Citizenship by descent
Cittadinanza iure sanguinis
Italy recognised citizenship through an unbroken Italian line with no generational limit for decades. A 2025 decree narrowed this sharply, and the route now generally reaches only people with a parent or grandparent born in Italy.
Who it is for. People with a parent or grandparent born in Italy.
Worth knowing. A decree-law in 2025 restricted descent-based citizenship, generally limiting it to applicants with a parent or grandparent born in Italy and adding conditions. The reform was contested and elements may be subject to further change. Anyone relying on this route should take current Italian legal advice rather than on guidance written before 2025.
- Income required
- Not stated
- Savings required
- Not stated
- Investment required
- None
- Application fee
- Not stated
- Processing time
- 365–1460 days
- Permission lasts
- —
- Permanent residence
- Not via this route
- Citizenship
- Immediately
Not renewable
Sources
Worth knowing. A decree-law in 2025 restricted descent-based citizenship, generally limiting it to applicants with a parent or grandparent born in Italy and adding conditions. The reform was contested and elements may be subject to further change. Anyone relying on this route should take current Italian legal advice rather than on guidance written before 2025.
Check this against
- Visto per l’Italia — visa categories and consular requirements (opens in a new tab)Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale · Foreign ministry