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Laws
Italian Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal bases for Italian citizenship?
Italian citizenship is primarily governed by jure sanguinis (citizenship by descent), naturalisation through residence, and citizenship by marriage, as regulated by the Italian Civil Code and nationality laws.
What is "jure sanguinis" and who qualifies under it?
Jure sanguinis allows descendants of Italian citizens to claim citizenship by descent, provided the Italian ancestor did not renounce citizenship and the applicant can document an unbroken line of descent.
How long must I live in Italy to apply for citizenship by naturalisation?
Typically, applicants need 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Italy. Shorter periods may apply in certain cases, such as for EU citizens, those with Italian ancestry, or refugees.
What Italian laws govern citizenship by marriage?
Citizenship by marriage is available to spouses of Italian citizens after specified durations of marriage and/or residence (e.g., two years of legal residence in Italy, longer if living abroad). Good moral standing and Italian language competence may be required.
What happens if someone renounced Italian citizenship — can it be restored?
In some circumstances, restoration is possible, particularly for those who lost citizenship through administrative acts or marriage under older laws. Proof of prior Italian citizenship and eligibility under current law is required.