From Your Ancestors’ Journey to Your Italian Passport

Despite recent decree news, many with Italian ancestry remain eligible for citizenship.
Secure your Italian passport with expert guidance from GlobalCitizens.

Concertned About the 2025 Italian Citizenship Decree?

Check These Key Points

New legislation is often misinterpreted. Here's what you need to know about your path to citizenship.

1

Was your ancestor born in Italy?

If yes, you have the foundation for a claim. This includes great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, or even further back.

2

Did they naturalize as a US citizen BEFORE your next relative in line was born?

This is critical: If your Italian ancestor naturalized in 1920, but their child (your next relative) was born in 1915, you qualify. If they had the child in 1925, the chain is broken.

Don't know? We can help you find naturalization records.

3

Can you obtain the required documentation?

You'll need vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) for each generation connecting you to your Italian ancestor.

Missing records? Italian and US archives can usually provide these, even from the 1800s.

The Italian Citizenship You Inherited

(Why Your Italian Ancestors' Citizenship Might Still Belongs to You)

Italian citizenship passes through bloodline—meaning if your ancestor was Italian, you could be too. Here's how jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent) works and why you likely qualify.

THE CORE PRINCIPLE

Italian citizenship follows blood, not birthplace. If you have an Italian-born ancestor, their citizenship can pass directly to you—even if generations have passed and your family has lived in the US for over 100 years.

Why? When your ancestor naturalized as a US citizen, they cut the chain of Italian citizenship transmission. But only going forward—not backward.

A family tree diagram titled Italian Citizenship by Descent showing paternal ancestors from great-great-grandfather to father, with options to select anchor ancestors.
Step-by-step diagram showing confirmed Italian citizenship by descent from a great-grandfather born in Italy in 1896 to inheriting citizenship at birth in 1980 in the USA.

THE GOLDEN RULE: TIMING OF NATURALIZATION

Here's what matters most: Your Italian-born ancestor must not have become a US citizen before their child (your next ancestor in line) was born.

Key Requirements

Naturalization Timing

Your Italian ancestor must have naturalized AFTER their US-born child (your next relative in line) was born—not before.

This is the #1 reason people don't qualify. Check naturalization dates carefully.

Complete Documentation

You must have (or be able to obtain) vital records proving your lineage:

  • ✅ Birth certificates for each generation

  • ✅ Marriage certificates

  • ✅ Death certificates

  • ✅ Your ancestor's naturalization records (or proof they never naturalized)

This is the #1 reason people don't qualify. Check naturalization dates carefully.

No Breaks in the Chain

Citizenship must have passed continuously through each generation.

Common breaks include:

  • ❌ Naturalization before the next generation's birth (see #1)

  • ❌ Mothers who gave birth before 1948 (different rules apply)*

  • ❌ Adoption or legitimacy issues in some cases

*Women could only pass citizenship after January 1, 1948 under standard rules. Before 1948 cases require 1948 path judicial route.

Example Scenarios

You qualify: Your great-grandfather was born in Italy in 1890, had your grandfather (born in the US) in 1920, then naturalized in 1925. The chain stayed intact because his US-born son was already alive when he naturalized.

Chain is broken: Your great-grandfather naturalized in 1915, then had your grandfather in 1920. The chain broke because his son was born after he gave up Italian citizenship.

Not sure if you qualify?

Our specialists will trace your family line, find your naturalization records, and give you a definitive answer.

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Ján Mihalek

Tampa, Florida

Thanks to GlobalPassport, I’m now officially a Slovak citizen. I had explored other companies for citizenship by descent, but I'm really happy that I decided to go with GlobalPassport. It was a great decision. Rogelio and Kaila were great to work with and made everything easier along the way. They were professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in my success throughout the process. I’d absolutely recommend them to anyone exploring dual citizenship and I already have other family members that are interested as well.

From Application to Passport in 5 Steps

We've streamlined the complex Italian bureaucracy into a clear, predictable journey

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Eligibility Check

We verify your lineage and identify the fastest pathway

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Document Collection

We locate and obtain vital records from Italy and the US

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Apostilles & Translations

We handle all certifications and Italian translations

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We prepare and submit your complete application

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Citizenship Granted

You receive recognition and can apply for your passport

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Two Ways to Unlock Your Heritage With Us

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  • Program-specific document checklist for your citizenship route
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Everything in Heritage Passport, plus:

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  • Next, create a new file named `project.js` and add this code. Application preparation & submission to consulate/embassy
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Everything You Need to Know

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about Italian citizenship by descent

How long does the process actually take?

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What if I can't find my ancestor's documents?

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Do I need to speak Italian?

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What's changing in 2025?

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Will I need to renounce my US citizenship?

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What's your success rate?

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Unlock Europe & Your Heritage:
The Power of Dual Citizenship

An Italian passport opens doors for you and future generations of your family

EU Freedom of Movement

Live, work, and study in all 27 EU nations without visas or permits, opening doors to unparalleled opportunities.

Global Travel Advantages

Enjoy visa-free or visa-on- arrival access to over 170 countries worldwide with an Italian passport.

Expanded Career Opportunities

Access the entire EU job market and international | companies that prioritize EU citizens.

Educational Benefits

Study at prestigiousEuropean universities with drastically reduced tuition fees for EU citizens.

Reconnect With Your Heritage

Establish a legal connection to your ancestral homeland and embrace your Italian cultural identity.

Healthcare Access

Benefit from Italy's high-quality universal healthcare system when residing in Italy.

Family Benefits

Pass Italian citizenship to your children and future generations, securing their European opportunities.

Retirement Options

Gain the freedom to retire in Italy or any EU country with full legal resident status.

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