Italy recognizes citizenship through bloodline descent (jus sanguinis), not only by birthplace. Therefore, if you have a parent or grandparent who was born in Italy, you may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent. However, following the 2025 Reform (Law 74/2025), the process has become more complex and restricted. Fortunately, our experienced team at With_Papers is here to help you every step of the way.

We are licensed New York and Rome attorneys with over 30 years of experience practicing international business law, Italian citizenship law, and residency law. Our full-service consultancy is dedicated to assisting Americans on their journey to obtain Italian citizenship. We provide a stress-free experience with bespoke services, transparent communication, and personal attention – so that your dreams can become reality.

What are the qualifications for Italian Dual Citizenship by Descent?

To qualify for Italian dual citizenship by descent under the current law, you must meet specific requirements that show an unbroken bloodline and compliance with the 2025 restrictions:

• Parent or grandparent born in Italy.Citizenship is now generally recognized only through first or second-generation ancestors.
• Exclusive Italian citizenship.At least one parent or grandparent must have held only Italian citizenship at the time of your birth.
• Residence requirement.Alternatively, an Italian parent must have legally resided in Italy for two consecutive years before your birth or adoption.
• Historical criteria.The Italian ancestor must have been alive on or after March 17, 1861, the date of Italian unification.
• No renunciation.No one in the direct bloodline should have renounced Italian citizenship before the next descendant was born.

Grandfathering rule

If your application or court case was filed before March 27, 2025, 11:59 PM (Rome time), your claim may still be recognized under the old law, which permitted applications through great-grandparents and beyond. Recognitions already granted remain valid.

Documents You Need for Italian Citizenship by Descent

In addition to meeting the requirements, you must present documents that prove your bloodline. Often, the more distant the relative, the more challenging it can be to acquire everything you need. Our skilled team is here to help you understand what documents you need, which may include the following, depending on your circumstances:

• Birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates for your Italian ancestors (parents, grandparents, and in some cases great-grandparents).
• Naturalization records or proof ofnon-naturalization for your Italian ancestor.
• Your own birth, marriage, and (if applicable) divorce certificates.
• Two forms of photo identification and proof of address.

Because all documents must be properly apostilled and translated into Italian, gathering them can be challenging. The With_Papers team can  help you determine what information you need to get through this process efficiently and keep all your documents and paperwork organized.

How Can With_Papers Help You Obtain Italian Citizenship by Descent?

While you can attempt to apply for Italian citizenship on your own, the 2025 legal changes make the process more technical and challenging. At With_Papers, we take care of the details for you, work with you closely to clearly explain the process and take the stress off your plate. Our dedicated team handles every aspect of your journey to Italian citizenship, including the following:

• Listening to your story and understanding your goals, needs, and expectations.
• Working closely with talented professionals, including Italian and US genealogy experts, translators, tax advisors, and lawyers for Italian court proceedings.
• Offering customized and effective legal counsel.
• Overcoming language and procedural barriers.
• Interpreting complex rules and laws.
• Helping you understand the application process step by step.
• Preparing and submitting your citizenship dossier efficiently.
• Representing you in Italian court where necessary.

Our seasoned team makes the process easier by assisting you from start to finish. We are always available to answer your questions, address concerns, and identify the best legal path forward to help you achieve your goals.

Schedule a Consultation with With_Papers

Determining if you have a right to Italian dual citizenship by descent is not always easy, especially after the 2025 reform, so you may need help from the skilled team at With_Papers. We are a complete-service consultancy dedicated to helping you achieve your dream of dual Italian citizenship. With our personalized approach, we create a plan based on your unique needs and circumstances, so you can efficiently and successfully obtain Italian citizenship by descent. 

Whether you have the right to Italian citizenship from your parent or grandparent, our hardworking team does everything possible to secure a successful result with minimal stress. Our founder has held dual citizenship for over 25 years, so you can rest assured you are in the right hands when working with us. Our Italian dual citizenship lawyers understand how to make your experience straightforward and streamlined. To learn more about our services and Italian dual citizenship by descent, call us at 917-310-2246 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.