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
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?
benefits
Italian citizenship offers numerous advantages, including EU membership benefits, visa-free travel to approximately 190 countries, and the opportunity to live and work in Italy and other EU countries.
Obtain EU citizenship based on ancestral ties
Access to Italy's public healthcare and education systems
Unrestricted right to live and work in the EU
Program Stability
No Physical Presence or In-Country Visit Requirements
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No language test required
Visa-Free Travel Countries
160
Passport Validity
10 years
Overview
Italy offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and the benefits of EU membership. As an Italian citizen, you'll have access to opportunities across Europe and beyond.
Benefits:
Advantages:
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?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
No Generational Limit: Italy allows claims regardless of generational distance, provided the connection is well-documented and meets other legal criteria and as long as none of the ancestors in the direct line formally renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next person in the line.
General: Original or certified copies of vital records proving lineage+Specific Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates (if applicable)+Translation: All foreign documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator and apostilled.
Citizenship Continuity: The Italian ancestor must have maintained their Italian citizenship until the birth of the next generation+Renouncement Rules: If the ancestor renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant, this may impact eligibility.+Naturalization Impact: Naturalization in another country before August 16, 1992, generally broke the chain of citizenship
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required, particularly if the applicant plans to reside in Italy or obtain an Italian passport.
REQUIREMENTS
To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following requirements:
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Complete mobility match survey
• Upload GEDCOM files
• Verify ancestral eligibility
• Review program requirements
Selection Phase
• View initial results
• Filter based on preferences
• Assess documentation requirements
• Choose target country
Application Preparation
• Gather vital records
• Obtain apostilles
• Complete translations
• Prepare application forms
Submission
• Schedule consular interview
• Submit petition
• Pay application fees
• Provide biometrics if required
Monitoring & Approval
• Track processing time
• Respond to any queries
• Receive citizenship confirmation
• Collect passport/documents
PROCESS
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
Rankings
45
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
33
Cost of Living
26
Quality of Life
20
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Healthcare Quality
10
Internet Speed
66
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Human Freedom
36
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Learn about living costs, culture, healthcare, and other essential information about relocating to Ireland. Explore all available immigration pathways and find the best option for you.
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