Italian Citizenship by Descent

Research hub for jure sanguinis — the right to Italian citizenship through your ancestors. Browse by consulate or by ancestor path below.

All 10 US Italian consulates now have dedicated pages with jurisdiction details, contact info, and appointment guidance. Ancestor path pages are being added progressively.

Not sure where to start?

Our free eligibility check takes 2 minutes and tells you if you likely qualify, which route you'll use, and what documents you'll need.

Check your eligibility →

Legal updates · Last updated July 3, 2026

Sezioni Unite “minor rule” decision, expected in June 2026, still pending as of early July

First Section Ordinance 13818/2026 (deposited May 12) affirmed citizenship as a right existing from birth — covering pre-reform cases. The Sezioni Unite written decision on the two-generation cap and 1948 cases is separately expected June 2026. The June 9 Corte Costituzionale hearing on all three pending referrals was held; the decision is reserved.

By Consulate

Your Italian consulate is determined by where you live. Each consulate has different wait times, jurisdiction, and document requirements.

Boston Consulate

Jurisdiction: ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

New York City Consulate

Jurisdiction: NY, NJ (north), CT

Philadelphia Consulate

Jurisdiction: PA, DE, southern NJ, most of MD + VA, NC, WV

Chicago Consulate

Jurisdiction: CO, IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI, WY

Detroit Consulate

Jurisdiction: IN, KY, MI, OH, TN

Miami Consulate

Jurisdiction: AL, FL, GA, MS, SC, PR, VI

Houston Consulate

Jurisdiction: AR, LA, OK, TX

Los Angeles Consulate

Jurisdiction: AZ, NV, NM, CA (south)

San Francisco Consulate

Jurisdiction: AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, CA (north)

Washington, D.C. Consulate

Jurisdiction: DC, MD (partial), VA (partial)

By Ancestor Path

How you're related to your Italian ancestor determines which law applies and whether you need a court case.

Through Your Paternal Great-Grandfather

The most common Italian citizenship path. No 1948 case required.

Through Your Maternal Great-Grandfather

Check if a 1948 case is needed based on when your grandmother was born.

Coming soon

Through Your Mother (Born Before 1948)

Requires a 1948 judicial case — a court proceeding separate from the consular route.

Grandfather Naturalized After Your Parent's Birth

Eligibility hinges on exact naturalization date vs. birth date.

Coming soon

Through Your Father

The most direct Italian citizenship path — your father's Italian birth and citizenship transmitted to you.

Through Your Paternal Grandfather

Two-generation paternal chain. Within Law 74/2025's cap — not restricted for new applicants.

Through Your Paternal Grandmother

Within Law 74/2025's cap. May require a 1948 judicial case if your father was born before January 1, 1948.

Through Your Maternal Grandmother

Within Law 74/2025's cap. May require a 1948 judicial case if your mother was born before January 1, 1948.

Through an Adopted Ancestor

Special rules apply.

Coming soon

Through Your Paternal Great-Great-Grandfather

5 generations back — affected by Law 74/2025 for new applicants.

Coming soon

Judicial Remedies

Some eligibility paths cannot be resolved through the consulate alone and require a court proceeding in Italy.

1948 Case (Judicial Citizenship Claim)

When an Italian female ancestor could not pass citizenship before 1948 due to gender discrimination, a 1948 judicial case filed in Italian civil court may restore your eligibility. Learn the court process, timeline, and what to expect under the current Sezioni Unite landscape.

Tools & Calculators

Italian Citizenship Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of your Italian citizenship application — consulate fee, documents, apostilles, and translations. Free and updated for 2026.

Other Countries We Support

The Next Passport also helps with citizenship by descent for other countries.

Canadian Citizenship by Descent

Irish Citizenship by Descent

German Citizenship by Descent

Polish Citizenship by Descent

Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

Hungarian Citizenship by Descent

The Next Passport is not affiliated with the Italian government, any consulate, or any citizenship attorney. Content is informational only and is not legal advice. Verify all details with the official consulate website before submitting documents.