Italian nationality by descent
Law of February 5, 1991, no. 91.
Main requirement
The main requirement to be able to apply for Italian nationality by descent is to have a direct Italian relative.
"Right of Blood"
Italian citizenship is transmitted from generation to generation by iure sanguinis (right of blood) and without generation limits from the Italian ancestor.
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How can I know if I am entitled to Italian nationality by descent?
To have the right to Italian citizenship it is necessary to be a direct descendant of a family member who is an Italian citizen.
It must be taken into account that Its transmission does not allow “jumps”, that is, none of the descendants must have ever renounced Italian citizenship. It is not necessary for your ancestor to be alive.
It can be processed either by
paternal route
as for the
maternal route
. However, if there is a woman in the line, it will be necessary to know the date of birth of her child, since the Italian woman transmits citizenship to her children only from January 1, 1948. If her child is born before On that date, the procedure for the recognition of Italian citizenship must be done through judicial means.
To what generation can I go back?
The Law does not establish a generation limit. However, the Italian-born ancestor must have died after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy (March 17, 1861). However, if the Commune of origin was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy after that date, the ancestor born in Italy must have died after the annexation of the Commune of origin to the Kingdom of Italy.
Documentation
From the ancestor born in Italy:
- birth certificate
- Non-naturalization certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate (if deceased) or copy of updated ID (if still alive).
From each descendant in a straight line:
- Original birth certificate;
- Marriage certificate
- death certificate
- Copy of updated ID (if you are still alive)
From applicant:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate (if deceased)
- Divorce sentence
- Spouse's death certificate (if widowed)
- Birth certificates of children under 18 years of age
- ID in original and photocopy
- Proof of residence in the name of the applicant
Advantages of Italian citizenship
Right to reside and work
Courses and studies in the EU
Powerful Passport
Visa-free entry to countries that do not require a visa for Italians.
Right to Public Health
Protection in consulates
Protection in Italian Consulates in other countries.
Tax advantages
No need to travel
You do not need to take language or knowledge tests
Without giving up your current nationality
