Reacquisition of Italian citizenship has become a central legal issue following recent reforms introduced by the Italian government. While Italian citizenship is strongly protected under the Italian Constitution, it can still be revoked or lost in very specific circumstances defined by Italian law. When this happens, the law provides limited but structured pathways for re acquisition.

Understanding when and why can Italian citizenship be revoked, how an Italian citizen may lose Italian citizenship, and who may reacquire Italian citizenship is essential for individuals affected by historical rules, dual nationality, or recent legislative restrictions.

Italian citizenship and the role of the Italian constitution

Italian citizenship is a fundamental legal status governed by Italian law and protected by the Italian Constitution. Citizenship is based primarily on jure sanguinis, meaning it is transmitted through bloodlines, and may be acquired through descent, marriage, or naturalization.

The Italian Constitution, effective January 1, 1948, explicitly prohibits the deprivation of citizenship for political reasons. This constitutional safeguard ensures that Italian citizenship cannot be revoked arbitrarily and may only be withdrawn under certain conditions clearly established by law.

An Italian citizen enjoys full legal status within Italy and the European Union, but citizenship is not unconditional. In limited cases, Italian citizenship loss or revocation may lawfully occur.

Can Italian citizenship be revoked by the Italian government?

Yes. Italian citizenship can be revoked, but only under strict legal standards enforced by the Italian government and reviewed by the courts.

Revocation typically applies when Italian citizenship was granted based on false or fraudulent claims. If an applicant gained Italian citizenship using falsified documents, false declarations, or misleading information, Italian authorities may annul the grant, even years later. This applies to citizenship obtained through naturalization or recognition by descent.

Naturalized citizens convicted of terrorism-related crimes may also have their citizenship revoked. These cases involve judicial review and may ultimately be confirmed by the Italian Supreme Court.

The process for revoking Italian citizenship varies depending on whether it is initiated by the state or results from an individual’s actions. In all cases, due process and judicial oversight apply.

 

How an Italian citizen may lose Italian citizenship

An Italian citizen may lose Italian citizenship either automatically or through a formal declaration, depending on the circumstances.

Before August 15, 1992, Italian citizens who voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship automatically lost Italian citizenship. Many individuals were affected by this rule without realizing the consequences. Those born in Italy who renounced Italian citizenship by acquiring foreign nationality before August 16, 1992 may now be eligible to reacquire Italian citizenship.

Automatic loss may also occur if an Italian citizen voluntarily enlists in the armed forces of a foreign state, serves in military service, or holds a public office for a foreign state during a war with a foreign enemy state, when explicitly prohibited by the Italian government.

In other cases, citizenship may be lost when an Italian citizen formally renounces nationality after acquiring foreign citizenship and establishing residence abroad. This requires a declaration submitted in person before an Italian consulate.

Citizenship loss related to naturalization and foreign citizenship

Italian citizenship can be lost if an individual voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship that requires relinquishing Italian nationality. Conflicts between Italian law and the law of a foreign country may force an applicant to choose one nationality.

Italian citizenship acquired through naturalization requires an oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic. Citizenship may be revoked if the oath is not taken within the legally required timeframe after it has been granted.

Judicial review and the Italian supreme court

The Italian Supreme Court has clarified that citizenship recognition may be challenged when legal requirements were not met at the time of acquisition. This includes cases involving ancestors who naturalized abroad, administrative errors, or incomplete proof.

Recent rulings confirm that citizenship status must comply with both statutory law and constitutional principles. Courts play a decisive role in confirming whether citizenship was validly granted or lawfully revoked.

Reacquisition and how to reacquire Italian citizenship

Italian law allows former citizens to reacquire Italian citizenship under specific conditions. Re acquisition is not automatic and requires a formal declaration.

Under Law No. 74/2025, former Italian citizens may submit a declaration to reacquire Italian citizenship between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027. The declaration must be submitted in person at an Italian consulate or an Italian municipality and accompanied by supporting documents.

Required documents and submission process

Applicants seeking re-acquisition must file a declaration and submit documents proving prior citizenship, loss, identity, and compliance with legal requirements. The applicant must submit the declaration within the appropriate consular district or municipality.

Incomplete or inaccurate documents may result in delays or rejection. Italian authorities carefully review each file, especially when citizenship was lost decades ago.

The Reacquisition process: 3 key phases

Phase 1 – Transfer of Residence to Italy
The applicant must formally establish legal residence in Italy by registering with the local municipality (Comune).

Phase 2 – Filing the Application for Reacquisition 

Once resident, the applicant submits the request for reacquisition of Italian citizenship before the Municipality of residence.

Phase 3 – Final declaration before the Civil Status Officer
The procedure concludes with the formal declaration of reacquisition made before the Civil Status Officer (Ufficiale di Stato Civile).

Processing time

The reacquisition procedure is generally completed within 6 to 8 months from the date the applicant transfers residence to Italy.

Legal support for reacquisition of Italian citizenship

Aprigliano International Law Firm assists clients worldwide with Italian citizenship matters, including revocation defense, citizenship loss analysis, re acquisition procedures, and court-based cases. Our team works directly with Italian authorities, consulates, and courts to protect citizenship rights under current legislation.

If you are concerned about losing Italian citizenship or wish to reacquire Italian citizenship, contact Aprigliano International Law Firm for personalized legal assistance aligned with the latest reforms.

 

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