How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

If you have Italian parents or grandparents, you may still qualify for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)—but the rules changed in 2025. This guide walks

Introduction

If you have Italian parents or grandparents, you may still qualify for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), but the rules changed in 2025. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from verifying your eligibility to receiving your passport, highlighting exactly how the new law affects your application.

Updated Eligibility After 2025 Reform

Before 2025:
There was no generational limit as long as the chain of citizenship was unbroken.

After 2025:
Only direct children or grandchildren of Italian citizens can apply, and all applicants must prove an effective link to Italy, such as language proficiency, cultural involvement, family ties, property ownership, or regular travel.

Grandfather clause:
Applications started on or before 27 March 2025 follow the previous rules without the new generational restriction.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Trace your family line to a parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen.
Check naturalization records to ensure they did not lose citizenship before their child’s birth.
If your claim passes through a maternal line with a child born before 1948, review whether you qualify under the 1948 Rule.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Birth certificates for every person in the line from the Italian ancestor to you.
Marriage certificates for each generation.
Death certificates if required by the consulate or municipality.
Naturalization records or official statements of non-naturalization.
Certified translations into Italian and apostilles/legalizations as required.

Step 3: Choose Where to Apply

Italian Consulate Abroad: Longest processing times, often 1, 4 years.
In Italy: Typically faster (6, 12 months) but requires establishing temporary residence.
Court (1948 Rule cases): Only for pre-1948 maternal line applications.

Step 4: Prepare & Submit Your Application

Complete the required forms for your consulate or local comune.
Submit all documentation in the correct format.
Pay the administrative fee (currently about €300).

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Consulate abroad: Average 12, 48 months.
In Italy: Average 6, 12 months.
Court cases: 12, 24 months.

Step 6: Registration in AIRE & Passport Request

Once recognized, register with AIRE (for residents abroad).
Apply for your Italian passport through the consulate.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Document discrepancies: Correct through legal amendments or sworn “one and the same person” affidavits.
Lost records: Hire a professional genealogist or request alternative documentation from archives.
Consular backlogs: Consider applying in Italy to speed up processing.

Proving “Effective Link” (Post-2025)

Examples of acceptable proof include:

Italian language certification.
Property ownership in Italy.
Temporary or permanent residence in Italy.
Enrollment in an Italian school or university.
Documented regular travel to Italy for family or cultural purposes.

Tip: Present multiple types of evidence to strengthen your application.

Timeline & Costs

Typical duration (2025 onwards):

Consulate: 2, 4 years.
In Italy: 6, 12 months.

Typical cost range: €500, €3,000+ depending on document procurement, translations, travel, and administrative fees.

Quick Facts Box

Eligible relatives: Parents or grandparents (under post-2025 law).
Proof required: Effective link with Italy.
Main cost: Document procurement and translations.
Biggest pitfall: Missing or inconsistent records.

How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis) — Updated 2025