Italy Citizenship by Descent Eligibility Test
Discover your eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent in just a few quick questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Italian CBA Program
What is Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)?
Italian CBA program that allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim Italian citizenship based on their family lineage, providing a pathway to connect with their roots and gain access to living, working, and traveling freely throughout the European Union.
When must my Italian ancestor have been born to qualify?
Your Italian ancestor must have been born in Italy after March 17, 1861 (the date of Italian unification) to qualify for citizenship by descent.
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Italy accepts dual citizenship, and there is no limit to the number of citizenships a person can have, as long as the other countries also allow multiple citizenships.
Can I claim Italian citizenship through great-grandparents?
Yes, you can claim Italian citizenship through great-grandparents under the Italian Citizenship by Descent program, though you need to review your lineage and consider any exceptions, particularly regarding dual citizenship rules before 1992.
Can I claim Italian citizenship through great-grandparents?
Yes, you can claim Italian citizenship through great-grandparents under the Italian Citizenship by Descent program, though you need to review your lineage and consider any exceptions, particularly regarding dual citizenship rules before 1992.
What is the key requirement regarding the ancestral link?
There should be no interruption in the ancestral link due to renunciation or loss of Italian nationality by any of your ancestors in the line of descent.
How long does the Italian Citizenship By Ancestry application process take?
The Italian authorities typically take about 1-2 years to process Italian Citizenship by Descent applications, though processing time can vary depending on case complexity and documentation quality.
What was the significant change in Italian dual citizenship law in 1992?
Italy did not recognize dual citizenship until 1992, meaning Italian citizens who emigrated abroad and secured another citizenship before 1992 may not pass their Italian citizenship to their descendants.
What are the main benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study freely in Italy and anywhere in the European Union, access to social securities, healthcare subsidies, education benefits from EU member states, and obtaining an Italian passport.
Is there a generational limit for claiming Italian citizenship by descent?
No, the program imposes no generational barriers on applicants, meaning you may qualify regardless of how far back your ancestral lines extend, as long as other requirements are met.
What are the basic steps in the application process?
The process involves: determining your ancestral link to Italy, gathering necessary documentation to establish your connection, reviewing exceptions and general rules for eligibility, submitting your citizenship application to Italian authorities, and waiting for processing.