Italian citizenship: Unlocking global mobility and a gateway to Europe through ancestry

Unlike countries that grant citizenship based on birthplace (jus soli – right of soil), Italy follows the principle of bloodline descent. This means that individuals born outside of Italy can claim citizenship if they can trace their lineage back to an Italian ancestor. The process is theoretically administrative and should be handled by the Italian consulates. However, due to the overwhelming number of applications, consular wait times can extend for years, leading many to explore alternative routes.

A more efficient and streamlined approach is available through the Italian judicial system. Courts in Italy have established a well-defined process allowing eligible applicants to obtain recognition of their citizenship through a document-based petition, rather than waiting indefinitely for consular processing. This approach is particularly relevant for individuals from the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Australia, where demand for EU passports is rapidly increasing.

The key requirements for a citizenship petition include:

Proof of Italian ancestry, with birth records from an Italian municipality.

A non-naturalisation certificate, confirming that the ancestor did not renounce their Italian citizenship before passing it on.

Once these documents are gathered, an Italian lawyer can file the petition with the court in the ancestor’s place of origin in Italy. The process is straightforward and expedited, typically requiring just one hearing before a final judgment is issued. The court then orders the Italian Ministry of the Interior to register the applicant as an Italian citizen, unlocking their access to EU residency, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

The current unprecedented wave of citizenship applications is driven by a combination of historical migration patterns and the increasing benefits of European citizenship. With consistently favourable rulings, Italy continues to recognise the right of individuals to reclaim their heritage and expand their global mobility.

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Maria Lucrecia heads the Italian Citizenship and Immigration department at Kairós. She and her team handle increasingly numerous requests for the acquisition of Italian citizenship and residence permits, both for private individuals and for employees of foreign companies who want to carry out activities in Europe, particularly in Italy.

Silvia is a lawyer in Kairós’ Immigration and the Italian Citizenship department, specialised in civil litigation, accompanying clients from the pre-trial to the judicial phase. At Kairós she ensures legal advice on assistance and defence in mediation, assisted negotiation and arbitration.