Who qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent in 2026?

Under the standard route, those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy (the 2-generation limit introduced by the Tajani Decree, in force from 28 March 2025). Those who had already applied or confirmed an appointment by 27 March 2025 fall under the old rules.

Did Italy abolish jus sanguinis?

No, it did not abolish it: it limited it. Citizenship by descent still exists, but since 2025 it requires a closer Italian ancestor (parent or grandparent). In 2026 the Constitutional Court confirmed the legitimacy of the new limit.

What is the “1948 rule”?

Before 1 January 1948 women could not pass citizenship to their children. Those descending from an Italian woman for a link before 1948 cannot use the administrative route and must go to the ordinary Court for recognition.

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Timing varies widely: the consular route can take from months to several years depending on waiting lists; the judicial route is often faster but with legal fees. There is a consular fee per adult applicant, plus the cost of records, apostilles and translations.

How is this different from citizenship by residence or marriage?

Jure sanguinis is recognition of a citizenship you have held since birth, with no residence requirement. Citizenship by residence requires years of legal residence in Italy; citizenship by marriage requires marriage to an Italian citizen plus time and language requirements.

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Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): Who Still Qualifies in 2026

Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) lets the descendants of an Italian citizen claim an Italian passport. On 28 March 2025 the Tajani Decree (Law 74/2025) changed the rules and, for the first time, introduced a generational limit. Today the standard route is generally open to those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. People descending only from great-grandparents or more distant ancestors are usually outside the standard route.

Authority

Ministero dell'Interno — Cittadinanza / Consolati (MAECI)

Time

45 min

Updated

Jul 2026

What you need

✓Birth record of the Italian ancestor (and proof they had not lost citizenship before the next descendant was born)
✓Birth, marriage and death records for every person in the line of descent
✓Certificate of non-naturalization (or the naturalization date) of the ancestor
✓Apostille (or legalization) on all foreign documents
✓Sworn/certified Italian translations of the documents
✓Applicant's ID and proof of the family line

Step-by-step procedure

1. Check whether you still qualify (the 2-generation rule)

Since the Tajani Decree (in force from 28 March 2025), the standard route requires an Italian ancestor within the 2nd degree: a parent or a grandparent born in Italy. Transitional rule: applications filed — or appointments confirmed — by 11:59 PM (Rome time) on 27 March 2025 are assessed under the old, no-generation-limit rules. In 2026 the Constitutional Court upheld the decree.

If you descend from a great-grandparent, the standard route is generally closed today: discuss any remaining or judicial options with a lawyer.

2. Reconstruct your line of descent

The line from you to the Italian ancestor must be unbroken. Key point: the ancestor must not have acquired another citizenship (naturalized) BEFORE the birth of the next descendant in the line, otherwise transmission breaks. Note the “1948 rule”: transmission through the maternal line before 1 January 1948 is not automatic and must be pursued through the courts.

3. Gather and legalize the documents

You need birth, marriage and death records for every generation, plus the ancestor's naturalization (or non-naturalization) certificate. Each foreign document needs an apostille (for countries in the Hague Convention) and a sworn Italian translation. Names and dates must match across records: any discrepancy must be corrected.

Prepare the documents before booking: many consulates reject incomplete files and restart the waiting time from scratch.

4. Choose your route: consulate, Comune or court

If you live abroad, you apply at the Italian Consulate for your area of residence (appointment via the Prenot@Mi system). If you are legally resident in Italy, you apply at the Civil Registry of your Comune. “1948” cases (pre-1948 maternal line) and some complex situations go through the ordinary Court.

The consular route is free as a procedure but charges a fee per applicant, with waiting lists that in some consulates reach years.

5. Submit, pay and wait for recognition

You attach all legalized and translated records to the application. The consulate or Comune verifies the line and, if everything is in order, transcribes the records and recognizes citizenship (which is declaratory: you have held it since birth). Only then can you apply for a passport and register with AIRE.

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Prenot@Mi — prenotazione appuntamento consolare

MAECI — Rete consolare

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Ministero dell'Interno — Cittadinanza / Consolati (MAECI)

Phone

06.4654.1

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.