Italian Citizenship and the Jure Sanguinis Principle

Italian citizenship law is primarily founded on the principle of jure sanguinis, meaning that citizenship is transmitted through bloodline rather than place of birth. As a general rule, a person born to at least one Italian parent is entitled to Italian citizenship, regardless of where the birth occurs.

That said, being born outside Italy does not automatically grant citizenship to individuals with Italian ancestry. Eligibility depends on meeting specific legal conditions established under Italian law.

For a complete overview of the new rules, read: Italian Citizenship by Descent: Law 74/2025 – Complete Legal Guide

Eligibility Requirements for Citizenship by Descent

An applicant born abroad may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• The applicant has a parent or grandparent who was solely an Italian citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth, or who held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of death if the death occurred before the applicant’s birth.

• The applicant has a parent or adoptive parent who legally resided in Italy for at least two uninterrupted yearsafter acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant’s birth or adoption.

To successfully apply, it is essential to demonstrate that the Italian lineage was transmitted continuously, without any interruption, from the Italian ancestor to the applicant.

Importantly, obtaining Italian citizenship does not in itself create tax liabilities. Tax obligations arise only if and when the individual establishes tax residency in Italy.

Rules Applicable to Minor Children

Specific provisions apply to minor children of Italian citizens:

• Children who were under 18 years of age on May 24, 2025, may acquire Italian citizenship through a declaration submitted by their parents. This option remains available until May 31, 2029.

•  Children under one year of age may acquire citizenship if a parent or legal guardian submits the required declaration within the child’s first year of life.

• Children older than one year must legally reside in Italy for two consecutive years following the submission of a parental declaration in order to obtain citizenship.