The Re-acquisition of Italian citizenship is for individuals who were born in Italy and lost their citizenship upon naturalizing before August 16, 1992.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship

 

​If the applicant lost their Italian citizenship due to acquiring another country's citizenship voluntarily, they might be able to reacquire it by fulfilling a certain period of continuous residence in Italy. Generally, they would need to demonstrate:

• An uninterrupted residency in Italy for one year. During this period, they must meet the registration requirements in the "Anagrafe" (civil registry) of the municipality where they reside.

• No serious criminal record that could prevent the process.

• Proficiency in the Italian language and knowledge of Italian society and culture.

 

Note: Currently, Italian citizenship is regulated by Law of February 5th 1991, No. 91, Presidential Decree of 12 October 1993, No. 572 and the DPR of 18 April 1994, No. 362.

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Pathways to Apply for The Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship

 

There are several pathways to reacquire Italian citizenship, depending on the specific circumstances of the individual. 

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• Italian law provides a simpler path for reacquiring citizenship if an individual has lost it involuntarily (for example, if it was revoked or lost due to administrative error). In this case, if the applicant expresses his/her intention to regain Italian citizenship (ex. art. 17, paragraph 1, L. n. 9/1992) before the competent Consulate or in the other cases provided by art. 13, paragraph 1, L. n. 91/1992;​

• The applicant shall retain Italian citizenship for one year following the establishment of residence in the territory of the Italian Republic unless he or she explicitly expresses a desire to renounce it;

• ​If the applicant has completed effective military service for the Italian Republic and has previously expressed the intention to regain Italian citizenship;

• ​If the applicant accepts a public position with the Italian Republic, whether domestically or abroad, and has declared in advance the desire to reacquire Italian citizenship.

• ​If the applicant has previously lost Italian citizenship due to not resigning from employment with another State or an international organization (even when requested) and has declared the intention to regain citizenship, while also demonstrating that they have resided in Italy for the past two years and have terminated their employment with the other State.

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In cases 1), 2), and 5), the reacquisition of Italian citizenship will be rendered ineffective if the application is obstructed by a decree from the Minister of the Interior, based on serious and substantiated reasons, and in alignment with the assessment of the Council of State.

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It is important to note that the reacquisition of Italian citizenship is prohibited under the following circumstances:

• In cases where the adoption has been revoked at the request of the adopted individual.

• If an Italian citizen has accepted or failed to renounce a public position (including military service) with a foreign State during a state of war with that State, without being compelled to do so, or has voluntarily obtained citizenship of that State.

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​Services and Assistance for the Re-acquisition of Italian Citizenship

You can receive support in preparing your Italian Citizensip reaquisition application. Guidance is provided on the documentation required for the reaquisition of Italian citizenship, along with support in organizing the application in accordance with the general requirements of Italian Consulates. Assistance may also be available for coordinating translations and ensuring documents are properly formatted.