Citizenship by descent

Nationality by family connection: Recognition of Italian citizenship through a qualifying family line, subject to the restrictions introduced in 2025.

Reconstruct the citizenship chain and test it against the current descent rules before preparing the full legalised file. Apply through the competent consulate or Italian municipality, according to lawful residence. After recognition, complete civil registration before requesting an Italian passport.

For new foreign-born dual-national claims, a parent or grandparent generally must have exclusively Italian citizenship, or a parent must satisfy the qualifying two-year Italian residence condition before birth. Protected earlier applications have separate rules.

An unbroken citizenship chain supported by birth, marriage and naturalisation records, with translations and legalisation. Check ancestor nationality, dates, residence and any loss of citizenship at each generation.

Successful recognition establishes Italian citizenship and enables a passport application.