In this article, we answer to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the obtainment of the Italian Citizenship by Descent, also known as by Jure Sanguinis.
1. Can I apply for the Italian Citizenship even residing abroad?
Yes. The application for Italian citizenship by descent (through bloodline) should be submitted to the relevant local Italian authority over the place of residence. If residing abroad, the application will be handled by the Italian Consulate.
2. Is there a generation limit when applying for Italian Citizenship by descent?
No, there is no generation limits. Italian Citizenship is passed on from parent to child without limitation of generation, on the condition that neither the Italian parent nor the Italian ancestors ever renounced their citizenship.
3. If I ever renounced Italian citizenship, can I reacquire it?
Yes, it is possible. If you have been an Italian citizen for once, you can establish your residency in Italy and reacquire your Italian citizenship.
4. Can I apply for Italian Citizenship even if my Italian ancestor naturalized to a foreign citizenship after the birth of his/her child (who is also my ancestor)?
Yes. Usually, the transmission of the Italian citizenship is possible if the Italian ancestor naturalised after the birth of his/her child. However, there are some exemptions, so please feel free to contact us for an initial evaluation.
5. How long does the process of obtainment of Italian Citizenship take?
Process timeline depends on the local Italian authorities. In any case, it can take several months to obtain an appointment and around 2-3 years is the standard timeframe to have a decision. Delays may occur.
6. In case of Consulate delays and/or unresponsiveness, is there an alternative route to obtain my Italian citizenship?
Yes, there is an alternative, however, for this, you first need to obtain evidence of the Consulate’s relevant delays and then, you can submit a claim to obtain your Italian citizenship at the Italian Court.
7. Can my children apply for their Italian Citizeship with me?
Yes, children can apply for Italian Citizenship with the parent and minors are included in the same application.
8. Can my spouse apply for Italian Citizenship with me?
No. You should first obtain your Italian citizenship and only then your spouse can submit her/his application for citizenship through marriage – please check our article for more information on this matter.
9. When applying for my Italian Citizenship, will the Consular officer interview me?
Yes. On the day of the appointment, you will need to submit all original documents in person and most likely you will have an interview with the Consular officer.
10. Is there a way to expedite the process of Italian Citizenship application?
Yes. If you have the real intention to move to Italy, you can take residency in Italy and proceed with the process in front of the Italian Town Hall – the standard timeline is 8 – 12 months, up to more than a year.
11. Can I go to Italy to apply for Italian Citizenship without changing my residency?
The process in Italy is allowed only if you take residency in Italy and maintain it until the end of the process. In this case, the application should be submitted at the relevant Italian town hall.
12. If I choose to apply for Italian Citizenship in Italy, should I take residency in the city of my ancestor?
No. You can choose any Italian city where you prefer to move and take residency, without limitations.
13. Do I need a permit of stay to apply for my Italian Citizenship?
If you are a Non-EU citizen, you need a permit of stay to reside in Italy. During the process, we will guide you in obtaining an Italian permit of stay while the citizenship procedure is ongoing.
14. If I go to Italy to apply for my Italian Citizenship, can my family come with me?
In the case of Non-EU family members, they can come with you and apply for a permit of stay for family reasons.
15. My Italian ancestor is a woman. How can I apply for my Italian citizenship?
Please contact us and we will assess your eligibility free of charge and confirm the available options based on your case. If you need to file a citizenship claim in Court as you have a female ancestor in the lineage, your chances to succeed in Court are extremely high.
16. Can Mazzeschi SRL assist in case of descendant from a female mother before 1948 – “1948 rule”?
Yes. Our Citizenship Department has broad experience in lawsuits at the Italian Courts, which may be the only available route in case of descendant from a female mother before 1948.
17. Is the lawsuit against the “1948 rule” a long process?
The lawsuit may take 1-2 years. It usually consists in one court hearing, in which the Judge reviews the application and will then issue a judgment.
18. Is the Court in Rome the only relevant Court to apply for Italian citizenship against the “1948 rule”?
Since June 2022, judgments relating to cases per maternal lineage before 1948 aren’t dealt with by the Court of Rome anymore, but by competent local Courts of the place of birth of the Italian ancestor.
19. Do I need to have all documents ready before the application?
All documents should be ready before the application. This applies to all processes when requesting Italian citizenship.
Attorney at law since 2006, specialized in real estate law, inheritance, citizenship and corporate law.
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