This workshop offers a practical, detailed guide to obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). It’s perfect for anyone exploring eligibility, gathering documents, or navigating consulate procedures—whether you’re just starting or already well into the process.
We begin with personal stories of successful applicants, including timelines, costs, and lessons learned. You’ll see a real-world example of a dual citizenship journey, from initial research to holding an Italian passport, with clear benchmarks along the way.
From there, we cover the essential eligibility rules—how citizenship is passed down, what “L.I.B.R.A.” means, and why your ancestor’s naturalization date matters. We explain how to track down Italian and U.S. records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as naturalization documents or Certificates of Non-Existence. You’ll learn how to work with archives, online resources like Antenati, and local offices to get what you need.
We’ll go over apostilles, translations, and the San Francisco Consulate’s specific requirements, along with practical tips for booking appointments through Prenotami. You’ll also get strategies for handling tricky situations, like name discrepancies or the need for a “1948 case” when citizenship passes through a female ancestor before 1948.
Recent legal developments are a major focus. We’ll explain the October 2024 Circolare (n. 43347) affecting cases where an ancestor naturalized while their child was a minor, and the March/May 2025 law introducing a two-generation limit on citizenship by descent. We’ll discuss what these changes mean for applicants and how pending cases are treated under older rules.
Throughout, we emphasize that Italian citizenship law is evolving. While we strive to share the most accurate and current information, rules can change unexpectedly and may later be challenged in court.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a clear understanding of eligibility pathways, required documents, consular processes, recent law changes, and realistic timelines and costs—plus the confidence to plan your own journey toward dual citizenship.