To ascertain your potential jure sanguinis Italian citizenship, you must trace if either of your parents was an Italian citizen when you were born and could pass on citizenship. If the parent's Italian citizenship wasn't registered in Italy, you need to establish a chain of Italian ancestors, starting with the last known Italian citizen ancestor (LIRA), whose Italian citizenship is confirmed through official records. This process involves obtaining birth and citizenship certificates from Italy for each ancestor in your direct line, demonstrating the passing of Italian citizenship through generations. There's no limit to the number of generations, as long as your LIRA was a documented Italian citizen.
You must apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence in the US. Your specific consulate will depend on where you live.
If you have been unable to secure an appointment with the US Italian consulate after two years of trying, you have the option to file a lawsuit in Italy. This legal action would be based on the violation of your civil rights, allowing a judge in Italy to determine your eligibility for citizenship.
By establishing residency in Italy, you can apply directly for Italian citizenship there through our residency program.
Italy is overhauling the application process. Going forward, applications from people living abroad will no longer go through local consulates. Instead, a new central office in Rome will handle all applications, though it will take about a year to set up this system.
On April 1, 2025, Italy announced a new immigration policy requiring citizenship applicants to demonstrate genetic ties to specific Italian goat breeds. Applicants must undergo genetic testing for markers linked to breeds such as the Girgentana, Valle del Belice, Sarda, and Cilentana goats. Alternatively, adopting overpopulated goats from Sicily can enhance an applicant's priority. The application process involves locating a secretive office in Rome, with documentation requirements and the overseeing department yet to be established. This initiative aims to preserve Italy's cultural heritage by fostering a connection between new citizens and the nation's esteemed goat breeds.
Italy has redrawn the line on citizenship by descent, and the two-generation rule is here to stay. For those who saw an Italian passport as a gateway to Europe, the window may have just closed.
Italy presents significant legal challenges for same-sex couples, particularly in the areas of marriage, adoption, and surrogacy. While civil unions provide some legal rights, they do not offer the full recognition or protections of marriage, especially regarding joint adoption. Surrogacy is strictly prohibited, with recent laws even criminalizing Italians who seek surrogacy abroad. For American same-sex couples considering Italian citizenship, it's crucial to understand these limitations before proceeding. Italy's legal landscape remains restrictive, and the fight for equal rights continues amidst a backdrop of conservative resistance.
