The Italian authorities have simplified the procedure for obtaining citizenship for foreigners who are descendants of Italians. In particular, the changes affected the requirement to have a birth certificate. Find out what opportunities the new rules open up for expats

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Italy has simplified the process of obtaining citizenship for foreigners. According to Schengen.News, according to the new rules, descendants of Italians no longer need to provide a birth certificate to receive a document. Such rules will enable more expats to obtain citizenship of the country already this year.

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What has changed in the procedure for obtaining Italian citizenship in 2024?

Descendants of Italians who do not have a relative's birth certificate will be able to obtain Italian citizenship. The relevant resolution was adopted by the country's government on May 22, and later confirmed by the decision of the Italian Court of Cassation. From now on, it will be possible to confirm the origin with other documents.

Who are affected by the changes?

The recent changes are expected to affect mainly descendants of Italians who have other documents from their ancestor but do not have a birth certificate. That is, from now on it is possible to confirm a relative's belonging to Italy on the basis of a marriage certificate, a death certificate, as well as an affidavit.

Why did the Italian government approve such changes?

The changes came as a result of a lawsuit filed by a descendant of a 19th-century Italian immigrant. This person was not eligible for Italian citizenship due to the lack of a birth certificate of his ancestor who emigrated to Brazil in 1895. However, the applicant was able to provide other documents that confirmed family ties and origin. Such history forced the Supreme Court to review the requirements.

What other documents does Italy accept from now on?

According to the new rules, in addition to the birth certificate, other documents are now accepted:

- Baptism certificates - provided by religious institutions.

- Records of marriage - confirmation of family ties of ancestors.

- Death certificate – to establish the line of descent.

- Affidavits given by people who can testify to family relationships.

Also, the rights of migrant children who were born in Italy are currently being actively discussed in Italian society. In particular, there is a question of granting them the right to automatically obtain Italian citizenship. Currently, such changes are mainly supported by young Italians (58.5% of respondents aged 11 to 19).

We will remind you that we have already told you that the Italian government has simplified the rules for obtaining an EU Blue Card, in particular, from now on applications can be submitted in online format, more details in this article. You can find out about grants for relocation from the management of Tuscany here.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

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Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Italy;

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