Italy is a distinct nation, one notable in certain matters. Firstly, Italian dishes are in a class of their own, wielding global recognition, admiration, and status. Regarding fashion, this gifted European state has carved a niche for itself. Its brands of suits, clothes, leather accessories, and even furniture are simply out of this world. Its migrants to the United States and elsewhere do stand out from any crowd. Hence, Italian citizenship by descent offers a valuable opportunity for those with ancestral ties to connect with their heritage.
What else could it be if this uniqueness isn’t due to a vibrant cultural heritage and a staunch pride in it? Even in the world of soccer, it invented a special style of play. “Italian defence,” a famous cliche, is one of the components of that awesome pattern. Many people worldwide would have adorable comments about this extraordinary country and people.
Italy is located close to the Mediterranean Sea, in the southern region of Europe. It shares borders with four countries to the north. They include France, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. It completely encloses two microstates, namely Vatican City and San Marino. Its largest city is Rome, which also serves as the capital. Other big cities include Milan, Naples, and Turin.
A combination of coastal lowlands, plains and rugged terrains are the dominant physical features in the country. These descriptions are enough to trigger homesickness in the hearts of prospective Italian citizens who have never been home. Even those familiar with these facts will still bask in this euphoria.
Jure Sanguinis And Italian Citizenship By Descent
The meaning of Jure Sanguinis in Latin is translated in English as “right of Blood.” Both refer to an Italian connected to their homeland “by descent.” This matter is of primary concern to the government and policies of Italy. It treats every distant Italian as loving parents would welcome their long-lost child back home.
Those whose ancestors are of Italian origin are allowed to claim citizenship and are blessed with all the expected rights and privileges.
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Who Is Eligible For Jure Sanguinis(Italian Citizenship By Descent)?
While having an Italian ancestor is a plus, it is insufficient. You still have to prove it. Parents unsure about a long-lost child claiming to be theirs would need to verify that before opening their welcoming arms, right? With thousands and millions of people doing this to Italy, an efficient system of scrutiny isn’t out of place.
The nation of Italy was founded on March 17, 1861. This country never existed before then. Hence, the oldest progenitor in any lineage must have still been alive on or after this date. Everything about the Italian jure sanguinis and ancestors must begin from this date and never before.
Here is another twist to this. Applicants must have at least one most recent ascendant born in Italy and never naturalized as a citizen of another nation before giving birth to a child who should be next in the bloodline. We can notice how this people stick to tradition so tenaciously.
At least 12 nations operate this jure sanguinis policy; Italy, France, Uk, Ireland, Turkey, Hungary, South Africa, Israel, the Philippines, India, Australia, and Argentina follow it. There’s a difference between jus sanguinis and jus soli. The latter is granting citizenship to any child born within the country(on home soil). Some countries don’t believe in it, while others operate both.
What Are The Conditions For Jure Sanguinis?
Let us quickly have a rundown of what is expected of every applicant or what you must know before taking your first step.
You must know the birth year (not necessarily the days and months) of every relative between your Italian-born ancestor and you.
You must also know the date this progenitor naturalized in your present country.
Ensure that this one will not affect your nation’s citizenship. Some countries disallow dual citizenship.
As an applicant, your parents must be Italian citizens, or at least let them have this “jure sanguinis.”
You must belong to a direct Italian bloodline. Also, you must have at least one of your most recent Italian-born ascendants who has never naturalized as a citizen of any other nation before giving birth to a child who ought to be next in the bloodline.
If your ascendant is your mother, then your birth date must have been after January 1, 1948.
This process would not work for you if your progenitor was naturalized prior to June 14, 1912. They would not be able to transfer this blood right to anybody, including you.
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Categories Of Candidates Seeking Italian Citizenship By Descent
There could be some other factors not mentioned here which could affect your chances. So, you will seek professional help to ascertain your eligibility. Please note that the Italian Embassies and consulates may not be able to assist you in achieving this aim. It falls off their official jurisdiction. Everybody’s situation and ancestral line are different or unique. What works for one may fail for another.
Type 1: Your father was an Italian citizen when you were born, and he never naturalized elsewhere.
Type 2: Your mother is Italian as of when you were born(not before January 1, 1948). She never naturalized elsewhere.
Type 3: Your father wasn’t born in Italy, but any or both of his parents(your paternal grandparents) were born there or had jure sanguinis when your father was born.
Type 4: Your mother was not born in Italy, but any or both of her parents(your maternal grandparents) were born in Italy or had jure sanguinis when your mother was born. Also, you were not born before January 1, 1948.
Type 5: Your paternal or maternal grandparents weren’t born in Italy, but their parents(your great-grandparents) were born there or had jure sanguinis when your grandparents were born.
Type 6: Your paternal or maternal great-grandparents weren’t born in Italy, but their parents were born there or had jure sanguinis when they were born.
We did this classification to simplify things for you. If it still seems complex or you have further questions, seek professional help. Another thing to keep in mind is that some of these laws change from time to time. They could be slightly altered or tweaked for various reasons. Realizing this and seeking the most current information would be a wise move to save you money, time, effort, and unnecessary stress.