Understanding Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Italian citizenship by descent is rooted in Law no. 555/1912, which established that citizenship is passed down by jure sanguinis (right of blood). At the time, acquiring another nationality automatically resulted in the loss of Italian citizenship. However, this changed with Law 91/1992, enacted on August 16, 1992, which allowed Italian citizens to hold dual citizenship. Jure Sanguinis is one of several ways of how to get Italian citizenship.

Through Jure Sanguinis, individuals with qualifying Italian lineage can obtain Italian citizenship, granting them the same rights and privileges as native-born Italians, including access to an Italian passport and freedom to live, work, and travel in Italy and all 27 European Union member states. Though, the process and laws are anything but simple and require careful analysis of your personal situation to see if you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent.

Eligibility Requirements for Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, these requirements must be met:

1. You must have a direct bloodline to an Italian ancestor, who either maintained Italian citizenship or had the right to claim it.
2. At least one Italian-born ancestor in your direct lineage must not have naturalized in another country before the birth of their child.
3. If claiming citizenship through a maternal line, the next-of-kin must have been born after January 1, 1948. If they weren’t, see 1948 cases.
4. Ancestors who naturalized before June 14, 1912, cannot pass citizenship to their children, even if the children were born before the ancestor’s naturalization.
5. The Italian-born ancestor must have been alive on or after March 17, 1861, the date when Italy became a unified nation.

Things to consider:

• Until August 15, 1992, Italian citizenship was exclusive, meaning that an Italian citizen who naturalized in another country often had to renounce their Italian citizenship.
• For children born in countries recognizing jus soli (citizenship by birthplace), foreign citizenship was often automatically granted alongside the possibility of retaining Italian citizenship.
• Your ability to claim citizenship depends on your ancestors maintaining or having the right to claim Italian citizenship when their children (your direct ancestors) were born.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, take our eligibility quiz.

Do You Qualify for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

While many people of Italian descent are eligible, simply having Italian ancestry is not enough.

You must prove that your Italian citizenship was passed down through your bloodline without ‘breaking the chain’ of Italian citizenship transmission from one generation to the next.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, take our eligibility quiz.

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Biggest Myths About Italian Citizenship

❌ Myth: You need to speak Italian to qualify.

✅ Truth: There’s no language requirement for Jure Sanguinis citizenship. You don’t need to take a test or prove fluency.

❌ Myth: You have to live in Italy.

✅ Truth: You can live anywhere in the world and still qualify. Italian law recognizes your citizenship based on ancestry, not residency.

❌ Myth: The process is impossible without a lawyer.

✅ Truth: While legal assistance can simplify things, many people successfully navigate the process with the right guidance.

❌ Myth: You have to pay taxes to Italy if you live outside Italy

✅ Truth: Italy taxes individuals based on residency, not citizenship. If you live in Italy for more than 183 days per year, you may be subject to Italian taxes.

Passing Italian Citizenship Down to Children

One of the greatest benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship is that it can be passed down to your children and future generations. How It Works:

✔️ If you qualify for Italian citizenship, your children automatically qualify as well.

✔️ There is no generational limit—Italian citizenship is passed down indefinitely as long as each generation maintains the lineage.

✔️ If your children are under 18 when you get recognized, they automatically become Italian citizens too.

Preparing to Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship

Applying for Italian citizenship by descent may seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Make sure to confirm your country’s stance on dual citizenship. In the U.S., dual citizenship is allowed, but some countries do not allow dual citizenship. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Confirm Your Eligibility

Trace your lineage and confirm your ancestor was an Italian citizen at the time of their child’s birth. You can use platforms like Ancestry.com for this. You can also take our eligibility quiz.

Gather Your Documents

You’ll need birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records from your home country and Italy. Gather the approximate birth dates for all relatives between you and your Italian-born ancestor. Also gather the date your ancestor naturalized in another country (if applicable).

• Use Online Genealogy Databases – Websites like Antenati, FamilySearch, and Ancestry have digitized many historical Italian records.
• Order from Your State Vital Records – Your state’s vital records office usually holds US-side birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death records that you can easily order for a small fee.
• Check Local Archives & Churches – Birth, marriage, and death records are often kept in municipal archives or parish churches in your ancestor’s hometown.
• Request Records from the Comune (Town Hall) – If you know your ancestor’s birthplace, you can request official records directly from the local Ufficio dello Stato Civile (Civil Records Office).
• Hire a Researcher – If you hit a dead end, a professional genealogist can help track down missing documents for you.

Authenticate and Translate

Documents must be translated into Italian and legalized with apostilles from the agency that issued the document in question.

Applying at an Italian Consulate (Male Ancestor):

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent through a male ancestor, you must file your application at the Italian consulate responsible for your current place of residence. Procedures vary significantly between consulates, particularly in terms of scheduling, waiting times, and required documentation. While the legal criteria for Italian citizenship by descent remain consistent, it is important to research the specific processes at your consulate to ensure your application meets their requirements. Some process applications in 1-3 years, while others take much longer due to backlogs. If your consulate is unresponsive, you may have legal options to push your application forward through the Italian courts as well.

Applying through the Italian Courts (Female Ancestor):

If you are pursuing your claim to Italian citizenship through a female ancestor (ie: a “1948 case”), you’ll have to file a lawsuit in Italy with an Italian lawyer.

Applying in Italy (Fast-Track Route):

If you establish residency in Italy and apply through a local municipality, processing can take 6-12 months—much faster than most consulates.

Costs for Italian Citizenship

How much does Italian citizenship cost? It depends on your route and whether you handle the process yourself or work with a professional.

Typical costs include:

• Document Fees – Birth, marriage, and death records may cost $10-$50 per document.
• Apostilles & Translations – Required for foreign documents; costs vary by country.
• Consulate Application Fees – Typically around €300, depending on location.
• Legal & Research Services – If you need professional help, costs depend on complexity.

While the process involves an investment, the long-term benefits—like EU residency rights, visa-free travel, and better opportunities for your family—often outweigh the initial costs.

Restrictions for Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italian citizenship by descent is a powerful legal pathway for those of Italian ancestry, but there are specific restrictions and recent updates to Italian nationality law that applicants need to understand before beginning the process.

Restrictions for Female Ancestors

Under Italian nationality law, if your Italian ancestor was a woman born before January 1, 1948, her ability to pass on citizenship is limited. According to the law, Italian citizenship by descent can only be granted to her children if they were born after January 1, 1948. This restriction has lead to a growing number of “1948 cases.” These cases are often resolved through legal action in Italian courts, and many have been successful. Read more about 1948 cases, if this applies to your situation.

Pre-1912 Naturalization Impact

If your Italian ancestor was naturalized in another country, such as the United States, before June 14, 1912, their renunciation of Italian citizenship would also extend to their underage children at the time. This renunciation disrupts the transmission of Italian citizenship by descent for future generations, making those descendants ineligible to claim Italian citizenship through that ancestor.

Restrictions for Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto-Adige, and Veneto

Applicants with ancestors from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino Alto-Adige, or Veneto must provide proof that their ancestor left Italy after July 16, 1920. This requirement stems from unique historical and political circumstances in these regions during the early 20th century.

What Happens After You’re Recognized?

Once your Italian citizenship is recognized, there are a few final steps to complete before you can fully enjoy your new status.

✔ ️ Register with AIRE – If you live outside Italy, you must register with AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero), the official registry for Italians abroad.

✔ ️ Get Your Italian Passport – Once you have your citizenship certificate, you can apply for an Italian passport at your local consulate.

✔ ️ Claim EU Benefits – Your Italian citizenship gives you the right to live, work, and travel freely in the EU.

✔ ️ Consider Residency in Italy – If you plan to move, you’ll need to register your residence at your local Italian municipality.

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Next Steps

Determine your eligibility

If you are interested in possibly claiming Italian citizenship, here is how you can get started:

Take our eligibility quiz to see if you quality for Italian citizenship by descent

If you’re eligible, start the process:

Hire an expert

Working with professionals who specialize in Italian citizenship by descent can help you navigate complex cases, including 1948 cases and those impacted by the “minor issue.” They can also advise on strategies to address recent law changes and maximize your chances of success. Contact Us for assistance.

Do it yourself

While not for the faint of heart, you are perfectly capable of going through the process yourself if you have the time, patience and determination to do it, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Of course, this isn’t recommended for most people due to the complexity and commitment. Though, if want you pursue your case yourself, check out our IC Workbox for an All-in-One, DIY solution to pursuing your own case without a firm.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Italian Citizenship by Descent

What does jure sanguinis mean?

Jure sanguinis, or “right of blood,” is the legal principle that allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship by descent. This means if you have parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or even more distant ancestors who were Italian citizens, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, provided you can prove your ancestral ties.

What is the law of blood?

The “law of blood” is another way to refer to the right of blood. It describes a system in which citizenship is granted based on descent rather than birthplace. For countries like Italy, proving your ancestral connection through documentation is key to applying for Italian citizenship by descent.

What is Italian citizenship by descent?

Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals to claim Italian nationality if they can trace their lineage to an Italian ancestor. There is no limit to the number of generations, though certain rules apply, such as maternal line eligibility only for those born after January 1, 1948.

Do I qualify for Italian dual citizenship?

Your eligibility for Italian dual citizenship depends on several factors, including whether your Italian-born ancestor naturalized in another country before their child (in your lineage) was born. Specific legal nuances, such as the “1948 rule” and the recent “minor issue” update, can also impact your eligibility. Consulting with an expert can help navigate these complexities.

How do I find out if I am a citizen of Italy?

If you suspect you have Italian ancestry, you might qualify for Italian citizenship by blood. Start by researching family history and collecting documentation, such as birth, marriage, and naturalization records. The National Archives and family records are great starting points.

Can I get an Italian passport if my mother is Italian?

Yes, if your mother was born in Italy and did not renounce her Italian citizenship, you may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, which is the first step toward obtaining an Italian passport. However, if she became naturalized in another country before your birth, it could affect your eligibility.

Can I get Italian citizenship through my father?

If your father was born in Italy and did not renounce his Italian citizenship before your birth, you are likely eligible for Italian citizenship by descent. If qualified, you can then proceed with the application for an Italian passport.

Can you get Italian citizenship through grandparents?

Yes, you can claim Italian citizenship by descent through your grandparents, as long as they were Italian citizens or eligible for Italian citizenship at the time of your parent’s birth. Documentation proving your bloodline is required.

How does jure sanguinis work to become an Italian citizen?

To claim Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis, you must collect supporting documents that prove your lineage to an Italian-born ancestor. These documents are submitted to the Italian Consulate that serves your region. After submission, the consulate will review your application and make a determination.

How many countries have jus sanguinis?

Most countries worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, recognize jus sanguinis. This includes Italy, where individuals with ancestral ties can apply for Italian citizenship by descent.

Which countries have jus sanguinis?

Countries like Italy, Ireland, Argentina, Israel, and India apply jus sanguinis, granting citizenship through ancestral ties. If you can trace your bloodline to an Italian ancestor, you may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent.

What countries have citizenship by descent?

Many countries offer citizenship by descent, including Italy, Ireland, Argentina, Canada, and Brazil. Each country has specific eligibility criteria, so it’s important to check with the respective consulate.

How can I get EU citizenship through ancestry?

Several EU countries, such as Italy, Ireland, and Germany, offer citizenship through ancestry. Among these, Italy is considered one of the most flexible, with no generational limit for claiming Italian citizenship by descent, making it a popular option.

What is the difference between jus soli and jus sanguinis?

Jus soli grants citizenship to individuals born on a country’s soil, regardless of ancestry, while jus sanguinis bases citizenship on descent through parents or other ancestors. Italy primarily follows jus sanguinis, allowing individuals with Italian heritage to apply for Italian citizenship by descent.