9 de June, 2025
If you are a descendant of Italians and are considering obtaining Italian citizenship, it is important to know that since May 2025, significant changes in the rules have been implemented, especially impacting more distant descendants such as great-grandchildren and beyond. Unlike before, there are now limits on the transmission of Italian nationality, making the process more restrictive for certain generations.
In this complete guide, we explain what changes were made to the Italian law, who can still apply for citizenship, the steps to follow, and important precautions under the new rules. We also highlight the benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship, which opens doors to live, work, and invest throughout the European Union. And once you obtain your new nationality, you will also have access to an Italian passport, one of the most powerful in the world!
If you want to know whether you still have the right to Italian citizenship, rely on our team of specialists to guide your way.
➡️ Find out if you are eligible for Italian citizenship. Talk to a specialist!!
Find out if you are entitled to Italian citizenship:
Italian citizenship can be claimed by those who have an Italian ancestor (antenato), provided that the ancestor did not renounce their citizenship. It is essential to prove the family relationship through birth, marriage, and death certificates, tracing the genealogical line from the antenato to the applicant.
Important update: With the legal changes in 2025, citizenship by descent is now limited to the second generation—that is, children and grandchildren of Italians born in Italy or abroad (as long as the Italian ancestor resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the descendant’s birth). Great-grandchildren and more distant generations, who previously had automatic rights, now face restrictions and must explore alternatives such as the new work visa for descendants.
Until January 1, 1948, citizenship could not be passed through the maternal line, since Italian women who married foreigners lost their nationality. While this does not prevent the process, it limits the options, as the application must be submitted through the judicial route in these cases.
Important: The italian citizenship through the courts (judicial route) is also the most suitable for more complex cases—when documents are missing or the transmission line is broken (as in the example above). It also applies to more distant descendants who wish to challenge the new laws approved in 2025. Learn more about the recent changes to Italian citizenship in our full article on the topic.
In the case of descendants (jus sanguinis), the documents required will be:
All documents need to be translated and apostilled.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
Yes, people of Italian descent can live in the country without having to apply for a visa. You must enter Italy as a tourist, so you can stay in the country for 90 days.
If the process is not completed within this period, you will have to apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno“, a residence and residence permit.
Italian law allows this, but you must have all the translated and apostilled documents proving your descent. The applicant for citizenship must also obtain accommodation and proof of it. Only then can they go to the “Comune” (town hall) to present all the documentation and apply for their residence permit.
Are you married to an Italian citizen? If so, you can apply for citizenship through marriage within the following time limit:
The deadline is reduced for couples who have children in common:
The address and marital status of the Italian citizen, along with information about minor children (if applicable), must be duly registered in the Civil Registry of Italians Residing Abroad (A.I.R.E.).
Finally, to be able to apply, you will also need to prove that you can speak Italian. The required level is intermediate (B1). The type of citizenship granted in this case is by naturalization.
Italian legislation does not accept cohabitation to initiate the citizenship process, only marriage.
(performed after April 27th, 1983 )
The online application can be made by attaching the following documents:
When you are granted citizenship, you must swear an oath to the Italian Constitution. On this day, you will have to present your documents again, updated. In other words, if there is a divorce during the process, the applicant loses the right to the new citizenship.
However, if there is a separation after the process has been completed, citizenship is already guaranteed.
According to nationality law, Italian citizenship is granted to foreigners from outside the EU who have been legally resident in Italy for at least 10 years.
This period can be reduced in certain specific situations:
| Time required residence | Who benefits |
| 3 years | For people who are of Italian descent up to the second degree or who were born in Italy. |
| 4 years | For citizens who live in Italy and were born in one of the countries belonging to the European Union. |
| 5 years | For those adopted by Italians after the age of 18, for political refugees, stateless persons or people who have served the country for that period. |
| 7 years | For people who were adopted by Italian citizens before 1983. |
To apply for italian citizenship through residency, the following documents are required:
Want to live in Italy? Check out our articles on Italy’s main cities and the cheap cities to live.
Italy follows the principle of “jus sanguinis” which means that citizenship is based on ancestry, not place of birth. Therefore, a person born in Italy is not automatically an Italian citizen, unless at least one of their parents is an Italian citizen.
However, there are some exceptions for children born in Italy to foreign parents, if the parents are stateless or unable to pass on their citizenship.
Citizenship can also be acquired by those born in Italy to foreign parents upon reaching 18 years of age, provided they have resided in Italy since birth.
Citizenship by merit is generally granted to people who have made significant contributions to the country in areas such as culture, economics, science and public service. They are awarded by the President of the Republic himself, in very rare cases.
The average waiting time to obtain Italian citizenship will depend on the type of process you choose.
As a rule, the deadline for defining the process of recognizing citizenship should be up to 730 days (about 2 years) from the date the application is received. However, in many cases it can take longer:
The amount to be spent varies greatly. It will depend on a number of factors:
The price is usually between €1,000 and €6K.
Hiring specialized advice for the Italian citizenship application is crucial due to the documentary complexity involved in the application. In the case of Italy, specific laws vary according to the year of the ancestor’s emigration and there are gender restrictions until 1948. The legal nuances, challenging bureaucratic procedures, regional variations and the time involved make professional assistance vital to avoid mistakes, optimize the process and increase the chances of success. The specific experience of these professionals in dealing with the intricate details of the Italian system can guarantee efficiency throughout the procedure of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent and avoid losses. Can you imagine going through an expensive process, waiting for years and having the document denied because of a mistake, resulting in a huge loss?
It can be very useful to hire a consultancy to help you through the process.
Becoming an italian citizen and obtaining an passport can open up a host of opportunities, including the freedom to live and work in any country in the European Union. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming. It’s important to be well informed and prepared before starting your journey. Atlantic Bridge can give you the support you need to obtain your new nationality. Talk to our consultants!
Find out if you are entitled to Italian citizenship. Talk to an expert!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
