How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent: All the Latest Updates

Italian citizenship is primarily governed by Law No. 91 of 1992, which outlines how citizenship can be acquired, transmitted, or lost. One key pathway is citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim citizenship.

Before the 2025 reform, the rules for jure sanguinis were relatively inclusive. Citizenship could be passed down indefinitely through either the paternal or maternal line. The naturalization of an ancestor in a foreign country did not prevent the transmission of citizenship, as long as it occurred after the birth of their child.

However, jure sanguinis citizenship was not automatic—it required a formal application, either at an Italian consulate abroad, a municipality in Italy, or through the courts, supported by documentation proving the family lineage and continuity of Italian citizenship.

With the entry into force of Law No. 74/2025, the criteria for obtaining Italian citizenship have become significantly stricter than before. In the next paragraph, you can find these criteria explained in detail.

However, the legal framework is currently subject to important judicial scrutiny. In July 2026, the Italian Constitutional Court referred a preliminary question to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), asking whether certain restrictions introduced by Article 3-bis are compatible with EU law. The proceedings are still pending, and their outcome could have significant implications for individuals who would have qualified under the previous legal framework. You can find more information in our dedicated article on the EU Court proceedings and their possible implications for Italian citizenship, LINKED HERE.

Eligibility Criteria Under Law No. 74/2025 (New Italian Citizenship Law)

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following conditions (art. 3bis L. 91/1992):

It is necessary to have an Italian parent or grandparent who did not acquire foreign citizenship before the applicant's birth. In essence, a foreigner can apply for citizenship if their parent or grandparent became naturalized after their birth. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior has specified that the line of transmission of citizenship must remain intact. This means that it is not possible to apply for citizenship if the Italian grandparent has only Italian citizenship, but the parent became naturalized before the applicant's birth.

You must have a parent who has lived in Italy, as an Italian, for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before applicant's birth. In this case it doesn’t matter if the parent also has another citizenship.

As highlighted above, the highly restrictive approach adopted by the new legislation raises certain issues that could potentially conflict with European Union law. For this reason, many lawyers and legal scholars believe that it may be possible to pursue a claim through the Italian courts even for individuals who do not meet the requirements of Article 3-bis but would have qualified under the previous legislation, in anticipation of a potentially favorable ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union.

As a result, many applicants are already choosing to prepare their documentation and move forward with their cases rather than waiting for the Court’s final decision.

The Application Process

Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary records from both Italy and the countries where your ancestors lived. Please review the list mentioned in the 'Required Documentation' paragraph.
Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted at:
The Italian consulate in your country of residence.
The local municipality (comune) in Italy, if you reside in Italy.
At Italian Court.
Pay Required Fees: Italian consulates and municipalities may charge administrative fees for processing your application.
Wait for Processing: Depending on where you apply, processing times can range from several months to a few years. Consulates generally have longer wait times compared to applications processed in Italy.

How AcrossBoundaries Can Support You

Navigating the legal landscape created by the new law on Italian citizenship can be difficult. That's where AcrossBoundaries comes in. We are a team of dual citizenship lawyers working directly with the Italian Court, which allows our customers to avoid delays at consulates and obtain Italian citizenship within one year.

Our services include:

Personalized Service: We tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and effortless process.
Seamless Online Process: Benefit from our fully digital services, ensuring all documentation is managed online for a streamlined and hassle-free experience.
Efficient Scheduling: We optimize your application timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Full Ownership of Your Application Process: We provide comprehensive support, handling every aspect of your application from start to finish.
Submit Your Application: depending on your eligibility, circumstances and applicable legal framework, your application may be submitted through the competent Italian consulate, an Italian municipality if you reside in Italy, or, where appropriate, through the Italian courts.
Meticulous Documentation: We prepare and submit all required documents, ensuring they meet the strict requirements.

Conclusion

No. 74/2025 has introduced more restrictive eligibility criteria, the legal landscape is still evolving. Applicants who meet the requirements of the new law can proceed under the current legal framework, while those who would have qualified under the previous legislation may still have legal options available, particularly in light of the ongoing proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Every family history and citizenship case is different. Understanding which legal framework applies to your situation and evaluating the available options is therefore an essential first step. With AcrossBoundaries supporting you throughout the process, you can assess the most appropriate path toward Italian and EU citizenship based on your individual circumstance.

Contact Us

Obtaining Italian citizenship is a complex process that can require a significant time investment, and mistakes or incomplete paperwork could jeopardize your application. If you have any doubts or questions about the Italian citizenship by descent application, BOOK A 100% FREE CONSULTATION TODAY.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Article written on August 20th 2026