Also known as Ius Sanguinis, the Italian citizenship by birth can be acquired by foreigners if they fall within specific cases of birth or adoption.
If you want to know how to get Italian citizenship by birth, below you will find a brief introduction on the requirements to apply for Jure Sanguinis in Italy, as well as documents for the application and time needed.
If you are looking for a broader introduction, have a look at our guide on the Italian Citizenship and learn more about other types you might be eligible for.
Following Decree-Law No. 36/2025, converted into Law No. 74/2025 and in force as amended from 24 May 2025, the automatic transmission of Italian citizenship by descent to individuals born abroad who hold another citizenship is subject to the restrictions and exceptions established by Article 3-bis of Law No. 91/1992.
For more information on these requirements, consult our article on Italian citizenship by descent.
What are the requirements for Italian Citizenship by Birth?
If you were born in Italy from foreign parents and you want to know if babies born in Italy are automatically citizens, make sure you fall within the following cases:
- child of an Italian citizen, subject to Article 3-bis exceptions where born abroad with another citizenship;
- Those born in the territory of the Italian Republic if both parents are unknown or stateless, or if the child does not follow the citizenship of the parents according to the law of the state to which these belong;
- Foreign minor adopted by an Italian citizen. If the adoption is revoked due to the adoptee, the latter loses the Italian citizenship, provided the minor is in possession of another citizenship or reacquires it. In other cases of revocation, the adopted keeps the Italian citizenship;
- The child of unknown persons found is considered a citizen by birth in the territory of the Republic, unless the possession of other citizenship.
Children born in Italy to foreign parents
Being born in Italy to foreign parents does not automatically grant Italian citizenship, except in the limited circumstances described above.
However, under Article 4, paragraph 2, of Law No. 91/1992, foreign nationals born in Italy who have legally resided in the country without interruption until reaching the age of 18 may acquire Italian citizenship by declaring their intention to do so within one year of reaching adulthood.
This is a separate route to citizenship by benefit of law and should not be confused with citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis).
Documents needed and timing to apply
To apply for the Italian citizenship by Jure Sanguinis, the documents generally requested are:
- Valid passport;
- Residence permit;
- Self-declaration for Italian citizenship for being born on the Italian territory.
Applying for Jure Sanguinis in Italy
If you are looking to apply for the Italian citizenship by descent, you shall do so at the civil registrar of the Italian municipality (comune) where you intend to reside or establish the Italian residence. In case of residence abroad, the application must take place at the relevant Italian diplomatic or consular authority.
If you were born in Italy and you are wondering if you can get dual citizenship, take a look at our article on Italian Dual Citizenship.