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.

Are you ready to check your eligibility to apply?

Italy Eligibility Live Results

The results below are based on the users who complete our Free Eligibility Assessment tool on the Citizenship.EU app, and are updated in real time.

*Represents submissions received since February 15, 2026

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Do you think you might qualify for Italian citizenship through ancestry?

Receive a no-commitment preliminary eligibility analysis from us to learn if you are eligible to apply. If eligible, our team can connect you to industry experts who can help file your application.

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Italy Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Generations

Up to your great-grandparents

While Italy’s citizenship law previously allowed for applications to be made based on futher-removed ancestors, after the reform in March 2025, it is only possible to apply for Italian citizenship if you are the child or grandchild of a qualifying Italian ancestor.

Travel Required?

Yes (Domestic)

It is possible to finalize your Italian citizenship application at an embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or by applying in person in Italy. Depending on your case, it may be recommended to complete your application in Italy for faster finalization.

Language requirement?

While other application criteria must be met to apply, you are not required to learn Italian to successfully file your Italian citizenship application. For simplified naturalization applications a residence or language requirement may be obligatory.

Ways to Apply

One Pathway

Italy allows citizenship through ancestry to be obtained for interested applicants whose connection back to Italy meets the following requirements:

Your ancestor was strictly an Italian ancestor at the time of their passing (or currently holds strictly Italian citizenship at the time of application if living)
Your ancestor did not renounce Italian citizenship before the next generation in their lineage was born.

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Italian Citizenship Quote

Our team will reach out with an estimated quote and next steps to confirm your eligibility – no commitment required!

Likelihood of Eligibility

Italian Citizenship May Be Closer Than You Think

Eligibility to apply for citizenship through ancestry isn’t always obvious. But based on real user data, for many, it may be closer than expected.

With citizenship comes the opportunity to live, work, study, and retire across the European Union—along with a meaningful way to honor your ancestry and reconnect with your family history.

This chart reflects real results from users who completed our Free Eligibility Assessment, highlighting that a simple verification can uncover life-changing opportunities.

I May Be Eligible
What Are Next Steps?

Confirm your Eligibility and Begin Your Application Today!

Step 1.
Sign Up and Assess Eligibility

Use our free eligibility assessment tool to learn if your EU lineage is potentially qualifying. For more complex lineages, subscribe for access to our Eligibility Report where we will verify your eligibility to apply.

Step 2.
Complete Citizenship Application Your Way

Whether you are looking for DIY-application instructions, additional genealogy research, or a vetted citizenship expert to help you file your citizenship application, our network of providers and tailored packages are ready to assist you.

Step 3.
Obtain Citizenship

Do you have questions about your recently obtained citizenship? Our network of country-specific experts can advise you about next steps related to your dual citizenship.

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.

Citizenship.EU | Ancestry Dual Citizenship 2025 - iStock 453226319

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March 16, 2026

A view of Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy; Italian citizenship reform is moving applications from consulates to a new centralized office in Rome.

Italy Approves Sweeping Consular Reform: Italian Citizenship Applications Moving to Rome

October 27, 2025

An Italian flag and an EU flag fly against a building backdrop; Italy's Supreme Court is set to rule on citizenship reform retroactivity in January 2026, affecting Italian citizenship by descent cases.

Italy High Court to Decide on Citizenship Reform in 2026

October 22, 2025

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.