Italian Citizenship by Descent: Steps for Jure Sanguinis and 1948 Cases

Italian Citizenship by Descent Jure Sanguinis: An Overview

Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent through Jure Sanguinis generally follows an administrative route by custom, as there is no specific law defining the exact procedure. This method allows individuals with Italian ancestry to reclaim citizenship through their bloodline, following specific eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Jure Sanguinis

To proceed with the Jure Sanguinis process, you’ll need to gather all necessary documents from the paternal line, as this is typically required to establish citizenship rights. Documenting your ancestry accurately is essential for a successful application, as incomplete records may lead to delays or rejections.

How to Apply: Consulate or Italian Court

This process can be completed in one of two ways:

  1. Applying in Person in Italy: This option often requires a shorter wait but involves residing in Italy for the application period.
  2. Applying Through the Italian Consulate: Although more convenient for those living abroad, consulate appointments may involve long wait times.

Special Circumstances: The 1948 Cases

If your Italian lineage includes a female ancestor who held citizenship before 1948, the case may be classified as a “1948 Case.” Due to specific regulations, these applications cannot be processed through the consulate and must go through the Italian courts. This path is mandatory for those qualifying under the 1948 rule, as it ensures the proper legal handling of maternal lineage cases.

Summary of Application Options

To summarize, Italian citizenship by descent through Jure Sanguinis offers a path to reclaim Italian citizenship, but applicants must choose between applying at a consulate or in Italy, depending on their circumstances and eligibility. For those with maternal ancestors before 1948, the court path is required to finalize the application.

Applying for Dual Citizenship in Italy

This method can be faster, but it has specific requirements: the applicant must reside in Italy without a work permit, and the decision will be made by the official at the local Public Office where the application was submitted

How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent: Consulate Appointment and Alternative Options

Schedule an appointment and join the queue at the Italian consulate to apply for citizenship by descent.

Be prepared for potential long waits and scheduling challenges, as Italian consulates are often overwhelmed with applications.

We’re here to help you find the most beneficial solution. If the consulate process proves too difficult, we can support you in challenging the application and proceeding through the courts in Italy. This alternative allows you to obtain Italian citizenship without needing to leave your family, job, or home.”

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Navigating Consulate Challenges and the 1948 Cases

“If you’re unable to apply through the Italian Consulate, you have the right to pursue citizenship through the Italian courts.

Consulate-related challenges are common, including long waiting times for appointments or even the inability to schedule one.

For those with maternal descent, the path can be simpler, though cases involving maternal ancestors prior to 1948 are considered special under Jure Sanguinis.

If you qualify under these specific ‘1948 Cases’—which typically apply if a woman is present in your Italian lineage—you must apply directly through an Italian court, as consulates are unable to process these cases.”

Applying for Italian Citizenship by Descent: Jure Sanguinis Consulate and Court Options

Applying for Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis typically involves submitting an application at your local Italian consulate.

However, some situations may require taking your case to an Italian court. One common scenario is if you have a maternal Italian ancestor who acquired citizenship before 1948, as consulates cannot process these ‘1948 Cases’ involving female lineage.

Another reason to pursue the court route is if consulate wait times exceed legal limits or if scheduling an appointment proves impossible.

Here’s an overview of scenarios where Jure Sanguinis applications may need to go through the Italian court system.

1. Delays or the inability to secure an appointment with the consulate.

The local Italian consulate may take a long time or may not be able to make an appointment with you.

Sometimes you can wait two years before the consulate honors your case.

Useful tips for making an appointment for Italian citizenship at the consulate:There is one aspect to take into consideration. We suggest that you try to schedule the interview as soon as you have already started the process, and not when the documents are ready. After all, it is always better to book in advance.

Make the appointment as soon as you start gathering all the essential documents you will need.

To schedule an appointment for Italian citizenship, go to the Italian Consulate website and register at Prenot@mi.

Follow the instructions on the website and check if you can see the available appointments.

You will find some colors in the appointment calendar. Being respectively:

Green – All slots are available for that day.

Yellow – There are some slots available for the day.

Red – All slots for the day are already booked.

Black – There are no bookings allowed for the day.

However, keep in mind that the Italian Consulate does not accept daily bookings.

Usually, they allow applicants to apply on certain days.

What does this mean?

Making an appointment at the Italian Consulate is like winning the lottery, the chances are very low.

Is the Prenot@mi system the only way to book an appointment?

Yes, and the Italian Consulates specify this on their websites.

The only way to make an appointment with them is through Prenot@mi.

2. If your Italian ancestor is a woman

If your Italian ancestor is a woman, you should take the case to an Italian court. 

Do you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent?

Write to us and we will help you to check it out.

Please remember that all information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.