Italy offers citizenship by descent to individuals with Italian ancestry, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and gain the benefits of Italian and EU citizenship.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
Italian citizenship by descent, also known as "jure sanguinis" (right of blood), is available to individuals who can prove Italian ancestry in a direct line. This path to citizenship allows descendants of Italian citizens to claim their heritage, with no generational limit in most cases.
Overview
One-Liner: Reconnect with your Italian roots through citizenship by descent.
Eligibility Requirements
At least one ancestor was an Italian citizen
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Must have been born after the formation of the Italian state (March 17, 1861)
Months to citizenship
6 to 24 months
Length of Visa
Months to Visa
Physical Presence Requirement
None
Availability
Difficult
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Overview
Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.
We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.
Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
Is there a generational limit for Italian citizenship by descent?
What is the 1948 rule?
How long does the citizenship application process take?
Can I hold dual citizenship with Italy?
Where do I submit my application for Italian citizenship by descent?
DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (copy of all pages)+Current government-issued ID
Birth certificate of the applicant (long form, apostilled and translated)
Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
Criminal record extract from your country of residence+FBI Identity History Summary (apostilled)+State Police clearance from every state you've lived in since age 14 (apostilled)+Italian criminal records check (obtained in Italy if you've resided there)
Not applicable
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
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