Italian citizenship by descent…experiences?

[carreauchompeur]

Hi folks,

I am desperately clutching at straws agreed. But an EU passport would make my future plans a bit easier.

I have an Italian great great grandfather. Born around 1830. There is a fairly direct line which I could probably prove. This is via my mother and then grandfather’s side of the family.

There hasn’t been much Italian-ness in the intervening years.

Has anyone tried this and is it a minefield?

[BertieWooster]

The Italian government has a fairly good summary of what the requirements are to obtain citizenship by descent. Apologies if you've already gone through all of that already.

https://conslondra.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-...

[Alickadoo]

I am open to correction, but I thought you could use a parent or grand parent, but no further back for the purpose of getting a passport.

[extraT]

Alickadoo said:

I am open to correction, but I thought you could use a parent or grand parent, but no further back for the purpose of getting a passport.

That’s the stipulation for Ireland too, I have great great grandparents from the Emerald Isle, but sadly doesn’t qualify me for an Irish Passport.

[Another project]

Good luck trying to speak to anyone at the Italian consolate, their work ethic is very Italian . I recently had to renew my Italian passport and it's a nightmare to get an appointment

[2HFL]

I had a similar situation via my French grandmother, however France have a 50-year rule (if said relative hasn't lived in the country in that period) which meant it would not be straightforward if possible at all. Gutted!

I spoke to some immigration lawyers who said they regularly process applications on behalf of clients but the costs, timeframe and lack of certainty of outcome made me reluctant.

[Leadfoot]

My wife & kids have Italian citizenship/passports as my FIL is Italian.

I believe, that the Italian state consider that any descendants of an Italian citizen are considered as such themselves, whether they have applied for it or not, so long as nobody in the chain has renounced their Italian citizenship.

I don't know how many generations back this goes.

[carreauchompeur]

Thanks all. I think I probably fail on a few points. Great great grandfather on mother’s side definitely Italian but I think born before the 1830 (?) cut off. After then it’s unlikely they retained their citizenship.

It’s not a huge deal but would make retirement plans more flexible!