Renounced or relinquished Italian citizenship

According to Italian law, Italian citizens who naturalized as a citizen of a foreign country before August 15, 1992 renounced their Italian citizenship whether they were aware of it or not. Therefore, if your Italian born parent, grandparent, great grand parent or great great grand parent naturalized as a citizen of another country between June 14, 1912 and August 15, 1992 voluntarily would have renounced their Italian citizenship and would be ineligible to pass it on to their future generations by the law of jure sanguinis. Those Italian citizens that naturalized as a citizen of another country on August 16, 1992 and later did NOT renounce their Italian citizenship when they acquired citizenship of the next country unless they formally renounce it according to international agreements.

Naturalization can be somewhat complex as you can naturalize voluntarily or involuntarily, and those that naturalized involuntarily may still allow you to qualify for Italian dual citizenship. Often times it requires a professional to review your ancestors paperwork to determine if you qualify for Italian citizenship.

Did my Ancestor Renounce Their Italian Citizenship?

The answer to this question will depend entirely on the date your ancestor became a citizen of another country and what the Italian laws were in effect at the time they naturalized. Also, you will need to identify how they naturalized. The answer to these will determine if you are still eligible to apply for Italian citizenship through your ancestor.

On August 15, 1992 the Italian government past a law allowing dual citizenship. It is this which allows those of Italian descent to claim Italian citizenship through the law of jure sanguinis (by blood). This legislation change caused many Italian Americans to want to claim Italian citizenship through their birthright. Along with the legislation came complex eligibility requirements that you must fall within in order to qualify for dual citizenship.

It is through the same law established in 1992 that allowed Italians who were previously required to renounce their Italian citizenship when they naturalized as a citizen of another country the ability to require it through a residency program which requires them to relocate to Italy for a certain time frame which is typically 1-3 years.

If your Italian born parent, grandparent, great grand parent or great great grand parent naturalized as a citizen of another country other than the USA, you will need to check with that country and their laws regarding dual citizenship. Each countries laws are unique.

Reclaiming Renounced Italian citizenship

If you were born an Italian citizen and renounced your Italian citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country, Italian citizenship can be reacquired by declaring your intent at your Italian consulate and establishing residency in Italy for a period of time, likely between 1-3 years. Click here to read more about reclaiming Italian citizenship.

If you have any questions qualifying for Italian citizenship or the process, please contact IDC to schedule a free phone consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions:


Am I eligible for Italian citizenship if my mother or grandmother renounced her Italian citizenship?

It depends on how and when she naturalized. It was not as common for women to naturalize voluntarily as it was for men. If she naturalized involuntarily you may still qualify for Italian citizenship.

How do I find out if my grandfather renounced his Italian citizenship?

You would need to identify on what date and how he naturalized as a citizen of another country and determine if it falls within the Italian legal parameters.

Can you obtain an Italian citizenship if you have previously renounced it?

Yes, but it requires relocating to Italy for a period of time to reestablish residency and the ability to reapply for Italian citizenship.