Italian Citizenship: New Law On Great-Grandparent Descent

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Understanding the Previous Law and its Limitations

Previously, obtaining Italian citizenship by descent presented numerous hurdles. The process was notoriously difficult, characterized by stringent rules and a high rejection rate. Many aspiring citizens found themselves overwhelmed by the complexities.

• Lengthy and complex documentation requirements: Applicants often needed to provide an exhaustive amount of documentation, spanning multiple generations, sometimes including documents that were difficult or impossible to obtain.
• Difficulty in tracing lineage back multiple generations: Tracing family history accurately across multiple generations often proved extremely challenging, requiring professional genealogical research in many cases. This significantly increased the cost and time commitment.
• Strict interpretation of residency requirements for ancestors: Previous laws strictly interpreted residency requirements for ancestors, disqualifying many applicants whose ancestors may have had brief periods outside of Italy.
• High rejection rate due to incomplete or insufficient documentation: The stringent requirements and complex procedures often resulted in a high number of applications being rejected due to minor inconsistencies or missing documents.

Key Changes Introduced by the New Law

The new legislation has introduced significant changes that simplify the process of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent from great-grandparents. These changes aim to make the process more accessible and less burdensome.

• Relaxation of residency requirements for ancestors: The new law has relaxed the residency requirements for ancestors, making it easier for applicants whose ancestors may not have lived in Italy continuously. The specific changes to residency requirements vary depending on the specific legislation and should be verified with the relevant Italian consulate.
• Simplified documentation requirements: While still requiring substantial documentation, the new law has streamlined the process, specifying the acceptable types and reducing the sheer volume required in many cases. For instance, some consulates now accept digital copies of certain documents, reducing the need for certified translations and expensive courier services.
• Clarification of the process and eligibility criteria: The new law provides clearer guidelines and definitions, reducing ambiguity and making it easier for applicants to understand the requirements and the steps involved.
• Potential reduction in processing time: While processing times still vary, the simplified application process has the potential to reduce the overall processing time.

Eligibility Criteria for Italian Citizenship through Great-Grandparents

To be eligible for Italian citizenship through your great-grandparents, you must meet several key requirements:

• Proof of Italian citizenship of the great-grandparent: This typically involves obtaining a certified copy of the great-grandparent's birth certificate or other official documentation proving their Italian citizenship.
• Documentation proving direct lineage: This requires providing birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates for each generation connecting you to your Italian great-grandparent. All documents must be properly translated and certified.
• Possible requirements regarding continuous transmission of citizenship within the family line: While the new law has relaxed some requirements, it's crucial to understand whether continuous transmission of citizenship is needed within the family lineage. This requirement can vary depending on the specific circumstances and interpretation of the law.
• Potential need for sworn statements or affidavits: In some cases, you may be required to provide sworn statements or affidavits to attest to the accuracy of your family lineage, particularly if some documentation is missing.

The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for Italian citizenship by descent from great-grandparents generally involves these steps, though the specifics may vary depending on your location and the specific consulate handling your application:

• Gathering necessary documentation: This is the most time-consuming step, requiring careful research and potentially professional assistance in locating and acquiring all required documents.
• Submitting the application to the relevant Italian Consulate or Embassy: Applications are submitted to the Italian consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
• Potential interviews or additional requests for information: Consulates may request additional documentation or schedule an interview to verify the information provided in the application.
• Waiting period for processing: Processing times vary significantly, depending on the consulate's workload and individual circumstances.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite the improvements, certain challenges persist:

• Locating missing documentation: Finding missing or outdated birth, marriage, or death certificates can be extremely difficult, especially for older generations.
• Dealing with bureaucratic delays: Bureaucratic processes can be slow and unpredictable, causing delays in processing applications.
• Understanding Italian legal terminology: Navigating the legal complexities requires a good understanding of Italian legal terminology.
• Navigating the complexities of Italian bureaucracy: The Italian bureaucratic system can be complex.
• Seeking professional assistance from an immigration lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship: Hiring a qualified lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship can significantly increase your chances of success.

Conclusion

The new law concerning Italian citizenship by descent from great-grandparents represents a significant step towards simplifying the process for many individuals. While challenges remain, the relaxed requirements and clarifications offer a more accessible pathway to Italian citizenship. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documentation, and potentially seeking professional help, applicants can significantly increase their chances of a successful application. Begin your journey towards obtaining your Italian Citizenship by Descent today! Learn more about the specific requirements and initiate your application process through your local Italian Consulate or Embassy.