Italian Dual Citizenship Guides

How to Get Italian Dual Citizenship in 2025:
3 Ways, 1 Guide

Italian Dual Citizenship Guide 2025

Your comprehensive guide to obtaining Italian citizenship

3 Ways to Obtain Italian Dual Citizenship

By Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Claim citizenship through your Italian bloodline.

Must have Italian parent or grandparent (after 2025 rule changes)
Italian ancestor must not have naturalized before child's birth
Special rules apply for female ancestors (pre-1948 cases)

By Marriage

Claim citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen.

2-3 years of marriage required (shorter time if you have children)
Must demonstrate B1 level Italian language proficiency
Applies to same-sex civil unions as well

By Naturalization

Claim citizenship after living in Italy.

10 years of legal residency for non-EU citizens
4 years for EU citizens
Must demonstrate adequate income

2025 Rule Changes - Important Update!

As of March 28, 2025, new rules limit who can claim Italian citizenship by descent:

Applications are now limited to those with an Italian parent or grandparent only
Claims through great-grandparents or earlier generations are no longer accepted
Parent/grandparent must have held exclusively Italian citizenship at your birth or at their death

Note: Applications submitted before March 27, 2025, will still be processed under the old rules.

Required Documents

Birth certificates (long form) for each person in your direct line
Marriage certificates (long form) for each person in your direct line
Death certificates (if applicable)
Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization for Italian ancestor
Apostille on all non-Italian documents
Italian translations of all non-Italian documents

Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Confirm you qualify under current rules and identify your Italian ancestor.

Gather Documents

Collect birth, marriage, death certificates and naturalization records.

Authenticate & Translate

Get apostilles for all documents and translate them into Italian.

Choose Application Method

Apply through Italian consulate, in Italy, or through court system.

Submit Application

Book appointment, pay fees (€600 as of 2025), and submit documents.

Wait for Processing

Typically 1-2 years for consulate applications, 6-12 months in Italy.

Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

EU Freedom

Live, work, and study in any EU country without restrictions.

Healthcare

Access Italy's highly-ranked public healthcare system.

Education

Study at European universities with significantly lower tuition fees.

Passport Power

Travel visa-free to 186 countries worldwide.

Heritage Connection

Reconnect with your Italian roots and ancestry.

Future Generations

Pass citizenship automatically to your children.

Did you know that Italian dual citizenship ranks among the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free access to 186 countries?

Obtaining your Italian passport connects you to your heritage while unlocking exceptional benefits including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union. Additionally, Italy fully recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you won't need to surrender your current nationality. Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) remains the most common pathway for many applicants, though Italian citizenship by marriage and Italian citizenship by naturalization offer viable alternatives depending on your situation.

However, the application process can be complex, with specific document requirements, varying eligibility rules, and potential legal challenges. Consequently, understanding each step is crucial for a successful application, especially with the 2025 processing procedures.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the entire process into manageable steps, from determining your eligibility to finally holding your Italian passport. Whether you're just starting your research or already gathering documents, you'll find everything you need to navigate your path to becoming an Italian citizen.

Step 1: Understand What Italian Dual Citizenship Means

Italian dual citizenship represents a powerful legal status that allows individuals to maintain citizenship in both Italy and their current country. This concept has undergone significant changes in 2025, making it essential to understand what it entails before beginning your application process.

What is Jure Sanguinis?

Jure Sanguinis, Latin for "right of blood," forms the cornerstone of Italian citizenship law. This principle allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship based on their ancestral lineage rather than their place of birth. Traditionally, Italy has granted citizenship to those who can prove their Italian bloodline, regardless of how many generations have passed since their ancestors left Italy 1.

Prior to recent changes, there was no generational limit to claiming Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis, provided you could document an unbroken chain to your Italian-born ancestor who was alive after March 17, 1861, when Italy became a unified nation 2.
This system operated alongside Italy's more restrictive application of jus soli (citizenship by birthplace), which applies only in exceptional circumstances such as when both parents are stateless 3.

For citizenship transmission to remain unbroken, applicants must prove their Italian ancestor did not naturalize in another country before their child reached legal adulthood (prior to 1975, adulthood was 21 years; since then, 18 years) 4. Furthermore, if there's a woman in your line of descent, Italian citizenship can typically be transmitted only if her child was born after January 1, 1948 – a rule that has been challenged in Italian courts but remains enforced at consulates 2.

How Italy differs from other countries

Italy stands apart from many nations in its approach to citizenship. Unlike countries that emphasize birthplace as the primary qualification, Italy prioritizes ancestral ties through its jus sanguinis framework 3.
Essentially, Italy views those of Italian heritage as extended "family," creating more favorable pathways to citizenship 1.
Since 1992, Italy has permitted dual citizenship, allowing individuals to maintain their original nationality while acquiring Italian citizenship 5. Prior to this date, Italian law required exclusive citizenship, meaning that Italians who voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship automatically lost their Italian status 2.

Importantly, Italy applies one of the most restrictive versions of birthright citizenship (jus soli) in Europe. Children born in Italy to foreign parents do not automatically receive citizenship – they may apply only after turning 18, provided they've resided in Italy continuously since birth and apply within their 19th birthday 3.

Why 2025 is a key year for applicants

The year 2025 marks a watershed moment for Italian dual citizenship. On March 28, 2025, Decree-Law No. 36/2025 (often called the "Tajani Decree") introduced dramatic changes to eligibility requirements, which were subsequently converted into Law No. 74/2025 on May 24, 2025 6.

These reforms significantly restrict who can claim Italian citizenship by descent. Previously, between 60 million and 80 million people worldwide qualified for Italian citizenship under the old rules—more than Italy's population of 59 million 7. Since these rule changes, applicants born abroad must now meet stricter criteria:

They must have a parent or grandparent who held exclusively Italian citizenship (or did so at time of death)
Alternatively, they must have a parent or adoptive parent who resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant's birth/adoption 6

Applications submitted or appointments confirmed before 11:59 PM (Rome time) on March 27, 2025, will still be processed under the previous rules 1. This cutoff date creates urgency for those with more distant Italian ancestry, as the window for claiming citizenship through great-grandparents or earlier generations has effectively closed for new applicants.

The impact of these changes has been substantial, particularly in countries with large Italian diaspora populations. In Argentina alone, citizenship recognitions increased to 30,000 in 2024 from 20,000 in 2023, while Brazil saw a rise to 20,000 from 14,000 during the same period 7, indicating a rush to claim Italian citizenship before the rule changes took effect.

Step 2: Check If You Qualify Through Ancestry

Determining your eligibility for Italian dual citizenship is perhaps the most critical step in your application journey. The rules governing who qualifies have undergone substantial changes in 2025, making it necessary to understand the current criteria thoroughly.

Basic eligibility rules

For applications submitted after March 27, 2025, Italian citizenship by descent now follows stricter requirements under Law 74/2025. You may qualify for Italian citizenship if:

Your parent is an Italian citizen born in Italy
Your parent is an Italian citizen born abroad who resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before your birth
Your grandparent is an Italian citizen born in Italy

Additionally, your Italian parent or grandparent must have held exclusively Italian citizenship at the time of your birth or at the time of their death 8.

For applications submitted or appointments confirmed before March 27, 2025, the previous eligibility rules still apply, allowing you to claim citizenship through more distant ancestors 8.

The traditional eligibility principles remain important, even under the new rules. According to the principle of jure sanguinis, citizenship passes through blood lineage, meaning your ancestor must not have interrupted the citizenship line 9.

Citizenship interruption typically occurred when:

Your ancestor naturalized in another country before their child's birth
Your ancestor renounced Italian citizenship
For children born before August 16, 1992, if the Italian parent naturalized abroad before the child reached adulthood (21 years old before March 9, 1975; 18 years old afterward) 9

Special rules for female ancestors (pre-1948 cases)

A unique challenge exists for those claiming citizenship through female Italian ancestors. Under Law 555 of 1912, only men could pass Italian citizenship to their children 10.

This changed on January 1, 1948, when Italy's new constitution granted equal rights to women.

The practical implication: if your lineage includes an Italian woman whose child was born before January 1, 1948, your citizenship application will be rejected by Italian consulates 10. However, this restriction has been successfully challenged in Italian courts.

These "1948 cases" must proceed through the Italian judicial system rather than through consulates or municipalities 11.

The Italian Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the 1948 rule violates constitutional principles of equality between men and women 12.
Therefore, while you cannot apply administratively, you can petition the Italian courts with high chances of success.

Until June 2022, all 1948 cases were heard in Rome. Now, jurisdiction is determined by your Italian ancestor's birthplace 12, which may expedite the process.

How far back you can go in your lineage

Before March 28, 2025, Italian citizenship by descent had no generational limit 13. Applicants could trace their lineage back multiple generations, provided their ancestor was alive after March 17, 1861 (Italy's unification date) 14.

The 2025 law fundamentally changed this approach. Now, citizenship claims are generally limited to two generations—parent or grandparent 15.

This effectively eliminates claims through great-grandparents or more distant ancestors for new applications filed after March 27, 2025 16.

These changes were designed to address the growing backlog of citizenship applications, which had reached unprecedented numbers in countries with large Italian diaspora populations 17.

Despite these restrictions, your eligibility remains intact if:

You submitted your application by March 27, 2025
You received confirmation of your consulate appointment by March 27, 2025
Your parent or grandparent was born in Italy

Moreover, if you've already been recognized as an Italian citizen through any legitimate process, your status remains secure regardless of these changes 18.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

Once you've determined your eligibility for Italian dual citizenship, the document collection phase begins—often the most laborious part of your application journey. Gathering the correct documents in proper format is crucial, as even minor errors can result in rejection 4.

Vital records and naturalization documents

The foundation of your application consists of certified vital records that establish your Italian lineage. You must collect documents for everyone in your direct line of descent, starting with your Italian-born ancestor and ending with yourself. These include:

Birth certificates in long form (with parents' full names and details)
Marriage certificates in long form (showing previous marital status)
Death certificates (if applicable)
Naturalization records or proof of non-naturalization
Divorce decrees and certificates of no appeal (if applicable) 1

For Italian-born ancestors, request an "estratto per riassunto dell'atto di nascita" (certified extract of birth record) from their birth commune in Italy 2.
For documents issued outside Italy, obtain official certified copies in long form—standard or abstract certificates aren't acceptable 19.

The naturalization status of your Italian ancestor is pivotal. If they naturalized, you'll need their certificate of naturalization, declaration of intentions, petition for naturalization, and oath of allegiance 20.
If they never naturalized, you must provide a Certificate of Non-Existence of Records from USCIS, a Letter of No Record from NARA, and the first U.S. Census after your direct descendant's birth showing your ancestor's alien status 20.

Where to find missing records

Locating decades-old documents often requires persistence and creativity. Here's where to search:

U.S. vital records are typically issued by state Departments of Health, although older records may be held by county offices or state archives 5.

Marriage records can often be found at both state and county levels, while divorce records are obtained from the court where proceedings occurred 5.

For naturalization records prior to 1906, check county courts and local archives, as naturalization could occur in any "court of record" 7.

After 1906, these records became federally managed and are now maintained by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) 7.

Italian vital records should be requested directly from the municipality (comune) where the event was registered 7. If records are missing or destroyed, check with the provincial state archive (archivio di stato), where duplicate records may be available 2.

For pre-civil registration events, church records often provide valuable documentation 21.

Facing a document discrepancy? Request a "certificato di esatte generalità" or "positivo-negativo" document from the Italian comune, which confirms that individuals with variant names are the same person 2.

Translation and apostille requirements

Every non-Italian document in your application package must be properly authenticated and translated:
First, all U.S. documents (except naturalization records) must bear an apostille—a certification that authenticates the document for international use 4.

Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document originated 22.

Next, all non-Italian documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator 3. Self-produced translations are acceptable at some consulates if they are complete, accurate, and typewritten 3. The Italian consulate may provide a list of approved translators or certification of translation conformity for documents translated between Italian and English 3.
In New York State specifically, documents must first be notarized and authenticated by the County Clerk where the notary is qualified before receiving an apostille 22.
Remember: never remove an apostille from a document, as doing so invalidates it 3. Italian documents do not require apostilles or translations 5.

Check with your specific consulate for any additional requirements, as document standards may vary slightly between jurisdictions 4.
Some consulates also have document recency requirements, potentially necessitating new certified copies and apostilles if yours are too old 23.

Step 4: Choose Your Application Method

After compiling your documents, you'll need to decide which application route best fits your situation. The three main paths to obtaining Italian dual citizenship each come with distinct advantages and considerations.

Applying through an Italian consulate

Consular applications remain the most traditional approach for those living outside Italy. You must apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence 24. For example, if you live in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or Arkansas, your application must go through the Consulate General of Italy in Houston 24.

Beginning January 1, 2025, the application fee for adult applicants seeking citizenship recognition through descent increased from €300 to €600 9.
This fee, payable in local currency at the current exchange rate, is non-refundable regardless of your application's outcome 9 25.

To initiate the process:

Book an appointment through the online Prenot@Mi system 9
Prepare to present your application and supporting documents in person 9
Pay the application fee via money order or cashier's check made out to the consulate 9

Be aware that consulate waiting times can be extensive, sometimes stretching 18 months or longer 26. Nevertheless, once your appointment arrives, you'll submit your documents and wait for processing, which typically takes 1-2 years.

Applying in Italy via residency

Alternatively, applying in Italy offers several advantages, often resulting in faster processing times since appointments are usually not required at Italian municipalities (comuni) 6. This method works well for those considering relocating to Italy or wishing to explore their ancestral homeland.

When applying in Italy:

You can enter Italy as a tourist and establish legal residency specifically for citizenship purposes 6
Most citizenship offices accept walk-ins, eliminating appointment delays 6
You can choose which municipality to apply in, though each may interpret rules slightly differently 6

To establish residency, you'll need appropriate accommodations—hotels and short-term rentals typically don't qualify 6. Instead, secure a lease agreement, letter of hospitality, or property deed 6. Local police will verify your residence within 45 days 6.
Once registered as a resident, submit your application at the citizenship office in your local city hall 6. Afterward, you'll need to apply for a specific residency permit based on your citizenship application 6.

Going through the Italian court system

The judicial route becomes necessary in two primary scenarios: when facing the "1948 rule" restriction or encountering excessive consular delays.

The 1948 rule affects those claiming citizenship through a female Italian ancestor whose child was born before January 1, 1948. While consulates reject these applications, Italian courts have consistently ruled in favor of applicants based on constitutional equality principles 27 28.

Court cases may also be appropriate if:

Your consulate has failed to process your application within 730 days (two years) 28
Your consulate scheduled your appointment more than two years in the future 28

Until June 2022, all citizenship court cases were centralized in Rome 16 17. Now, jurisdiction depends on your Italian ancestor's birthplace 28 17, potentially expediting the process.

Legal proceedings typically take 12-18 months 16, with success rates extremely high for properly documented cases 28. Importantly, you don't need to appear in Italy during the process 16 17.

If successful, you'll receive a court ruling that becomes final after a 60-day appeal period 16. You'll then register this ruling with your local Italian consulate and the Italian municipality where your ancestor was born to complete your citizenship recognition 16.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Follow Up

Submitting your application marks a crucial milestone in your journey toward Italian dual citizenship. Once your documents are assembled, the formal process begins with several important steps.

Booking your consulate appointment

Initially, you must secure an appointment through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's online portal, Prenot@mi. Each adult applicant must reserve their individual appointment—group bookings aren't permitted 9. To create an account, visit https://prenotami.esteri.it, register with your personal information, and select your local Italian consulate 29.

Upon booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and a unique booking code. Most consulates require confirmation between 10 and 3 days before your scheduled appointment 30. Be aware that appointment availability varies dramatically between consulates—from 6 months in Washington DC to over 3 years in San Francisco 10.

Importantly, some consulates now process applications by mail rather than in-person appointments. In these cases, applicants must not appear personally but instead must mail their application package on the exact date of their appointment 11.

Paying the application fee

Following the 2025 Budget Law, the fee for recognition of Italian citizenship through descent increased from €300 to €600 per adult applicant, effective January 1, 2025 9. For applications submitted in the first quarter of 2025, this translates to approximately USD 643.70 9.
The fee must be paid using a cashier's check or money order made out to the specific consulate (e.g., "Consulate General of Italy – Los Angeles") 9. Exchange rates are updated quarterly, so verify the current rate on your consulate's website 12. Minor children can still be included in their parent's application at no additional cost 31.
Remember that this fee is non-refundable regardless of your application's outcome 9.

What to expect after submission

Once your application is submitted, patience becomes essential. By law, consulates have up to 24 months to complete their review 32. Throughout this period, communication from the consulate will likely be minimal.
Most applicants wait between 6 and 12 months before hearing anything 33. Several factors influence processing times, including:

Application volume at your particular consulate
Staff size processing applications
Time required for documents to reach your ancestor's commune
Processing time at the commune 33

If your application contains any discrepancies, the consulate will request additional information, extending the timeline 32. After approval, your records will be sent to your ancestor's municipality in Italy, where you'll be registered in the A.I.R.E. (Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad) 32.
Should more than six months pass without updates, consider contacting your consulate via email to inquire about your status 33.

Step 6: Final Steps After Approval

Receiving approval for your Italian dual citizenship application opens the door to finalizing your status as an Italian citizen. Once your citizenship is formally recognized, several important steps remain to complete your journey.

Registering your citizenship in Italy

Upon citizenship recognition, you'll be added to the AIRE (Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad) through your ancestor's birth commune. This registration is essential, as it officially records your status as an Italian citizen living outside Italy. AIRE registration must be completed before you can apply for an Italian passport.

For those who applied via a 1948 court case, you must register the final judgment through your local Italian consulate. The consulate will forward certified copies of the judgment and your vital records to your ancestor's birth municipality in Italy 6.

Applying for your Italian passport

After AIRE registration is complete, you can apply for your Italian passport. This requires scheduling an appointment through the Prenot@Mi portal at your local consulate. When applying, bring:

Your previous Italian passport (if applicable) or other valid identification
Two identical passport photos with white background
Money order payable to your consulate (USD 135.60 as of late 2025) 34
Pre-paid self-addressed Priority Mail envelope with tracking (or arrange for in-person pickup) 34

NATALIA BERTELLI, ENGLISH TO ITALIAN SWORN TRANSLATOR
ENGLISH TO ITALIAN LEGAL TRANSLATORS | ATA MEMBER
LISTED ON THE UK.GOV AND IN THE US EMBASSY LIST OF TRANSLATORS
Intl. calls: +39 338 263 7469 (Claudia, Project Manager)
[email protected]
VAT No. 01404870295
Privacy Policy
Please note: I do not work with Italian Citizenship Assistance (ICA), I'm not part of their team of Italian Citizenship Translators.
I don't sell citizenship application packages: I'll refer you to any professionals you'll need, FOR FREE!

Dual Citizenship Free Guides

How to Get Italian Dual Citizenship in 2025:
3 Ways, 1 Guide

Italian Dual Citizenship Guide 2025

3 Ways to Obtain Italian Dual Citizenship

By Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

By Marriage

By Naturalization

2025 Rule Changes - Important Update!

Required Documents

Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Gather Documents

Authenticate & Translate

Choose Application Method

Submit Application

Wait for Processing

Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

EU Freedom

Healthcare

Education

Passport Power

Heritage Connection

Future Generations

Need help with your dual citizenship application?

Dual Citizenship Free Guides

​How to Get Italian Dual Citizenship in 2025: ​3 Ways, 1 Guide

3 Ways to Obtain Italian Dual Citizenship

By Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

By Marriage

By Naturalization

2025 Rule Changes - Important Update!

Required Documents

Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Gather Documents

Authenticate & Translate

Choose Application Method

Submit Application

Wait for Processing

Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

EU Freedom

Healthcare

Education

Passport Power

Heritage Connection

Future Generations

Need help with your dual citizenship application?

How to Get Italian Dual Citizenship in 2025:
3 Ways, 1 Guide