New rules clarification - 2026
Hey everyone.
I have been seeing a lot of people on here posting that you can now only claim through your last born Italian parent or grandparent.
However this is contrary to the requirements stated on the London consulate’s website:
“Sole ownership of Italian citizenship by the ancestor
A parent or grandparent must own only Italian citizenship, or must have held only Italian citizenship at the time of their death. Self-declarations stating the negative ownership of other citizenships are not accepted.”
This is also different to what is explicitly outlined within the new legislation outline the routes to citizenship:
“a)
Citizenship status was recognised under the previous law
because an application (with documentation) was submitted
to the consulate or municipality by 11:59 PM on 27 March 2025
a‑bis)
Citizenship status was recognised under the previous law
because an application (with documentation) was submitted
on a date already scheduled (appointment)
and that appointment had been communicated by the authority
by 11:59 PM on 27 March 2025
b)
Citizenship status was established by a court
under the previous law
based on a legal claim submitted by
11:59 PM on 27 March 2025
c)
A parent or grandparent possesses, or possessed at the time of death,
exclusively Italian citizenship
d)
A parent or adoptive parent
resided in Italy for at least 2 continuous years
after acquiring Italian citizenship
and before the child’s birth (or adoption)”
I believe I’d fall under exception C
I could really do with clarification from someone who is familiar with the new rules.
My grandmother was born in Monaco (monegasque citizenship is really hard to get you don’t become monegasque from being born there and I have proof of no naturalisation) from two Italian parents she was registered at the Manchester consulate and never acquired British citizenship so my interpretation was that I am eligible.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
P.s.
It also says this on the documents needed for citizenship by descent
“Ascendants (Grandparents and/or Parents)
Certificate of the Italian ancestor’s residence records (issued by the last Italian municipality of residence or AIRE registration).
Registry Office certificates: full birth certificate (Italian “atto integrale di nascita” or foreign equivalent), marriage certificate, divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate (if applicable), and eventual second marriage certificate.
Italian certificates must be original, of recent emission, issued by the competent Italian municipality.
Notice how it says ‘or AIRE’ and ‘or foreign equivalent’