Yes, you can lose Italian citizenship, but only in specific situations defined by law. Italian citizenship is generally stable and protected, yet it may be lost either automatically under certain legal conditions or through a formal declaration made by the citizen. Recent new rules introduced by the Italian government in 2025 have clarified when loss may occur and how former Italian citizens may seek re acquisition.

Understanding these rules is essential for Italian citizens, especially those residing abroad, holding dual citizenship, or considering foreign citizenship through naturalization.

Italian citizenship under Italian government legislation

Italian citizenship is regulated primarily by Law No. 91 of 1992, which governs acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of citizenship. This legislation is implemented by the Italian government, with oversight from the Ministry of the Interior, Italian courts, and consular authorities.

Over time, additional decrees and administrative guidance have clarified how the law applies to Italian citizens born in Italy, born abroad, or recognized through citizenship recognition by descent. In March 2025, the Italian government approved Decree Law No. 36, introducing new restrictions related to citizenship by descent.

When Italian citizens can lose citizenship automatically

Italian citizenship may be automatically lost in limited situations expressly provided by law.

Before August 16, 1992, Italian citizens who voluntarily acquired a foreign nationality were considered to have lost their Italian citizenship automatically. This rule applied regardless of residence or intent.

Italian citizenship is a fundamental and stable legal status. However, Law no. 91/1992 provides for a limited number of exceptional cases in which citizenship may be automatically lost by operation of law, without the need for a formal administrative decision. These provisions are strictly interpreted. 

1. Military Service or Public Office abroad despite an Explicit Prohibition

(Article 12(1), Law no. 91/1992)

Citizenship is lost if an Italian citizen voluntarily enlists in a foreign army or accepts public employment or office in a foreign State, after an explicit prohibition by the Italian Government. Without a formal prohibition, citizenship is not lost.

2. Conduct during a State of War

(Article 12(2), Law no. 91/1992)

Citizenship is lost if, during a state of war, an Italian citizen serves the enemy State militarily, holds public office, or acquires the enemy’s citizenship.

3. Revocation of Adoption

(Article 3(3), Law no. 91/1992)

Citizenship may be lost by individuals who acquired Italian citizenship through adoption and later cause the revocation of the adoption, provided they hold or acquire another citizenship.

Voluntary renunciation through the Italian consulate

Italian citizenship may also be lost through formal renunciation. Any Italian citizen residing abroad who acquires another nationality may renounce citizenship by submitting a declaration before an official of the Italian consulate in their consular district.

The applicant must prove possession of another nationality to avoid statelessness. Once accepted, the loss is recorded and becomes effective.

Dual citizenship, naturalization, and foreign nationality

Contrary to common belief, dual citizenship is generally permitted under Italian law. Italian citizens who naturalize in another country do not automatically lose their Italian citizenship if the naturalization occurred after August 16, 1992.

However, citizenship acquired through naturalization may be revoked if it was obtained through fraud or if the naturalized citizen is convicted of terrorism-related offenses. These cases require a final court decision.

New rules on citizenship by descent and decree
law No. 36

On March 28, 2025, the Italian government approved Decree Law No. 36, introducing new limits on Italian citizenship by descent.

Under the new rules:

• Descendants born abroad are entitled to Italian citizenship jure sanguinis only if at least one parent or grandparent was born in Italy
• Applicants must demonstrate an effective connection to Italy

Previously, it was sufficient to prove descent from an Italian ancestor alive in 1861. Applications for citizenship recognition submitted before March 2025 remain subject to the prior rules.

Reacquisition and how to reacquire Italian citizenship

Individuals who previously lost Italian citizenship may reacquire it by filing a formal declaration of intent, pursuant to Law no. 91/1992. This option is available from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

How to apply

Applicants must book an appointment through the Prenot@mi Portal and appear in person before the competent Consular Office. Before submitting the declaration, the applicant must provide:

• A valid passport or ID issued by their current country of citizenship 
• Documentary proof of: 
  • Personal details (birth certificate, duly legalized/apostilled and translated) 
  • Former Italian citizenship 
  • Reason and date of loss of citizenship (e.g. foreign naturalization certificate) 
  • Two years of legal residence in Italy, if born abroad (where required)

Self-certifications are not accepted.
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated.

A consular fee of €250 applies.

Legal effects of Reacquisition

Italian citizenship is reacquired the day after the declaration is submitted. The reacquisition has no retroactive effect: until that date, the applicant is considered a foreign national.

Once citizenship is reacquired, the individual regains:

• The obligation to register with AIRE 
• The duty to update civil status records 
• The right to vote 
• The right to apply for an Italian passport and ID card

Important note on children

Reacquisition of citizenship by a parent does not automatically extend to children residing abroad. Minor children may acquire citizenship only if they reside in Italy with the parent for at least two years prior to the reacquisition.

Children born before the parent’s reacquisition and living abroad do not automatically become Italian citizens, though alternative legal pathways may exist.

 

Other situations affecting Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship may also be affected if:

• A citizen fails to take an oath within the legal deadline after citizenship is granted by marriage or residence
• An adoption is revoked and the adoptee holds another nationality
• A former citizen fails to meet legal obligations required to maintain status

Each case is assessed individually by the relevant authorities.

Final answer: can you lose Italian citizenship?

Italian citizenship can be lost, but only in specific, legally defined situations. It may occur automatically, through formal renunciation. At the same time, Italian law provides structured pathways for reacquisition, protecting citizens and their descendants when requirements are met.

Aprigliano International Law Firm assists Italian citizens and applicants worldwide with citizenship loss, and reacquisition matters. Our team provides legal guidance on declarations, consular procedures, court challenges, and compliance with current legislation.

 

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