General principles
The rules and requirements governing Italian citizenship are currently regulated by Law n.91 of February 5, 1992 (and the related regulations contained in Presidential Decrees n.572 of October 12, 1993, and n. 362 of April 18, 1994) which differ from the previous law in that they reconsider individual choice in the acquisition and loss of citizenship and recognize the right of the individual to hold more than one citizenship.
Citizenship legislation applies to:
- Italian citizens by birth who lost their citizenship and wish to reacquire it;
- Descendants of Italian citizens who wish to have their Italian citizenship recognized;
- Foreign nationals who wish to acquire Italian citizenship.
Citizenship applications are accepted by different offices and authorities according to an individual’s place of residence. For persons residing outside Italy those are the diplomatic and consular authorities and offices with territorial jurisdiction for the applicant’s place of residence.
To find the appropriate Consulate for your place of residence, click here: Servizi Consolari Online (esteri.it)
The rules and regulations governing citizenship are complex. Please read the information available on this site carefully prior to applying.
YOU CAN BE AN ITALIAN CITIZEN (click on the appropriate section):
- BY ANCESTRY (descendant of an Italian citizen)
- BY MARRIAGE TO OR CIVIL UNION WITH AN ITALIAN CITIZEN
- THROUGH REACQUISITION
For special cases email consolare.ottawa@esteri.it
