
Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): Complete Guide
Learn how to obtain Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). Requirements, documents, procedure, benefits, and the 2025 reform.
Become an Italian citizen by descent
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Complete guide to understanding Jure Sanguinis process
Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis) is one of the most accessible paths to Italian citizenship for those with Italian heritage. As of March 28, 2025, Italian law allows you to claim citizenship only if you have an Italian ancestor within the second degree of kinship.
This right is passed down through bloodline and doesn't require you to live in Italy. The process involves proving your ancestral connection to Italy through official documents and demonstrating that your Italian ancestor never renounced their citizenship before passing it down to the next generation.
Ready to start your journey? Follow the steps below to understand the complete process.
As of March 28, 2025, Italian law allows you to claim citizenship only if you have an Italian ancestor within the second degree of kinship, meaning:
You have a parent (mother or father) who was born in Italy and maintained Italian citizenship
You have a grandparent (maternal or paternal) who was born in Italy and maintained Italian citizenship
You were adopted by an Italian citizen who lived in Italy for at least 2 years before your birth or adoption
A minor child can obtain Italian citizenship if the parent who gained citizenship by descent meets at least one of the following conditions:
Was born in Italy
Lived in Italy continuously for at least 2 years before the child's birth
Moves to Italy with the child, establishes residency, and applies for citizenship as a cohabiting child
Complete document checklist for your application
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Italian and legalized with apostille or consular authentication. We handle this entire process for you.
Our team helps you collect, translate, and prepare every single document. You don't have to navigate the bureaucracy alone.
From start to finish: here's everything that happens step by step
Research and verify your Italian lineage, identifying the Italian ancestor and documenting the family tree.
Obtain all necessary vital records from Italy and your country of residence.
Apostille all foreign documents and translate them into Italian with certified translations.
Submit the complete application to the Italian consulate or directly in Italy.
Wait for review and recognition of your citizenship application.
As an applicant for Jure Sanguinis citizenship, you may take the oath; however, it is not mandatory:
โGIURO DI ESSERE FEDELE ALLA REPUBBLICA E DI OSSERVARE LA COSTITUZIONE E LE LEGGI DELLO STATOโ
("I swear to be faithful to the Republic and to observe the Constitution and the laws of the State.")
๐ Your Italian citizenship is recognized! You are officially an Italian citizen by descent.
Average processing times for citizenship applications by descent: from genealogical research to citizenship recognition.
Average processing time
We offer comprehensive support at every stage of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent.
Get personalized advice from our team of immigration specialists who understand your unique situation and guide you through every step.
Our expert researchers help trace your Italian ancestry and locate the necessary historical records to establish your lineage.
Help gathering, organizing, and reviewing your paperwork to ensure everything is complete and properly formatted for submission.
We complete your application and submit it directly to the authorities, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness at every step.
We track your application progress and keep you informed of any updates or additional requirements throughout the process.
Complete assistance with passport application procedures once your citizenship is confirmed, getting you ready for your new life as an Italian citizen.
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