Can I get Italian citizenship by descent if my Italian ancestor was naturalized?

Yes, you can still qualify for Italian citizenship by descent even if your Italian ancestor was naturalized in another country, as long as the naturalization occurred after the birth of the next descendant in the lineage.

Italian citizenship by descent operates under jure sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship can be passed down through generations as long as an unbroken line of Italian citizenship is maintained. Below are the conditions and considerations regarding an ancestor's naturalization and its impact on eligibility.

  1. Timing of Naturalization:

    • Naturalization After Birth of Descendant: To remain eligible, the Italian ancestor must have retained their Italian citizenship until the birth of their child in the direct lineage. If the ancestor became naturalized in another country after the child’s birth, this typically preserves the line of citizenship.
    • Unbroken Citizenship Line: An unbroken line of descent from an Italian citizen who did not renounce citizenship before the birth of their child is essential for eligibility.
  2. Required Documentation for Proof:

    • Naturalization Records: Applicants will need to obtain documentation that verifies the date of the ancestor's naturalization. This may include naturalization certificates or official records from the new country of citizenship.
    • Birth and Marriage Certificates: Vital records for each ancestor in the lineage are also required to confirm the familial connection and timing of events.
  3. Verification of Citizenship Status:

    • Proof of Non-Renunciation: In addition to naturalization records, applicants may need to provide other evidence, such as census records or affidavits, to confirm that the ancestor retained Italian citizenship until the relevant birth.
    • Apostille and Translation Requirements: All foreign documents, including naturalization records, must be apostilled and translated into Italian by a certified translator to be accepted in the application.
  4. Legal Support for Complex Cases:

    • Judicial Petition Option: For cases where eligibility is complicated by the timing of naturalization or other issues, applicants may consider a judicial petition in Italian court, often requiring legal assistance to clarify the citizenship status.

Conclusion:

You may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent even if an Italian ancestor was naturalized, as long as this occurred after the birth of their child. With appropriate documentation to verify timing and lineage, descendants can often maintain eligibility for Italian citizenship despite an ancestor’s naturalization.