New Italian Citizenship Law Expands Eligibility For Great-Grandchildren

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Key Changes in the New Italian Citizenship Law

Previously, obtaining Italian citizenship through jus sanguinis (right of blood) was significantly more restrictive. The old laws often imposed strict deadlines and limitations, commonly referred to as the "grandfather clause," which prevented many individuals from claiming their Italian heritage, even if they had a direct lineage to an Italian citizen. The new law represents a monumental shift, expanding eligibility to include great-grandchildren of Italian citizens. This means many more people can now access the benefits of Italian citizenship.

This expansion is coupled with several other significant improvements:

• Extended timeframe for applications: The new law provides a significantly extended timeframe for submitting applications, removing the previous strict deadlines that barred many eligible individuals.
• Simplified documentation requirements: While thorough documentation remains crucial, the new law has clarified and simplified some requirements, making the process less cumbersome. For example, specific types of birth certificates and marriage certificates may now be accepted where previously only specific formats would suffice.
• Clarification on residency requirements: The new law clarifies, and in many cases relaxes, the residency requirements, reducing hurdles for applicants living outside of Italy.

Who is Eligible for Italian Citizenship Under the New Law?

The most significant change is the explicit inclusion of great-grandchildren of Italian citizens in the eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship by descent. This means that if one of your great-grandparents was an Italian citizen, you may now be eligible to apply, regardless of where you were born or where you currently reside.

However, there are some important limitations and exceptions to be aware of:

• Lineage requirements: The descent must be direct. This means the lineage must follow an unbroken chain from your great-grandparent to you, through your grandparents and parents. Adoption does not automatically grant eligibility.
• Documentation needed: To prove your lineage, you will need to provide comprehensive documentation including certified birth certificates, marriage certificates, and potentially other genealogical records for each generation linking you to your Italian great-grandparent. These documents often need to be translated and legalized (apostilled).
• Challenges in tracing ancestry: Tracing ancestry can be challenging, especially for those whose family history is fragmented or spread across multiple countries. Sourcing required documents from different archives and countries can also be time-consuming and difficult.

The Application Process for Italian Citizenship by Descent

The application process for Italian citizenship by descent involves several key steps:

• Application form completion: Accurate and thorough completion of the application form is critical.
• Document translation and legalization (apostille): All documents must be translated into Italian and legalized with an apostille, confirming their authenticity. This process can vary depending on the issuing country.
• Submission to the relevant Italian consulate or embassy: Applications are typically submitted to the Italian consulate or embassy in the country where the applicant resides.
• Interview process: While not always required, an interview might be necessary to verify information and assess the applicant’s knowledge of Italian culture and language.
• Waiting period for processing and approval: Processing times vary widely depending on the consulate's workload and the complexity of the application. Expect delays and be patient.

Seeking Professional Assistance with Your Italian Citizenship Application

Given the complexities of Italian citizenship laws, navigating the application process can be daunting. The assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship can significantly improve your chances of success. Consider these key benefits:

• Assistance with complex genealogical research: Legal professionals often have access to resources and expertise to trace lineages effectively.
• Proper documentation preparation and submission: They can ensure that your application is complete and your documents are properly prepared and submitted.
• Navigating the bureaucratic processes effectively: Their experience allows them to efficiently navigate the often complex and bureaucratic systems in Italy.
• Representation during interviews and appeals (if necessary): They can represent you in any required interviews and can assist with appeals if your application is rejected.

Conclusion

The new Italian citizenship law represents a significant opportunity for many great-grandchildren of Italian citizens to claim their heritage and obtain Italian citizenship. Understanding the eligibility criteria and navigating the application process is crucial for a successful outcome. While the new law simplifies some aspects, the process can still be complex. Considering seeking assistance from experienced immigration lawyers specializing in Italian citizenship by descent can significantly improve your chances of success. Don’t delay – explore your eligibility for Italian citizenship today and begin your journey to reclaiming your Italian heritage!