the applicant);

• act of recognition or an authenticated copy of the sentence declaring paternity or maternity;

• certificate of citizenship of the Italian parent.

It should be noted that the judicial declaration of recognition may have been issued abroad: in such cases, the one-year period within which the declaration of election of citizenship must be made shall be calculated from the date on which the foreign decision becomes effective in Italy.

2.4 Evaluation of Applications Pursuant to Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025, Converted by Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025

Applications submitted following the entry into force of Decree-Law no. 36 of March 28, 2025, converted, with amendments, by Law no. 74 of May 23, 2025, are subject to the fulfillment of specific conditions for the acquisition of Italian citizenship. The amended legal text may be consulted at the following link.

In particular, applicants born abroad and holding another citizenship shall not be deemed to have automatically acquired Italian citizenship, unless:

• An ancestor in the first or second degree (i.e., a parent or grandparent) held – or had held at the time of death – exclusively Italian citizenship;

• A parent or adoptive parent was resident in Italy for at least two continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the date of the applicant’s birth (or adoption).

To demonstrate that one of the above conditions is met, the applicant must submit appropriate supporting documentation:

By way of example, to prove exclusive possession of Italian citizenship the following may be submitted:

• negative certificates of citizenship;

• certificates of renunciation of foreign citizenship;

• certificates of non-enrollment in foreign electoral registers;

To demonstrate legal residence in Italy for at least two continuous years, the following may be provided:

• Historical certificate of residence;

It is emphasized that mere personal declarations are not sufficient.

2.5 Citizenship Provided by Law (Art. 4)

This provision, governed by Art. 4 of Law no. 91/92, generally applies only within Italian territory. For the relevant regulations, reference should therefore be made to the Ministry of the Interior.

At this stage, it is worth highlighting the sole provision allowing children of a parent who is an Italian citizen by birth to acquire Italian citizenship if the parents (or guardian) declare such intention. If the declaration is submitted within one year from the birth of the minor (or from a later date on which filiation – including adoptive filiation – is established), the minor may acquire Italian citizenship even while continuing to reside abroad. However, if more than one year has elapsed since birth, in order for the declaration to take effect, the minor must legally reside in Italy for at least two continuous years.

Should the individual later wish to renounce citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, this is permitted provided he or she holds another citizenship.

Declarations may also be submitted, by 11:59 p.m. (Rome time) on May 31, 2026, in favor of minors as of May 24, 2025, children of ius sanguinis citizens referred to in letters a), a-bis) and b) of Article 3-bis, paragraph 1 of Law no. 91 of February 5, 1992.

To acquire Italian citizenship pursuant to Art. 4, a contribution of EUR 250 is required in favor of the Ministry of the Interior.

2.6 Granting of Citizenship Pursuant to Art. 9 (Including Service in the Employ of the State)

Art. 9 of Law 91/1992 provides for the granting of Italian citizenship by Decree of the President of the Republic, establishing differentiated procedures depending on the specific qualifications of the applicants and varying the period of legal residence required to legitimize the submission of the relevant application.

Ordinarily, a legal residence in the territory of the State for at least 10 years is required for non-EU foreign nationals (Art. 9, letter f). However, no residence requirement is established for foreign nationals who have served the Italian State, including abroad, for at least five years (Art. 9, letter c).

Since these cases apply only within Italian territory, reference is made to the Ministry of the Interior for the relevant regulations.

Paragraph 2 of Art. 9 stipulates that Italian citizenship may be granted by Decree of the President of the Republic, after consulting the Council of State and following a resolution of the Council of Ministers, upon proposal of the Minister of the Interior in agreement with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to foreign nationals who have rendered distinguished services to Italy or where there is an exceptional interest of the State.

The initiation of the procedure does not require any impetus from the interested party but requires a proposal from public entities, personalities, or associations that can demonstrate a widespread assessment regarding the fulfillment of the legal requirements by the potential recipient.

The procedure involves obtaining opinions from security bodies and, for residents in Italy, from the Prefecture of the place of residence.

It is, however, necessary to obtain the consent declaration of the interested party to acquire citizenship.

Even in this case of acquisition, the Presidential Decree granting Italian citizenship does not take effect if the interested party, if residing abroad, does not take the oath of allegiance to the Republic before the competent Consular Office as required by Art. 10 of the law.

The acquisition of our status civitatis shall take effect from the day following the oath.

2.7 Citizenship by Marriage and Civil Union

The acquisition of citizenship by the foreign or stateless spouse of an Italian citizen is governed by Arts. 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Law no. 91/92 and subsequent amendments.

The foreign spouse may acquire Italian citizenship upon application, provided the following requirements are met:

• in Italy: two years of legal residence after the marriage/civil union or from the date of acquisition of Italian citizenship by naturalization by the spouse; abroad: three years after the marriage/civil union or from the date of acquisition of Italian citizenship by naturalization by the spouse. These periods are halved if the couple has children born or adopted;

• validity of the marriage/civil union according to Italian law and transcription of the marriage/civil union certificate at the competent Italian municipality, as well as the continuation of the marital bond until the adoption of the decree;

• absence of criminal convictions for offenses punishable by a maximum sentence of at least three years’ imprisonment or convictions by a foreign judicial authority to a sentence exceeding one year for non-political offenses, where the conviction has been transcribed in Italy;

• absence of convictions for any offenses provided under Book Two, Title I, Chapters I, II, and III of the Italian Criminal Code (offenses against the State);

• absence of impediments related to the security of the Republic;

• certified knowledge of the Italian language at a level not lower than B1 of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” (rule applicable to applications submitted from December 4, 2018, onwards).

Applicants residing abroad must submit the citizenship acquisition application electronically following the procedure established by the competent Ministry of the Interior.

Applicants must register on the dedicated portal at the following URL: https://www.interno.gov.it/servizi/servizi-line. Once logged in, they will have access to the online procedure for submitting their application for citizenship.

To facilitate the identification of the territorially competent diplomatic-consular representation to receive the application, the above internet address contains a link allowing users – after selecting the country of residence – to choose, via a drop-down menu, the competent representation from a list covering the entire diplomatic-consular network of the selected country.

Applicants must complete all the required fields in the form and upload the following mandatory documents as indicated by the Ministry of the Interior for the citizenship application (please note that EU Regulation no. 2016/1191, effective from February 16, 2019, exempts documents from legalization provided that public documents are issued to an EU citizen by authorities of his or her Member State of citizenship):

• birth certificate from the country of origin (in compliance with the legalization/apostille and translation requirements under current legislation) including full personal details, or, in cases of documented impossibility, a certificate issued by the diplomatic-consular authority of the country of origin specifying the exact personal details (name, surname, date, and place of birth), as well as the applicant’s parentage.

• criminal record certificate from the country of origin, and from any third countries of residence and countries of citizenship held (in compliance with the legalization/apostille and translation requirements under current legislation).

• receipt of payment of the EUR 250 fee.

• identity document: photocopy of a valid passport (pages showing personal data, photograph, dates of issue and expiry) or valid identity card.

• certificate of knowledge of the Italian language proficiency not lower than B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) or a qualification issued by a public or recognized private educational institution accredited by the Ministry of Education, University and Research and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Only the following entities’ certifications are accepted: University for Foreigners of Siena (CILS), University for Foreigners of Perugia (CELI), Roma Tre University (Cert.It), University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria (Ce.Co.L.), and the Dante Alighieri Society (PLIDA).

The following are exempt from submitting the Italian language proficiency certificate:

• Foreign nationals (including those residing abroad) who have signed the integration agreement pursuant to Art. 4 bis of Legislative Decree no. 286/1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act);

• Holders of the EU (or EC) long-term residence permit pursuant to Art. 9 of the same Consolidated Act;

• Those who have obtained an educational qualification issued by a public or recognized private institution accredited by the Ministry of Education, University and Research and/or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

• Furthermore, applicants with “severe limitations in language learning ability due to age, illness or disability, certified by a public health authority,” as per Constitutional Court Ruling no. 25/2025, are exempt from presenting the Italian language certificate.

After submitting the online application, the applicant will be summoned by the diplomatic-consular representation that received the application for identification and the other necessary formalities to finalize the application, including submission in original of documents attached to the online application and any other documents useful for processing the application. It should be noted that the marriage certificate extract, the certificate of family status, and the certificate of Italian citizenship of the spouse are replaced, if the applicant is an EU citizen, by a self-certification pursuant to Presidential Decree no. 445/2000 and most recently by Law no. 183/2011.

Applicants who are citizens of a non-EU country may be exempted from submitting the marriage/civil union certificate extract, the certificate of family status, and the certificate of Italian citizenship of the spouse, only if these documents are already held by the diplomatic-consular representation.

According to Art. 4, paragraph 5 of Presidential Decree no. 572/93, the Ministry of the Interior may request additional documents depending on the case.

Please note that, pursuant to the Ministerial Directive of March 7, 2012, from June 1, 2012, the authority to issue citizenship concession decrees is as follows:

• the Prefect for applications submitted by foreign nationals legally residing in Italy;

• the Head of the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration, if the foreign spouse resides abroad;

• the Minister of the Interior in cases involving reasons related to the security of the Republic.

For clarity and convenience, it is recommended to consult the website of the competent diplomatic-consular representation according to residence.

2.8 Attribution of Citizenship Ius Soli as a Residual and Supplementary Criterion

Italian citizenship is granted:

• to individuals whose parents are unknown, stateless, or are unable to transmit their citizenship to the child according to the legislation of their country of origin (Art. 1, paragraph 1, letter b of Law no. 91/92);

• to a child of unknown parentage found abandoned on Italian territory and whose citizenship cannot be determined (Art. 1, paragraph 2 of Law no. 91/92).

3. Loss of Citizenship

Italian citizenship may be lost either automatically or through formal renunciation.

Citizenship is lost automatically in the following cases:

• an Italian citizen who voluntarily enlists in the armed forces of a foreign State or accepts a public office from a foreign State, despite being expressly prohibited from doing so by the Italian Government (Art. 12, paragraph 1 of Law no. 91/92);

• an Italian citizen who, during a state of war with a foreign State, has served in its armed forces, held public office, or acquired its citizenship (Art. 12, paragraph 2 of Law no. 91/92);

• a person who has acquired Italian citizenship by adoption, in the event of revocation of the adoption due to reasons attributable to them, provided that he or she holds or acquires another citizenship (Art. 3, paragraph 3 of Law no. 91/92).

4. Renunciation of Citizenship

Italian citizenship may be lost if it is formally renounced by:

• an adoptee who is of legal age, following revocation of the adoption for reasons attributable to the adopter, provided that he or she holds or reacquires another citizenship (Art. 3, paragraph 4 of Law no. 91/92);

• an Italian citizen, who resides, or establishes their residence abroad and who possesses, acquires, or reacquires another citizenship (Art. 11 of Law no. 91/92);

• an adult who acquired Italian citizenship as a minor following the acquisition or reacquisition of citizenship by one of the parents, provided that he or she holds another citizenship (Art. 14 of Law no. 91/92).

The declaration of renunciation of citizenship must be submitted, in the case of residence abroad, to the competent Consular Office. It must be accompanied by the following documentation:

• birth certificate issued by the relevant Italian municipality;

• certificate of Italian citizenship;

• documentation proving possession of foreign citizenship;

• documentation relating to residence abroad, if required.

A minor does NOT lose Italian citizenship if one or both parents lose it or reacquire foreign citizenship.

5. Reacquisition of Citizenship

The provisions governing the reacquisition of citizenship are contained in Art. 13 of Law no. 91/92. In particular, an individual residing abroad, who has lost citizenship may reacquire it pursuant to paragraph 1, letter c), by submitting a specific declaration to the competent Consular Office, provided they establish residence in Italy within one year of the declaration.

Women married to foreign nationals before January 1, 1948, who – by virtue of marriage – automatically acquired their husband’s citizenship and lost Italian citizenship, may reacquire it, even if residing abroad, by declaration. The declaration of reacquisition of citizenship must be made, if residing abroad, to the competent Consular Office.

The declaration must be accompanied by the following documentation:

• birth certificate issued by the relevant Italian municipality;

• documentation evidencing previous possession of Italian citizenship;

• documentation of foreign citizenship or stateless status;

• certificate of family situation or equivalent documentation.

In addition, Art. 17 of Law no. 91/1992, as amended by Decree-Law no. 36/2025 as converted by Law no. 74/2025, provides for the reopening of deadlines for the reacquisition of citizenship in favor of former citizens born in Italy or who have been resident in Italy for at least two continuous years and who have lost their citizenship no later than August 15, 1992, under Art. 8, no. 1 and no. 2, or Art. 12 of Law no. 555 of 1912 (naturalization in a foreign country, renunciation of citizenship following involuntary acquisition of foreign citizenship, minor children living with a parent who has lost citizenship). This possibility does not apply to those who renounced their Italian citizenship (or who have lost it for other reasons) starting from August 16, 1992.

Declarations for reacquisition may be submitted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.

The interested party for the reacquisition must provide:

• Valid identity document issued by the Authority of the country of current citizenship;

• Birth certificate: if born abroad, it must be suitable for transcription in Italy, duly legalized and translated;

• For those born abroad, a historical residence certificate issued by the competent Italian municipality;

• Historical certificate of residence;

• Documentation proving the reason and date for loss of citizenship (proof of foreign citizenship acquisition and, in the cases envisaged, the renunciation of Italian citizenship such as a certificate of naturalization or, if required by local practice, a birth certificate with citizenship documentation and reason of acquisition, issued by foreign authorities must be duly legalized and translated).

A contribution of EUR 250, payable at the Consular Office, is required for declarations of reacquisition of Italian citizenship.

The declaration must be made by the interested party personally.

According to Art. 15 of Law no. 91/1992, the individual reacquires citizenship from the day following the declaration, not from birth.

6. Declaration of Uninterrupted Possession of Italian Citizenship for Women Married to Foreign Citizens Since January 1, 1948

Women who on or after January 1, 1948, have automatically acquired foreign citizenship by marriage to a foreign citizen or by foreign naturalization of their Italian-born husband have NOT lost Italian citizenship. In order to allow the necessary annotations in civil registry records, these women (or their descendants) must declare their intention to retain Italian citizenship to the competent consular office through a declaration of uninterrupted possession.

7. Recognition of Citizenship Pursuant to Law No. 379/2000 and Law No. 124/2006

To persons born and formerly residing in the territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and their descendants pursuant to Law no. 379 of December 14, 2000 (no longer in force as of December 20, 2010):

Declarations requesting the recognition of Italian citizenship in favor of persons born and formerly residing in the territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and their descendants pursuant to Law no. 379/2000 could be submitted until December 20, 2010, to the Italian Consular Office if the applicant resided abroad or, for those applicants residing in Italy, before the Civil Registrar of the municipality of residence.

Declarations submitted within the prescribed deadlines are examined by an interministerial committee established at the Ministry of the Interior, which issues an opinion on whether the legal requirements are met. If the opinion is favorable, the Ministry of the Interior issues a clearance for recognition.

The necessary requirements for the recognition of Italian citizenship are:

• birth and residence of the ancestor in the territories formerly belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and acquired by Italy at the end of the First World War in implementation of the Treaty of San Germano;

• emigration abroad of the ancestor in the period between December 25, 1867, and July 16, 1920.

To Italian nationals from Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia and their descendants pursuant to Law no. 124 of March 8, 2006:

It provides for the recognition of Italian citizenship in favor of:

a) Italian nationals residing from 1940 to 1947 in Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia, who lost their Italian citizenship when these territories were ceded to the Yugoslav Republic by virtue of the Treaty of Paris of February 10, 1947, and to their descendants;

b) Italian nationals residing until 1977 in zone B of the former Free Territory of Trieste who lost their Italian citizenship when this territory was ceded to the Republic of Yugoslavia by virtue of the Treaty of Osimo of November 10, 1975, and to their descendants.

The application must be submitted to the Italian Consular Office if the applicant resides abroad or to the Municipality if he or she resides in Italy.

Two distinct categories of beneficiaries must be distinguished:

A. Beneficiaries under Art. 19 of the Peace Treaty of Paris, as they were already resident in the territories ceded in 1947.

In order to prove the existence of the requirements required by Art. 17-bis, paragraph 1, letter a) of Law no. 91/92, the following documents shall be attached to the application for recognition:

• birth certificate, possibly on an international model;

• certificate attesting to the possession of foreign citizenship;

• certificate of current residence;

• certification or suitable documentation proving residence as of June 10, 1940, in the territories ceded to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia;

• certification showing that the person concerned was an Italian citizen on September 15, 1947 – the date of entry into force of the Peace Treaty of Paris – (or equivalent documentation such as military service record, passport, etc.);

• certificate issued by any Italian clubs, associations, or communities operating in the applicant’s country of residence, showing the date of registration, the usual language spoken, and any other useful evidence of knowledge of the Italian language;

• any other useful documentation proving the usual language spoken (e.g., copies of certificates of attendance from Italian language schools, school reports, etc.).

The children or direct descendants of the beneficiaries of Art. 19 of the above-mentioned Peace Treaty of Paris, who intend to make use of Art. 17-bis, paragraph 1, letter b), shall attach the following documents to the application for recognition of Italian citizenship:

• certification or documentation showing the possession, by one’s parent or ancestor in the direct line, of the requirements referred to in the aforementioned points;

• birth certificate attesting to the relationship of direct descent between the applicant and the parent or ancestor;

• certificate attesting to the possession of foreign citizenship;

• certificate issued by any associations or communities of Italians, present in the foreign territory of residence, which demonstrates the applicant’s knowledge of the Italian language and culture;

• any other useful documentation suitable for proving the applicant’s knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

8. Administrative Simplification and Costs

The procedures for acquiring, losing, and reacquiring Italian citizenship, while thorough, have also seen efforts towards administrative simplification. Applicants are generally required to submit comprehensive documentation, often with specific legalization and translation requirements. Fees, such as the EUR 250 contribution for certain types of citizenship acquisition, are also applicable.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, individuals are strongly advised to refer directly to the official websites of the Italian Ministry of Interior or the specific Italian diplomatic or consular representation competent for their place of residence. These sources will provide the precise requirements, forms, and procedures, which can vary based on individual circumstances and the evolving legal landscape.

If you are pursuing Italian citizenship and seek professional assistance with your application, we invite you to contact us at [email protected]

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In conclusion, understanding the multifaceted nature of Italian citizenship requires careful consideration of the foundational laws, recent amendments, and the specific circumstances of each application. From citizenship by descent and marriage to provisions for those serving the State or individuals in unique historical contexts, Italy’s legal framework aims to provide clear pathways while upholding its core principles. Aspiring citizens and those seeking to regularize their status are encouraged to consult the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of the Interior or competent Consular Offices, to ensure adherence to the latest requirements and to facilitate a smooth application process.

How to Move to Italy: A Step-by-Step Guide

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On Sunday, June 8, and Monday, June 9, 2025, Italian citizens eligible to vote will be called to the polls for a major referendum on five key issues affecting labor rights and citizenship. These abrogative referendums (under Article 75 of the Italian Constitution) allow voters to decide whether to repeal existing laws or specific legal provisions.

Among the five questions, one stands out for its significance to over 2.5 million foreign residents in Italy: the referendum on citizenship. It aims to reduce the minimum required years of legal residence for non-EU adults to apply for Italian citizenship—from the current 10 years to just 5.

What Are Italians Voting On?

The five referendum questions fall under two broad categories:

1. Labor Rights (4 Referendums)

• End to unfair dismissals: Proposes the repeal of parts of the Jobs Act, which limits the right of reinstatement for workers fired without just cause.

• Greater protection for workers in small businesses: Aims to remove the cap on severance compensation for unjust dismissal in companies with fewer than 16 employees.

• Fight against precarious contracts: Seeks to reinstate stricter rules on fixed-term contracts to reduce short-term employment and promote job stability.

• Improved workplace safety: Proposes expanding the liability of principal contractors in case of worksite injuries involving subcontractors, to strengthen prevention and accountability.

2. Citizenship Reform (1 Referendum)

• A faster path to citizenship: This referendum proposes cutting the legal residency requirement from 10 years to 5 for adult non-EU citizens applying for Italian citizenship. The change would modify Article 9 of Law 91/1992, bringing the law back in line with its original version from 1865 and aligning Italy with more inclusive practices already adopted by many other European countries.

Focus: Citizenship in Italy – What Would Change?

Currently, foreign nationals who are not of EU origin must legally reside in Italy for at least 10 continuous years before they are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization. The upcoming referendum seeks to halve this period to 5 years, potentially unlocking a faster, more accessible pathway to integration for many long-term residents.

This reform does not alter the other existing requirements for naturalization, which include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Italian language (at least B1 level),

• Adequate and stable income,

• No criminal record,

• Compliance with tax obligations,

• No security risks to the state.

If the citizenship referendum passes, it would mark a major shift in Italy’s approach to integration and recognition of long-term foreign residents. The change would especially benefit those who have been living, working, studying, and contributing to Italian society for years without full access to civic participation and national rights.

Why It Matters

Advocates of the reform argue that shortening the required residency period is a long-overdue step toward inclusion and equality. Many foreign nationals in Italy build their lives here, raise families, pay taxes, and send their children to Italian schools. Allowing them to become citizens sooner would promote greater social cohesion and civic involvement.

Opponents may argue that 10 years ensures sufficient time to integrate and contribute to the country, and that any reduction might undermine the value of Italian nationality. However, proponents emphasize that the strict screening process will remain intact, preserving national security and social standards.

Voting Process and Participation

Polling stations will be open:

• Sunday, June 8: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Monday, June 9: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

All Italian citizens aged 18 or older and registered to vote can participate. Voters will receive five separate ballots, one for each referendum question. For a referendum to pass, a majority of valid votes is required, along with a minimum voter turnout of 50%.

Italians living abroad (registered with AIRE – Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero) will vote by mail. Ballots will be sent out by May 21, and must be returned to the local consulate by June 5 to be counted. It is recommended that voters abroad mail their completed ballots as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure their vote is received on time.

The referendum campaign has gained significant traction, with over 4 million signatures collected for the labor-related questions and 637,000 signatures for the citizenship referendum.

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If you’re  seeking Italian citizenship, particularly through Jure Sanguinis (right of blood), recent rulings by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation may impact your eligibility and the process. Here’s an updated guide on how these new interpretative lines affect the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent, and what you need to know about the latest legal framework.

What is Jure Sanguinis?

Jure Sanguinis is the process by which descendants of Italian citizens can claim Italian nationality, provided they can prove an uninterrupted chain of citizenship from an Italian ancestor. The process often applies to those born outside Italy but with Italian ancestry.

The Legal Update: Key Supreme Court Rulings

Recent decisions by the Supreme Court of Cassation (in particular, Cass. civ. Sec. I, Ord. no. 454/2024 and no. 17161/2023) have clarified certain ambiguities surrounding Jure Sanguinis claims, especially when it comes to individuals who are descendants of those who lost Italian citizenship due to naturalization in another country.

The rulings specifically address cases where Italian ancestors lost their citizenship upon voluntarily naturalizing in a foreign country, potentially breaking the chain of citizenship transmission to their descendants. Here’s a breakdown of the updates:

1. Bipolidia (Dual Citizenship) and the Link Between Articles 7 and 12 of Law No. 555/1912

One of the key issues clarified by the Supreme Court concerns bipolidia, or dual citizenship. Under Article 7 of Law No. 555/1912, dual citizenship was allowed for individuals born in countries granting Jure Soli (citizenship by birthplace) while retaining their Jure Sanguinis status from their Italian parent. However, Article 12 of the same law dealt with the loss of citizenship for minor children of those who voluntarily naturalized in another country.

The Court ruled that voluntary naturalization by an Italian parent, when the child was a minor, interrupted the chain of Italian citizenship unless the child reacquired Italian citizenship once they came of age. If this step wasn’t taken, the Jure Sanguinis connection is considered broken, preventing the transmission of citizenship to subsequent generations.

2. Reacquisition of Citizenship

For individuals whose ancestor lost Italian citizenship due to voluntary naturalization, the Court has emphasized that the reacquisition of Italian citizenship by the ancestor is critical. This must occur before the birth of their descendants who are seeking to claim Italian nationality. To prove this, applicants will need to provide evidence that the ancestor reacquired Italian citizenship before the birth of the claimant.

Additionally, documentation from the foreign state of residence will be required to confirm whether the ancestor voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship (and when) and if the ancestor ever reacquired Italian citizenship as per Law No. 555/1912.

3. Effect of the Election of Citizenship

Another important ruling, clarified in Decision No. 5518/2024, deals with the acquisition of Italian citizenship by children recognized or judicially declared as the child of an Italian citizen after reaching adulthood. The Court clarified that such individuals acquire Italian citizenship retroactively, from the moment of birth, not from the date they made the election to acquire it.

This means that if an adult individual is recognized as the child of an Italian citizen (or if they are judicially declared as such), they will be considered to have been Italian from birth, and their descendants may also be eligible to claim Jure Sanguinis citizenship.

4. Handling Defects in Documentation (Birth Certificates and Filiation)

The Supreme Court also addressed cases where applicants were unable to provide birth certificates for their Italian ancestors. The Court has ruled that continuous possession of child status (proven through facts such as the ancestor’s recognition of their child, upbringing, and social relations) can be used to fill in gaps when official documents like birth certificates are missing.

However, this rule applies primarily to judicial proceedings and not to administrative applications for Jure Sanguinis citizenship. Administrative authorities must rely on official documentation that directly proves the transmission of citizenship through uninterrupted generational lines.

5. How Does This Affect You?

If you are an expat or foreigner seeking to apply for Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis, it’s important to be aware of these changes. Specifically, you will need to:

∙ Provide proof of your ancestor’s Italian citizenship, including evidence of their voluntary naturalization (if applicable), and whether they reacquired Italian citizenship before your birth.

∙ Ensure proper documentation, such as birth certificates, documents proving family relationships, and the reacquisition of Italian citizenship if the ancestor lost it due to naturalization.

∙ Understand that acquisition of citizenship may be retroactive to the moment of birth, which could impact your descendants’ eligibility for citizenship as well.

6. Steps to Apply for Citizenship Jure Sanguinis

1. Verify your eligibility: Confirm that you have an Italian ancestor who maintained (or reacquired) Italian citizenship before your birth.
2. Gather supporting documents: This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of naturalization, and any other records linking you to your Italian ancestor.
3. Provide documentation of reacquisition: If your ancestor lost Italian citizenship due to naturalization, provide evidence that they reacquired it before your birth.
4. File your application: Submit your completed application and documents to the Italian consulate or civil registry office in Italy or your country of residence.

These updates clarify some important nuances in the Jure Sanguinis process and could significantly impact the ability of descendants to claim Italian citizenship. If you’re unsure about how the changes affect your situation, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel or assistance from services specializing in Italian citizenship applications.

For assistance with your Jure Sanguinis application, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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