General principles
Italian citizenship is currently regulated by Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992 which, unlike the previous law, revaluates the importance of individual will and intention in the acquisition and loss of citizenship and recognizes the right to hold more than one citizenship at the same time.
Citizenship legislation is aimed at:
- those who, born Italian, have lost their citizenship and wish to regain it;
- descendants of Italian citizens who want to have their citizenship recognized;
- foreigners who intend to acquire it.
The Authority responsible for verifying the authenticity and eligibility of applications is determined based on place of residence. For residents abroad this authority is the diplomatic-consular Office responsible for the applicant’s territory.
Residents in the City of Ottawa, the Counties of Carleton, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, and Stormont in Ontario and the Outaouais Region of Québec must apply at the Consular Office of the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa. You may make an appointment via the online platform Prenot@mi.
To locate the competent Consular Office visit our Homepage (Consular Network map) or click here FIND YOUR CONSULATE Online Consular Services (esteri.it).
Given the complexity of the subject, it is highly recommended that you read carefully the information on the website.
For special cases or for questions whose answers are not already available on the website, please write to consolare.ottawa@esteri.it.