This is what the law says: there are 5 simple keys to obtaining Italian citizenship

To obtain Italian citizenship, you generally need to prove that you have an Italian ancestor . This ancestor could be a grandparent, great-grandparent, or even further back in the family line. But then you have to gather a series of documents and complete the necessary paperwork at a local consulate. What are 5 simple steps to obtaining it, according to the law?

The regulations for accessing citizenship are explicit in Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992, whose Article 1 establishes the basic principle: " An Italian citizen by birth is the child of a father or mother, both of whom are Italian citizens, regardless of the place of birth."

And on the other hand, in Decree-Law no. 36 of 28 March 2025, converted into Law no. 74 of 23 May 2025 : in this case a new article 3-bis was introduced into Law 91/1992, which sets time limits (before 27 March 2025), and requires that there are effective ties with Italy (ancestor born in Italy or previous residence).

The five keys to keep in mind are:

1. Prove direct lineage. You must prove with official documents (birth, marriage, and death certificates) that you are descended from an Italian citizen (great-great-grandparent, great-grandparent, grandparent, etc.), with no interruptions in the transmission of citizenship. The number of generations doesn't matter, as long as the link has not been lost.

2. The ancestor must not have been naturalized before the birth of the descendant. If the Italian ancestor became a naturalized citizen of another country, it must be proven that he or she did so after the birth of his or her son or daughter, otherwise the transmission of citizenship is interrupted.

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3. Not having renounced Italian citizenship No member of the ascending line may have voluntarily renounced Italian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant.

4. Complete, legalized and translated official documentation . The following is required:

- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation.- Non-naturalization certificates (e.g., issued by Immigration or the Foreign Ministry).- Official translation into Italian.- Hague Apostille on each foreign document.- Correction of errors in names or dates, if any.

5. Presentation at the Italian consulate or comune in Italy The procedure must be initiated:

- At the Italian consulate corresponding to your place of residence (if you are outside of Italy), or - In a municipality in Italy, if you choose to do so while living there. Each consulate has specific appointment times, deadlines, and criteria. Some require legal residence in their jurisdiction.

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Do you have to speak Italian to obtain Italian citizenship?

The law is clear on this point: it is not mandatory to speak Italian if you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis).

— Cases in which speaking Italian is not mandatory: In these cases, the important thing is to prove the family ties, not the language. 1. When you claim citizenship through direct descent (for example, if you are the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Italian citizen).

2. Whether you do it at an Italian consulate abroad or directly at a comune in Italy.

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— Cases in which it is mandatory to speak Italian: 1. If you are applying for citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen: a B1 level Italian language certificate is required (according to the Common European Framework).

2. If you want to become a naturalized citizen through long-term residence in Italy (10 years of legal residence, for example), level B1 is also required.