If you are trying to prove Italian descent, this guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility and documentation. Italian citizenship is based on the principle of “jus sanguinis” — the right of blood. This means that citizenship is passed from parent to child, without limitation of generations, as long as there has been no interruption in the line of transmission.
This updated guide will help you understand how to prove Italian descent through the correct documentation, archives, and verification process.
Under Article 1 of Law No. 91/1992, a child of an Italian father or mother is considered an Italian citizen at birth. However, changes introduced by Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025 (converted into Law No. 74/2025) have added new requirements for those seeking recognition of Italian citizenship by descent.
This updated guide will help you understand how to prove Italian descent according to the 2025 regulations and new citizenship law.
What “Italian Descent” Means
Italian citizenship is transmitted from parent to child provided that:
- The Italian ancestor never renounced citizenship, and
- Did not become a foreign citizen (by naturalization) while the descendant was still underage.
Until March 9, 1975, the age of majority was 21 years; from March 10, 1975 onward, it is 18 years.
If your ancestor was naturalized in another country before your parent or grandparent reached legal adulthood, the citizenship line is considered interrupted.
In such cases, descendants are not automatically Italian citizens, but may still qualify through judicial recognition or documentation proving reacquisition of citizenship before the next generation’s birth.
2025 Legislative Changes to Prove Italian Descent
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government approved Decree-Law No. 36, later converted into Law No. 74/2025.
This law introduces additional conditions for citizenship recognition iure sanguinis for individuals born and residing abroad.
To be eligible under the new provisions, the applicant must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- The applicant holds only Italian citizenship (no dual or other nationality).
- A parent or grandparent held only Italian citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth or death.
- A parent who is an Italian citizen resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years (after acquiring citizenship) before the applicant’s birth or adoption.
These new rules apply only to applications submitted after March 27, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (Italian time).
Applications submitted before that date ; or with appointments confirmed by the consulate before the deadline; will continue to be processed under the previous law.
Continuity of Citizenship (No Interruption in the Line)
To prove your Italian descent, it must be demonstrated that no ancestor in the direct line renounced or lost Italian citizenship before the next generation was born. Understanding the historical context and the laws of 1912 and 1865 is essential if you want to prove Italian descent according to Italian legal principles.
The Supreme Court of Appeal rulings No. 454/2024 and No. 17161/2023 reaffirmed that, according to the 1912 Citizenship Law and the earlier 1865 Civil Code, when an Italian citizen voluntarily acquired another citizenship, his minor children living with him also lost Italian citizenship, even if born abroad (for example, in the United States).
However, if it can be proven that the ancestor reacquired Italian citizenship after reaching adulthood and before the birth of the next descendant, the line of transmission may be considered restored.
Eligibility by Category
The main recognized categories include:
- Father born in Italy and still an Italian citizen when the child reached adulthood (21 before 1975, 18 after).
- Mother born in Italy, still an Italian citizen, and the child was born after January 1, 1948.
- Grandfather born in Italy, father born abroad and never naturalized before child’s majority.
- Grandmother born in Italy, with the same conditions, and the child born after January 1, 1948.
For cases involving a female ancestor and a child born before January 1, 1948, recognition is possible only through a civil court in Italy.
Required Documentation for Recognition of Italian Citizenship
If you want to prove Italian descent according to the 2025 law, documentation is essential. Each document you collect helps prove Italian descent and support your citizenship claim.
Applicants must present complete documentation proving their lineage and continuity of citizenship:
- Italian ancestor’s birth certificate (estratto per riassunto dell’atto di nascita) issued by the Comune di nascita in Italy.
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for every descendant in the direct line.
- Certificates of non-naturalization or naturalization, issued by the competent foreign authorities.
- Consular certificate stating that no ancestor or applicant ever renounced Italian citizenship.
- Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction (e.g., utility bills, lease, or residency certificate).
- Valid passport or ID.
- For the 2025 law:
- Negative citizenship certificates or renunciation records,
- Certificato Storico di Residenza (historical certificate of residence) from the Comune for cases requiring proof of two years’ residence.
All foreign documents must be legalized and translated into Italian, with an Apostille when applicable.
Applications must be submitted in person, by appointment through the Prenot@Mi platform
Professional Assistance for Italian Records Retrieval
If you are in the process of proving your Italian descent, one of the most complex and time-consuming steps is locating official Italian civil and parish records, especially when the original documents are not available online. Professional genealogical research in Italy can help you prove Italian descent quickly and correctly.
As a professional genealogist based in Italy, I can assist by:
- Conducting on-site research in Comuni (Municipal Archives) and Archivi di Stato (State Archives);
- Requesting certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates issued directly by Italian authorities;
- Locating and authenticating naturalization and residency records;
- Providing certified translations and Apostille-ready documentation for your jure sanguinis application.
These records are essential for the recognition of Italian citizenship and must be obtained from the original civil and ecclesiastical sources in Italy.
Working locally allows me to navigate municipal procedures, language barriers, and regional differences, ensuring that your documents meet all official requirements set by Italian consulates and the Ministry of the Interior.
If you already know the town or province where your Italian ancestor was born, I can contact the relevant Comune or Archivio di Stato on your behalf to obtain:
- Estratto per riassunto dell’atto di nascita – certified extract of birth;
- Atto integrale di matrimonio – full marriage record;
- Atto di morte – complete death certificate;
- Certificato storico di residenza – historical proof of residence;
- Atti di battesimo e processetti matrimoniali – parish and pre-marriage records for earlier centuries;
- Atti di cittadinanza o naturalizzazione – citizenship and naturalization files.
Each document can be provided in digital format for preliminary verification or as an official certified copy suitable for consular or court submission.
In an upcoming article, I will explain in detail the different types of Italian genealogical and civil documents, how they are structured, and what information they reveal — from atti di nascita to processetti matrimoniali and stato di famiglia storico.
Working with a qualified researcher in Italy ensures that your documents are accurate and that you can prove Italian descent in compliance with all consular and ministerial requirements.
Costs and Timeframe
As of 2025, the fee for processing an adult application for recognition of Italian citizenship is €600 (approximately USD 640).
This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. The Consulate retains all original documents (except original naturalization certificates).
According to the Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers No. 33/2014, the citizenship determination process must be completed within 730 days
Key Takeaways
- Italian citizenship by descent follows jus sanguinis, but under the 2025 Decree-Law 36, applicants born abroad must prove a direct, uninterrupted link and meet new conditions regarding parentage or residence in Italy.
- Documents must be official, legalized, and translated, obtained directly from Italian authorities.
- Working with a professional genealogist in Italy ensures your documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with the latest laws.
Prove your Italian descent confidently — with accurate research, authentic records, and a clear understanding of the new 2025 rules.
For official updates, see the Gazzetta Ufficiale
