How to Get Italian Citizenship by Descent: 2026 Complete Guide (Post-Tajani Decree)

Italy has fundamentally changed how to get Italian citizenship by descent. With Law 74/2025, also known as the Tajani Decree, automatic citizenship is now limited to applicants with an Italian parent or grandparent who meet specific criteria. In March 2026, the Constitutional Court upheld this reform, confirming that the new rules apply to all recent applications.

For over 160 years, Italy allowed citizenship claims through unlimited generations, as long as an unbroken bloodline could be proven. That is no longer the case.

Today, eligibility depends on your direct lineage, your ancestor’s citizenship status, and when your application was filed. Those who applied before 27 March 2025 may still fall under the previous rules, while new applicants must meet stricter criteria.

So what does this mean in practice?

This guide explains who still qualifies, who no longer does, what documents are required, how long the process takes, and what alternative options are available if your case no longer meets the new requirements

Important: Transitional Rule for Applications Filed Before March 27, 2025

If you submitted your application (administrative or judicial) before 11:59 PM (Rome time) on 27 March 2025, your case will be processed under the previous rules.

This means:

• No generational limit applies
• Great-grandparent and earlier claims may still qualify
• Your case is assessed under the old legal framework

If this applies to you, your case may be significantly stronger than under the new rules. 

If you’re unsure whether this applies to your case, getting clarity now can make a significant difference. Our trusted team of immigration lawyers can help verify your eligibility under the new and transitional rules.

What Is Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)?

Italian citizenship by descent, or jure sanguinis, is a legal principle that allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship through their ancestry. Historically, Italy allowed claims through unlimited generations if an unbroken bloodline could be proven. However, the 2025 reform significantly changed who qualifies under this pathway.

The History of Jure Sanguinis in Italy

Italy has recognized citizenship by descent since 1865, following the country’s unification.

Under the original framework:

• Citizenship could pass through unlimited generations
• Applicants only needed to prove a direct bloodline
• There was no generational cap

This made Italy one of the most accessible countries for ancestry-based citizenship.

The 2025 Law Change: What You Need to Know in 2026

Law 74/2025 introduced a major shift in eligibility.

• Automatic citizenship is now limited to a parent or grandparent who meets certain criteria
• If the ancestor born in Italy was your grandfather/grandmother, they must have held exclusively Italian citizenship at key moments
• If the ancestor born in Italy is your father/mother, they have to have lived in Italy for at least two (2) years before your birth
• The reform was upheld by the Constitutional Court in March 2026

This marks the first time Italy has imposed a generational limit on citizenship by descent.

Who Is Still Eligible Under the New Rules?

You may still qualify if:

• You have an Italian parent or grandparent who was born in Italy
• Your ancestor did not lose Italian citizenship at the relevant time
• You can prove an unbroken line of descent

Each case depends on how citizenship was transmitted across generations.

Who Is No Longer Eligible? (Great-Grandparent & Beyond)

New applications through a great-grandparent or earlier ancestor are no longer accepted.

This applies to:

• Applications filed after 27 March 2025
• Cases that do not fall under transitional protection
• For many applicants, this change has closed what was previously a viable pathway.

The 1948 Rule: Women and Citizenship Transmission

Italy previously restricted women from passing citizenship to their children before 1 January 1948.

If your claim depends on a female ancestor before this date:

• You must apply through the Italian courts (judicial route)
• This is commonly known as a “1948 case”

This pathway remains available for eligible applicants if the new criteria are still respected.

Quick Takeaway

• Citizenship by descent is now limited to a parent or grandparent
• Unlimited generational claims no longer apply
• Great-grandparent routes are closed
• 1948 cases still require a judicial process

Understanding how these rules apply to your family history is the most important first step.

Italian Citizenship by Descent Requirements in 2026

To qualify for Italian citizenship by descent in 2026, you must have an Italian parent or grandparent, prove an unbroken bloodline through official civil records, and show that your ancestor did not lose Italian citizenship before passing it on. Under the 2025 reform, if your qualifying ancestor is a grandparent, they must also have held exclusively Italian citizenship at key moments.

Core Requirements at a Glance

This table reflects the requirements for Italian citizenship by descent under the updated legal framework.

The Minor Issue: Naturalization During a Child’s Minority

One of the most complex aspects of eligibility is how naturalization affects the transmission of citizenship.

If an ancestor became a citizen of another country while their child was still a minor:

• The citizenship line may be considered broken
• This can make the applicant ineligible under current rules

Updated guidance from the Italian Ministry of the Interior in October 2024 clarified this issue, which had been affecting many cases.

As a general rule, you must confirm whether any ancestor naturalized before the next generation reached legal adulthood (18 or 21, depending on the period)

Even a single break in the chain can impact the entire application.

Quick Takeaway

• Only parent or grandparent claims are now eligible
• You must prove a complete and unbroken bloodline
• Naturalization timing is critical
• New rule: grandparents must have been exclusively Italian, OR parents must have lived in Italy for at least two (2) years before your birth

If your ancestor is your parent, remember that Italy authorized dual citizenship after August 1992, and there was no automatic loss of citizenship in this case. Eligibility is no longer just about ancestry. It’s about whether your lineage meets the new legal criteria introduced in 2025.

Documents Needed for Italian Citizenship by Descent

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you must provide civil records that prove your lineage from your Italian ancestor, along with documents confirming their citizenship status. While document types have not changed significantly, the 2025 reform affects which applicants must gather them, based on eligibility.

Essential Documents

To meet the documents needed for Italian citizenship by descent requirements, you will typically need:

• Birth certificate of your Italian-born ancestor
• Naturalization or renunciation records  official proof that they never naturalized to another country
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation linking you to your Italian ancestor
• Your valid passport
• A Certificate from the Consulate with jurisdiction over their historical place(s) of residence stating that your ancestor has not denounced their Italian citizenship.

All foreign documents must be:

• Apostilled (or legalized, depending on the country)
• Officially translated into Italian

For judicial applications (such as 1948 cases), the court may require additional supporting documents.

Where to Apply

There are three main application routes, depending on your case.

1. Italian consulate (administrative route): Apply through the consulate that covers your place of residence
2. Italian City Hall “Comune” (administrative route): Apply through Italy while living in the country – you must register as a resident of Italy and maintain your status as a resident in Italy
3. Italian court (judicial route): Required for 1948 cases or more complex situations

As of January 2026, the €250 application fee has been removed for minors born to an Italian parent

Quick Takeaway

• You must prove your full lineage through official records
• Naturalization status is a key requirement
• All documents must be translated and legalized
• The application route depends on your specific case

Document preparation is one of the most time-consuming parts of the process, and small errors can lead to delays.

Our experienced citizenship lawyers in Italy guide you through every step of the document process, helping you gather everything required so your application moves forward smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

How Long Does It Take to Get Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The time to get Italian citizenship by descent typically ranges from 1 to 4 years, depending on the application route, consulate backlog, and case complexity. Administrative applications through consulates often take longer, while judicial applications through Italian courts can be faster.

Processing times vary significantly based on where and how you apply.

Administrative Route (Consulate)

Applying through an Italian consulate is the most common pathway.

• Typically takes 2 to 4 years
• Some consulates have backlogs of 5+ years, especially in high-demand regions
• Appointment availability can add additional delays

This route is often slower due to high application volumes.

Judicial Route (Italian Court)

The judicial route is required for certain cases, such as 1948 claims, and can also be used strategically in some situations.

• Typically takes 1 to 3 years
• Processed through Italian courts (Tribunale)
• Timeline depends on the court’s schedule

This route can be faster, but it depends on the case’s complexity.

After Recognition: Registration in Italy

Once citizenship is approved, there is an additional administrative step.

• Registration with an Italian municipality (comune)
• Typically takes 3 to 6 months

Only after this step is completed is your citizenship fully registered.

Factors That Affect Processing Time

Several factors can impact how long your application takes:

• Completeness and accuracy of your documents
• Consulate workload and backlog
• Whether your case requires a judicial process
• Requests for additional documentation

Submitting a complete and well-prepared application can help avoid delays.

Quick Takeaway

• Consulate route: typically 2–4 years (or longer)
• Court route: typically 1–3 years
• Additional 3–6 months for registration in Italy
• Timelines vary based on location and case complexity

Processing times are not fixed, but preparation plays a major role in avoiding unnecessary delays.

If you want to avoid delays and understand which route may be faster for your case, getting clarity early can help you plan your application more effectively.

Alternative Routes to Italian Citizenship if You No Longer Qualify by Descent

If you no longer qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, you may still be eligible through alternative pathways such as reacquisition, naturalization by residence or naturalization by marriage. The 2025 reform introduced a new fast-track option for descendants, making residency-based citizenship more accessible in certain cases.

Losing eligibility under the new rules does not mean losing the opportunity to obtain Italian citizenship.

Naturalization After 2 Years of Residency (New for 2026)

A new pathway introduced in 2025 allows certain applicants to apply faster.

• Available if you have an Italian-born parent or grandparent
• Requires 2 years of legal residence in Italy
• Requires a B1 Italian language certificate

This is a significant reduction from the standard timeline and is one of the most important updates under the new law.

Standard Naturalization (10 Years)

If you do not qualify for the fast-track option, standard naturalization remains available.

• Non-EU nationals: 10 years of legal residence
• EU nationals: 4 years
• Stateless persons or refugees: 5 years

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Stable income
• No criminal record
• B1 Italian language proficiency

Italian Citizenship by Marriage

Citizenship is also available through marriage to an Italian citizen.

• After 2 years of residence in Italy, or
• After 3 years if living abroad

Requirements include:

• B1 Italian language certificate
• Valid and registered marriage

Note: The government has indicated potential future changes to this pathway.

Italian Golden (Investor) Visa:  Path to Citizenship

Italy offers an Investor Visa that can lead to citizenship through residency. Citizenship is possible after 10 years of residence

Minimum investment options include:

• €250,000 (innovative startups)
• €500,000+ (company shares)
• €2,000,000 (government bonds)

This pathway is typically suited for high-net-worth individuals.

Quick Takeaway

• A new 2-year fast-track route exists for some descendants
• Standard naturalization remains available
• Marriage offers a shorter pathway in some cases
• Investment can lead to citizenship through residency

Even if you no longer qualify by descent, there are still viable paths to living and becoming a citizen of Italy.

Special Cases for Italian Citizenship by Descent

Certain applicants may still qualify for Italian citizenship by descent under specific conditions, even after the 2025 reform. These exceptions depend on when the application was filed, the applicant’s age, or historical citizenship status.

Understanding whether one of these situations applies can significantly impact your eligibility.

Applicants Who Filed Before 27 March 2025

Applications submitted before the cutoff are protected under the previous rules.

• Continue to be processed under unlimited generational eligibility
• Great-grandparent and earlier claims may still qualify
• Applies to both administrative and judicial applications

If you had a consulate appointment booked before this date, your case may also be protected.

Important: Withdrawing or refiling your application could subject you to the new rules.

Children of Italian Citizens (Minor Deadline – updated to 31 May 2029)

Special provisions apply to minors under the updated law.

• Children of Italian citizens who were minors as of 24 May 2025 may still qualify
• A declaration must be filed by 31 May 2029
• If the child turns 18 before this date, they must file independently

Under the 2026 Budget Law, parents now have 3 years (instead of 1) to register a child’s birth abroad. The €250 application fee has been waived for minors

Persons Born in Italy Who Lost Citizenship Pre-1992

Some individuals may be eligible to reclaim Italian citizenship.

• Applies to those who lost citizenship before 1992
• Can reacquire citizenship by filing a declaration
• No residency requirement is needed

This option is available between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2027

Quick Takeaway

• Pre-March 2025 applications follow old rules
• Minors have a deadline of 31 May 2026
• Some individuals can reclaim citizenship without residency

Special cases can create opportunities even when standard eligibility no longer applies.

If your situation falls into a gray area, getting a clear assessment can help determine whether you still qualify under these exceptions.

FAQs: Italian Citizenship by Descent in 2026

Can I still claim Italian citizenship through my great-grandparent?

In most cases, no. Under the 2025 reform, Italian citizenship by descent is now limited to applicants with an Italian parent or grandparent. Great-grandparent claims are generally no longer accepted unless your application was filed before 27 March 2025 and falls under transitional protection.

My Italian ancestor naturalized abroad. Does this affect my claim?

Yes, it can. If your Italian ancestor naturalized in another country before passing citizenship to the next generation, the line may be considered broken. Timing is critical, especially if naturalization occurred while their child was still a minor.

Does Italy allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Italy allows dual citizenship. You can become an Italian citizen without renouncing your current nationality, although you should check whether your home country also permits dual citizenship.

I have an Italian grandmother. Am I still eligible?

Possibly. You may still qualify if your grandmother meets the new criteria and passed citizenship correctly. However, if your claim depends on an Italian woman having their children before 1948, you will need to apply through the Italian courts (a “1948 case”).

How much does it cost to apply for Italian citizenship by descent?

Costs vary depending on your application route. Consular applications typically involve administrative fees, document collection, translations, and apostilles. Judicial applications may include legal fees. While the base application fee is relatively low, total costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your case.

Start Your Italian Citizenship Journey with Clarity

Understanding how to get Italian citizenship by descent has become more complex following the 2025 reform. Eligibility now depends not just on your ancestry, but on how your lineage aligns with the new legal requirements.

For some, the pathway remains open. For others, alternative routes may be more appropriate.

The key is knowing where you stand before starting the process.

If you’re ready to move forward or want to confirm your eligibility, fill out the form below to assess your case.