OBTAINING ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP THROUGH ANCESTRAL LINEAGE

It is possible to gain Italian citizenship through your parents, grandparents, or even your great grandparents. To do so, you must follow the steps outlined here to make sure the process is done correctly.

Getting Italian citizenship is simpler than elsewhere in Europe, yet there is still a process to follow. All supporting documents are necessary, while the time frame differs depending on the consulate. Moreover, the rules for acquiring Italian citizenship through descent can be perplexing. 

 What do you need to know to launch this procedure?
In this brief guide, we will explain the regulations involved and how to gain Italian citizenship from your parents, grandparents, or even your great-grandparents.
 
Exploring the Process of Acquiring Italian Citizenship through Jure Sanguinis and Ancestors of Italian Heritage

Jure Sanguinis, a concept employed by Italy, grants those with ancestral ties to the country the capacity to acquire Italian citizenship through descent. In other words, this law ensures that those with a legitimate familial relationship to the nation can obtain its citizenship.
In comparison to other countries, Italy's jure sanguinis process is much more straightforward. As long as distant relatives can be proven to be connected to the Italian line, dual citizenship can be easily obtained. The criteria is quite clear in this specific case.
It can be relatively simple for a person from the United States to get Italian citizenship through a grandparent, mom, or dad. Nevertheless, it is essential to comprehend that different regulations correspond depending on which ancestor one is attempting to acquire dual citizenship from.

Could You Be Eligible for Italian Citizenship Through Your Grandparents, Mom or Dad, etc.?
If you're questioning it, inquiring within the family is a great beginning point to determine if you are eligible for Italian citizenship by descent. What can you uncover about this relation? Where did they originate from or when did they reach America?
In the US, you can utilize the country's resources to look up naturalization records using the name or birthdate of your ancestor. Nevertheless, it is up to you, not the Italian consulate, to appraise the authenticity of the family relationship.
It is necessary to have all the documentation to substantiate ancestry in order to apply for Italian citizenship via descent.

Requesting Italian Citizenship through Descent from one's Parents
Individuals who are eligible for Italian Citizenship have the option of applying for it through their parents. This is done by providing the appropriate documentation that proves the familial relationship, and then submitting the application to the competent Italian authority. Successful applicants will be granted citizenship and all the rights that come with it.
It is possible to get Italian citizenship through your parents, but it is more commonly acquired through your father. Prior to January 1st 1948, Italian law would not allow mothers to pass on dual citizenship to their children. This law has since been reversed, making it possible for more people to qualify through their mother. 
At the same time, there are other limitations and specific documentation that must be provided. For example, it must be verified that your parents did not reject their Italian citizenship or obtain naturalization before your birthdate. Nevertheless, this can be disputed if they had the right to obtain Italian citizenship.

Acquiring Italian Citizenship via Grandparents
It is possible to gain Italian citizenship by applying through one's grandparents who have/had Italian citizenship.
Achieving Italian citizenship can be attained through your grandparents in many cases, particularly when they were born before January 1st 1948. There are different approaches to consider based on when and which grandparent was born in Italy.
It's possible to acquire Italian citizenship through grandparents if the grandparent was born in Italy and was an Italian citizen when your parent was born, as long as your parent has not at any time since relinquished their right to Italian citizenship.
It is absolutely essential that your father was born after 1st January 1948 if you are wanting to use your grandmother on your father's side. Likewise, if you are utilizing your grandmother on your mother's side, your mother must have been born after 1st January 1948.
It is frequently the case that Italian citizenship is acquired via a grandparent, particularly when the grandparent is of Italian origin but has not given up their entitlement to be a citizen of Italy.

Requesting Italian Citizenship through Descendants of Great Grandparents

If a great grandparent was born in Italy and had Italian citizenship or the capacity to obtain it when your grandparent was born, then you can apply for Italian citizenship by this relation.
It needs to be affirmed that a great grandparent, grandparent or parent of the applicant has not given up their Italian citizenship. Also, if the female ancestor is the one to be used, it is essential that the "next in line" was born after January 1st 1948.

Documents Necessary for Acquiring Italian Citizenship

The requirements for becoming an Italian citizen include obtaining certain documents. These documents are needed in order to successfully complete the process.
Submitting an application for Italian citizenship will require an application form, as well as documents from your parent, grandparent or great grandparent. These documents must be *apostilled and translated into Italian by a translator approved by a local Italian consulate.
A Birth Certificate is a document issued by the local government of the place where one's parent, grandparent or great grandparent was born.
You will require a death certificate if one of your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents has recently passed away.
A Marriage Certificate may be necessary if any of your ancestors wed in Italy.
A Naturalization Certificate is essential if no passport or citizen ID is present. This certificate is applicable to a parent, grandparent, or great grandparent.
Required Documentation - You must provide your birth certificate, as well as any relevant marriage or divorce paperwork.
Documents require authentication from the United States Secretary of State to be considered valid through the use of an Apostille stamp.

Need help with sworn translations? I'm here!