Italian citizenship by descent offers a real opportunity for millions of people around the world with Italian roots. Italy is one of the most generous European countries when it comes to recognizing citizenship by blood — jus sanguinis — allowing grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren of Italians to apply for citizenship without giving up their original nationality.
In this article, we’ll explain how to know if you qualify, what documents you need, and how Orience can guide you through the process to turn your heritage into a valid Italian passport.
What Does It Mean to Obtain Italian Citizenship by Descent?
It’s the legal recognition of your right to Italian citizenship inherited through your paternal or maternal line — with no generational limit — as long as you meet the conditions established by Italian law.
In other words, Italian citizenship isn’t something you “obtain”; it’s something that’s recognized — you’ve had it since birth if your family line qualifies.
What Are the General Requirements?
To be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis), you must meet the following criteria:
- Have an ancestor born in Italy after the country’s unification in 1861.
- Show that no one in the direct line renounced Italian citizenship before the birth of their child.
- Provide complete civil and legal documentation (birth, marriage, death, and naturalization certificates) proving the direct lineage.
Maternal Line Limitations
In 1948, Italy introduced a law that prevented women from passing on citizenship to children born before January 1, 1948. Therefore:
- If the Italian citizen in your family line is a woman and her child was born before 1948, your case must be filed in Italian court (not at the consulate).
- If the child was born after 1948, the application can be handled administratively.
Orience manages both types of cases and works with legal partners in Italy to file successful court petitions.
How Many Generations Can Claim Citizenship?
There’s no generational limit, as long as you can prove every step of the family line and citizenship was maintained throughout. Great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren can often qualify with the proper documents.
Required Documentation
Documents vary by country and consulate, but typically include:
- Birth certificate of the Italian ancestor (preferably international format or legalized in Italy).
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each person in the lineage.
- Certificates of non-naturalization (if the ancestor immigrated).
- Sworn translations and apostilles for any documents issued outside Italy.
Orience takes care of locating, legalizing, and translating all necessary documents — even in cases with missing records, name errors, or outdated formats.
Where Do You Submit the Application?
- In your country of residence: Through the local Italian consulate.
- In Italy: You can establish residency and apply through a municipal office, which can speed up the process in some cases.
- Through the courts: Required if your claim is through a maternal line pre-1948 or if the consulate fails to respond within legal deadlines.
In every scenario, Orience supports you with local attorneys, schedules your appointments, and tailors your legal strategy to your unique case.
Benefits of Obtaining Italian Citizenship
- Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without restrictions.
- Automatically pass citizenship to your children.
- Get an Italian passport with visa-free access to over 190 countries.
- Access healthcare and social services in Italy and across the EU.
- Hold dual citizenship without giving up your current nationality.
How Does Orience Help?
At Orience, we offer a turnkey solution to help you secure Italian citizenship by descent:
- We assess your eligibility with a free genealogical review.
- We locate birth and civil records in both Italy and your country of residence.
- We handle sworn translations, apostilles, and document corrections.
- We file your application with the consulate, municipality, or appropriate court.
- We keep you updated every step of the way until you receive your passport.
With Orience, your Italian heritage becomes your gateway to Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Italian to get citizenship by descent?
No. Language proficiency is not required for this type of application. It’s only mandatory for naturalization routes.
Will I lose my current citizenship if I get Italian citizenship?
Italy allows dual citizenship. However, you should check if your current country does too. Orience can help you assess any legal risks before starting.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the consulate or municipality. The process typically takes 12 to 36 months. For court cases, timing varies depending on the court’s schedule. Orience accelerates your file with advance planning and a strategic approach.
Can I start the process if I don’t have all the documents?
Yes. You can begin with an eligibility review. Orience helps you gather missing records and fix common errors in existing documents.
Can children of Italians born in Latin America also apply?
Yes! In fact, many applicants are descendants of Italians who emigrated to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico, or Venezuela. Orience has on-the-ground experience in these countries to streamline the process.
Conclusion
If you have Italian ancestry, there’s a strong chance you’re eligible for citizenship. Italy recognizes your rights from birth if you meet the conditions — and with the expert guidance of Orience, turning your heritage into an Italian passport is a real, secure, and achievable opportunity.
Book your free legal consultation today and take the first step toward your Italian citizenship.