Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry
From Renaissance masterpieces to world-renowned cuisine, Italy has left a lasting imprint on global culture and on millions of families around the world. Whether your roots trace back to a fishing village in Sicily or a hillside town in Abruzzo, Italian ancestry comes with an enormous history of cultural pride.
Italy passed a major reform of its Nationality Act in 2025 which severely restricted the conditions for citizenship through ancestry.
Eligible Generations
Up to grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
No
Restore the legacy. Reopen doors.
Italian citizenship offers more than just a way to reconnect with your family’s homeland. It also makes you an EU citizen, which can include access to healthcare, education, work, and residence across Europe.
Why Does Italy Offer Citizenship
by Descent?
Historically, Italy’s nationality law was shaped by one of the largest emigration waves in modern history. From the late 1800s through the mid-20th century, millions of Italians left the country to escape economic hardship or political instability. In the process, many lost their Italian citizenship due to the naturalization rules of the time.
Today, Italian law acknowledges those disconnections. The 1992 Nationality Law reaffirmed a broad application of jure sanguinis, enabling descendants to reclaim citizenship, even if the tie spans multiple generations. However, in 2025, Italy’s government passed an emergency law severely restricting the previous practice. The constitutionality of this law is under review in Italy’s court system with a verdict expected by the end of 2025.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible for Italian citizenship if you can answer yes to one of these questions:
- Was one of your parents or grandparents an Italian citizen (even if they lost citizenship later on)?
- Did you previously hold Italian citizenship and lose it before 1992?
If so, you might be eligible to reclaim your citizenship. Your first step is to take the assessment now.
Want to find if you are eligible for Italian Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Italian Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Chicago, USA
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Get the Italian citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Italy allows dual and multiple citizenships. Individuals who acquire Italian citizenship are not required to renounce their current nationality, and Italian citizens may acquire additional citizenships without losing their Italian one.
What is the new law for Italian citizenship by descent?
Decree-Law No. 36/2025, enacted on March 28, 2025, and converted into law on May 23, 2025, introduced significant modifications to the Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) process. The law now imposes stricter eligibility criteria, including generational limits and requirements for a tangible connection to Italy. These changes aim to ensure that applicants have a genuine link to the country.
How many generations back can you claim Italian citizenship?
Under the new regulations, eligibility is generally limited to individuals with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. Claims based on great-grandparents or more distant ancestors are no longer accepted unless specific conditions are met.
How can I acquire Italian dual citizenship by descent?
Under a new law passed by the Italian Parliament, only the children and grandchildren of Italian citizens are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent. Great-grandchildren and all future generations are no longer eligible to apply through this route, unless their application was submitted on or before March 27, 2025.
Applicants must:
• Prove a direct bloodline (up to the grandparent level)
• Submit certified, apostilled, and translated documents (birth, marriage, death, and naturalization records)
Those who are no longer eligible by descent may only pursue Italian citizenship through naturalization (residency-based) pathways.
What documents are needed for Italian citizenship by descent?
Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation, including birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation linking them to their Italian ancestor. Additional documents may include naturalization records and proof of the ancestor’s Italian citizenship. All documents must be translated into Italian and legalized as required.
How long does it take to get Italian citizenship by descent?
To apply, you must gather all necessary documentation proving your lineage to an Italian ancestor, ensure all documents are properly translated and legalized, and submit your application to the appropriate Italian consulate or municipality. It’s advisable to consult with Citizenship.EU
How can I get Italian citizenship by descent?
Under a new law passed by the Italian Parliament, only the children and grandchildren of Italian citizens are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent.
Are there any deadlines or transitional provisions under the new law?
Yes. Applications submitted before March 28, 2025, are processed under the previous, more lenient rules. Applications submitted on or after this date are subject to the new, stricter criteria established by Decree-Law No. 36/2025.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
Your family immigrated from Europe for more opportunities. Now, their story might help you do exactly the same thing. Browse by country to learn whether your family history might qualify you for dual citizenship.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
