Italy - Passport & Nationality - Italian Citizenship by Descent
Citizens of other countries descended from an ancestor (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.) born in Italy may have a claim to Italian citizenship by descent. Italian citizenship is granted by birth through the paternal line, with no limit on the number of generations, or through the maternal line for individuals born after 1 January 1948.
You have the right to obtain Italian citizenship by descent in the following circumstances:
1) By filiation (birth to an Italian parent). This is consistent with the principle of "jus sanguinis".
2) If a parent or one of your direct ancestors at a second degree (grandparents) have been Italian citizens by right of birth and you:
- serve in the Italian Army and preventively declare you want to acquire Italian citizenship;
- work in the Civil Service for the Italian State and declare you want to acquire Italian citizenship;
- at the coming of age (age 18) have already legally resided in Italy for at least two years and declare before turn 19 you want to acquire Italian citizenship;
- If you are a minor (under age 18) cohabiting with your foreign parent who acquires the Italian citizenship.