New Law Simplifies Reacquisition of Citizenship for Former Italian Citizens
Author: Dr. Mark Masi
Key Details
- Law No. 74/2025 allows reacquisition of Italian citizenship for Italians born in Italy who lost citizenship before August 15, 1992 due to naturalization, renunciation, or their parent’s naturalization.
- Applications for reacquisition must be submitted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.
- Applications are submitted at your local Italian Consular Office or local Municipality if residing in Italy.
There is great news for individuals who lost Italian citizenship due to naturalizing in the US before August 15, 1992. Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025 allows former Italian citizens to reacquire Italian citizenship by submitting a declaration and supporting documents to the Italian Consulate. Previously, in addition to supporting documentation, this process required a six month residency in Italy. Under the amended Article 17, paragraph 1, declarations of re-acquisition can be submitted at the Italian Consulate between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.
Who is Eligible to Reacquire Italian Citizenship?
Those who were born in Italy and lost Italian citizenship before August 15, 1992 due to one of the following:
- Voluntarily becoming a citizen of another country while living abroad.
- Involuntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship causing renunciation of Italian citizenship.
- Loss of citizenship as a minor due to the loss of citizenship by a cohabiting parent.
Practical Examples
Marco was born in Italy in 1950 and became a U.S. citizen in 1980. By doing so, he lost his Italian citizenship. Marco would be eligible to apply for reacquisition.
Isabella was born in Italy in 1948 and emigrated to the U.S. with her parents in 1951. When her father naturalized in 1959, she automatically became a U.S. citizen and lost her Italian citizenship. Isabella would also be eligible to apply for reacquisition.
How, Where, and When to Submit Your Application?
Italian Citizenship can be reacquired by submitting a formal declaration during a scheduled appointment at the Italian Consular Office in your country of residence, or your local Municipality if residing in Italy. The declaration with supporting documents must be submitted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027 at either the Italian Consulate Jurisdiction in which you legally reside, or the Italian Municipality if you are residing in Italy.
Required Documentation
The documents required are largely the same but vary slightly depending on how you lost your citizenship.
Required Documents If you were born in Italy and naturalized as an adult:
- Valid ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)
- Italian birth certificate
- Proof of previous possession of Italian citizenship (Historical Certificate of Citizenship)
- Proof of loss of citizenship (e.g. Certificate of Naturalization)
- Receipt of the consular/administrative fee (fee varies depending on location submitted)
Required Documents If you lost citizenship through your parent’s naturalization:
- Valid ID (Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport)
- Birth certificate registered in Italy (some locations, such as London or Brisbane, may require the original)
- Historical certificate of residency in Italy
- Proof of previous possession of Italian citizenship (Historical Certificate of Citizenship)
- Proof of loss of citizenship (e.g. Certificate of Naturalization)
- Italian birth certificate of parent
- Citizenship certificate of Italian parent
- Receipt of the consular/administrative fee (fee varies depending on location submitted)
Best Practices for Preparing Your Reacquisition Application
- Review the requirements published by the Italian Consular office or Municipality.
- Gather the documents in proper format and complete the application form.
- Schedule an appointment with your local Italian Consulate or Municipality.
On the day of your appointment, you will appear in person, pay the fee, and present your documents for review. Your formal declaration to reacquire Italian Citizenship will then be signed and dated.
How ICAP Can Help
Reacquiring Italian citizenship is a unique opportunity to reclaim your heritage and reconnect with Italy. Preparing the correct documents and meeting all requirements can be complex, but you do not need to navigate it alone.
Contact us today for professional guidance on preparing your application and ensuring a smooth process for your reacquisition. Click the link below to schedule a call with our team.