Italian Citizenship "Fast-track"

March 2025

Matías Aguayo

Citizenship by Descent

IMPORTANT: Changes to Italy’s Jus Sanguinis Law (March 2025)

In March 2025, Italy introduced significant reforms to its jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent) law through Decreto Legge n. 36. These changes aim to tighten eligibility criteria, streamline the application process, and address administrative challenges caused by a surge in applications from descendants of Italian emigrants. Key updates include:

  1. Eligibility Restrictions: Citizenship is now limited to individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy, excluding descendants of earlier generations.

  2. Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Italian via a state examination or certification.

  3. Centralized Applications: Applications will be processed centrally in Italy, requiring in-person interviews rather than consular submissions abroad.

  4. Higher Fees: Application fees have doubled from €300 to €600.

  5. Residency for Transmission: Italian citizens born abroad can pass citizenship to their children only if they have lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years.

These reforms reflect Italy’s effort to ensure stronger cultural and familial ties among citizenship applicants while addressing administrative inefficiencies. Pending applications filed before March 28, 2025, remain unaffected, but future applicants face stricter requirements.

ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP

Did you know that there are 80 million people around the world who could be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent?

Your European passport might be closer than you think!

Find out if you have the right to claim your Italian heritage and open the door to new opportunities in Europe.

Application Options

1. Administrative Process through the Consulate

This is the most common process for applying for Italian citizenship by descent. It follows the Italian Citizenship Law, which states that descendants of Italians can apply for citizenship through an administrative request. While it’s a valid process, it may be delayed due to long waiting times for appointments, which can take several years. Once the application process starts, it may take over a year to complete and obtain a passport.

2. Judicial Process

This route is used when an administrative application is rejected, or when the applicant wants to challenge a negative decision. It allows for filing an appeal in Italian courts to obtain citizenship. This process is also used when no consulate appointments are available or if the applicant descends from an Italian woman who had children before the constitutional change.

3. Fast Track from Italy

The fastest option is applying directly in Italy, where, in certain municipalities, citizenship can be obtained in just 45-60 days. This requires residing in Italy for this period while the citizenship application is processed. However, this quick process is only available in a few small towns in Italy. If you’re interested in knowing which towns offer this fast track and how to proceed with accommodation or the application, schedule a meeting with me, and I’ll guide you through the process.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Italian citizenship, the key requirements are:

1️⃣ Proving Descent from an Italian Citizen:

  • Italian mother: Can transmit citizenship to children born on or after January 1, 1948. If born before, the judicial process must be followed.
  • Italian father: Can transmit citizenship to children born on or after July 1, 1912.

2️⃣ The Ancestor Must Have Died After March 17, 1861.

3️⃣ Proving the Continuity of Citizenship Transmission:

  • You need to demonstrate that there were no interruptions in the transmission of nationality across generations.

Required Documentation

The documentation is crucial to prove your Italian ancestry. The stronger the evidence, the higher your chances of obtaining citizenship.

  • 📄 Old Passports
  • 📄 Ship Manifests
  • 📄 Birth Certificates
  • 📄 Ellis Island Records
  • 📄 Marriage Certificates
  • 📄 Genealogical Analysis
  • 📄 National Population Registry Records

It’s essential to provide irrefutable proof of your direct lineage from your Italian ancestor to you, through birth certificates, marriage records, and other documents connecting each generation.

Start Your Process Today!

If you want to learn more about how to obtain Italian citizenship, we can guide you through every step of the process.

Contact me for a free consultation and find the best strategy for your case.