Italian Dual Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025
Discover if you qualify for Italian citizenship through your Italian parents or grandparents. No residence requirement, and EU citizenship benefits await.
Important Update: Italy has introduced significant changes to citizenship rules in 2025. The new Decree-Law no. 36 (March 28, 2025) limits citizenship for individuals born abroad, requiring either an Italian parent born in Italy, a parent with 2+ years of Italian residence before the child's birth, or an Italian grandparent born in Italy. Additionally, minor children living with a parent who naturalized as a foreign citizen before August 16, 1992 also lost their Italian citizenship.
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer 3 simple questions to see if you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent
What is Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)?
Italian citizenship by descent, known as "Jure Sanguinis" (right of blood), allows individuals with qualifying Italian ancestry to claim Italian citizenship. Under the 2025 Decree-Law no. 36, eligibility is now limited to those with an Italian parent born in Italy, an Italian parent who resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the applicant's birth, or an Italian grandparent born in Italy. Additionally, minor children who lived with a parent who naturalized as a foreign citizen before August 16, 1992 also lost their Italian citizenship.
Key Benefits of Italian Citizenship
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
- 190 Visa-Free Destinations: One of the world's strongest passports
- No Residence Requirement: No need to live in Italy
- Pass to Children: Your children automatically become Italian citizens
- Healthcare & Education: Access to Italian public services
Italian Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Government Application Fee
RequiredItalian consulate processing fee for citizenship by descent application
Non-refundable fee paid to Italian consulate
Document Collection
RequiredBirth, death, and marriage certificates from vital records offices
Costs vary by state/country. Each certificate typically $15-50
Document Translations
RequiredCertified translations of all documents into Italian
Court-certified translators only. $25-50 per document
Apostille Services
RequiredApostille authentication for all documents
$10-30 per document depending on state
Genealogy Research
OptionalProfessional help finding Italian ancestor documents
Only needed if you can't locate documents yourself
Legal Consultation
OptionalAttorney review of application and documents
Recommended for complex cases or court applications
Travel to Consulate
RequiredTransportation and accommodation for consulate appointment
Varies greatly by location. Some consulates allow mail-in
Expedited Services
OptionalRush processing for documents and translations
Can reduce processing time by 2-4 weeks
Important Cost Considerations:
- Costs can vary significantly based on how many generations back your Italian ancestor is
- Court cases for female ancestors born before 1948 add $3,000-5,000 in legal fees
- Some consulates have 2+ year wait times, but no additional fees for waiting
- Document costs multiply by the number of family lines you're tracing
- Exchange rates can affect costs when paying Italian government fees
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
- Research your family tree yourself before hiring genealogists
Italian Citizenship by Descent Requirements
You Qualify If:
- Your Italian ancestor never renounced their Italian citizenship
- You can prove the family lineage with official documents
- There are no interruptions in the citizenship line
- If applying through a female ancestor born before 1948, special rules apply
You Don't Qualify If:
- Your Italian ancestor naturalized as a foreign citizen before their child was born
- You cannot provide the required official documents
- Your lineage passes through a female ancestor born before 1948 (court case required)
Italian Citizenship by Descent Process: Step-by-Step
Research Your Lineage
Verify your Italian ancestor never renounced citizenship
💡 Tip: May require professional genealogy research
Collect All Documents
Gather certificates for every generation in the lineage
💡 Tip: Documents must be apostilled and translated
Schedule Consulate Appointment
Book appointment at Italian consulate (often long wait times)
💡 Tip: Appointment availability varies by consulate
Submit Application
Present all documents at consulate appointment
💡 Tip: Consulate fee for processing application
Await Decision
Consulate reviews application and makes decision
💡 Tip: Processing time varies significantly by consulate
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new requirements for Italian citizenship by descent in 2025?
Under the 2025 Decree-Law no. 36, you must have either: 1) an Italian parent born in Italy, 2) an Italian parent who resided in Italy for at least 2 consecutive years before your birth, or 3) an Italian grandparent born in Italy. Additionally, if you were a minor child living with a parent who naturalized as a foreign citizen before August 16, 1992, you also lost your Italian citizenship.
How much does Italian citizenship by descent cost?
Total costs typically range from $750-$2,000, including document fees ($500-800), translations and apostilles ($300-600), consulate fees ($300), and potential legal assistance ($500-1000). Use our cost calculator above for a personalized estimate.
How long does the Italian citizenship process take?
The process typically takes 12-36 months, with most of the time spent waiting for consulate appointments (6-24 months) and gathering documents (2-6 months).
Can I apply if my Italian ancestor was a woman born before 1948?
Yes, but you'll need to apply through Italian courts rather than consulates. This process takes 2-4 years and costs $3,000-5,000 but has a high success rate.
Do I need to speak Italian to get Italian citizenship by descent?
No, there is no Italian language requirement for citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis). Language tests are only required for naturalization.
Ready to Claim Your Italian Heritage?
Check if you still qualify under Italy's new 2025 citizenship restrictions
💡 Consider: ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Major restrictions implemented in March 2025 - check if you still qualify