Citizenship
Leading The Way In Italian Citizenship Law Since 2014
The path to Italian citizenship is often filled with frustrating delays, confusing rules, and outright rejections. For over a decade, we’ve helped English-speaking clients secure Italian dual citizenship. We understand the anxiety of a consular refusal and the complexity of appealing in Italian courts. That’s why we don’t just file paperwork, we provide a full legal strategy to win your case.
Our approach is proven.
Why Choose MLI?
- Proven in Court: We are practising Italian attorneys, not facilitators. Your case is built on real legal strategy.
- Landmark Wins: We set precedents, like the 2016 case, that benefit all applicants.
- English-Speakers: We bridge the language and culture gap, making the Italian legal system accessible to you.
- Focused on You: From your first consultation, you work directly with our legal team.
Ready to move from problem to solution?
“My job is to navigate the complexities of Italian law – so you don’t have to. My mission is simple: to help you achieve your goal, your way.”
Attorney Arturo Grasso, Managing Partner
Italian citizenship by descent
Foundational Principle: Ius Sanguinis.
The recognition of Italian citizenship is historically rooted in the principle of iure sanguinis — transmission of citizenship by bloodline, from parent to child. This foundational concept, long affirmed in both legislation and jurisprudence, allows individuals born abroad to claim Italian citizenship through their Italian ancestry, irrespective of generational distance.
Legislative developments and constitutional scrutiny
This legal framework is currently undergoing significant revision. Legislative reforms enacted in 2025 have introduced substantial restrictions to the prior regime, raising complex constitutional questions. These reforms have drawn criticism from legal scholars and segments of the judiciary, and are presently (October 2025) under review before the Italian Constitutional Court (Corte Costituzionale).
Administrative route: Increasing limitations
Although Italian law allows for an administrative procedure to obtain recognition of citizenship, this path has become increasingly impractical due to systemic delays, the unavailability of appointments before consular or municipal authorities, and frequent denials based on rigid or flawed interpretations. As a result, judicial proceedings have become, in many instances, not merely an alternative, but the only effective remedy to assert the right to citizenship.
Gender-based exclusions and the 1948 rule
Before 1948, Italian citizenship could not be passed through the maternal line. In 2009, the Italian Supreme Court (Corte di Cassazione) ruled this exclusion discriminatory and confirmed gender equality.
However, the Supreme Court cannot declare laws unconstitutional, only the Constitutional Court can. As a result, consulates and local municipal offices (comuni) must still deny these applications. Recognition is possible only through the courts, where judges are bound to apply the Cassazione’s ruling.
Historical and territorial variations
Citizenship claims — though often similar in appearance — are legally and factually distinct. Complexity frequently arises when the ancestor emigrated before the unification of Italy in 1861. Citizenship may still be claimed through an ancestor born in one of the pre-unitarian states — such as the Papal States or the Kingdom of Sardinia — provided the ancestor was still alive when that territory was annexed into the Kingdom of Italy (generally in 1861, though later in some cases). These former states maintained separate legal regimes, including different rules on nationality and emigration.
Documentary discrepancies and evidentiary requirements
Another common challenge lies in addressing inconsistencies within civil and immigration records. Variations in names, dates, places of birth, or familial data — often resulting from clerical errors or transcription practices — require careful legal interpretation and appropriate supporting evidence to establish identity continuity across generations.
Jurisdictional fragmentation post-2022
The decentralization of jurisdiction introduced in 2022 has further increased procedural complexity. Citizenship cases must now be filed before the Tribunale Ordinario of the district where the Italian-born ancestor was registered. This reform has led to divergent judicial approaches and evidentiary requirements. Our firm represents clients in courts throughout Italy and prepares each case in accordance with the prevailing standards of the specific local court.
2025 reform and emerging constitutional challenges
The 2025 reform imposes new limitations on the recognition of citizenship for descendants born abroad. These measures raise critical constitutional concerns, particularly regarding acquired rights and the prohibition of retroactive deprivation of legal status. As such, these cases require structured litigation strategies and legal reasoning grounded in constitutional principles and precedent.
The legal path we follow
Your path to Italian citizenship starts with the right legal partner
If you’re ready to take the next step, your dedicated advisor is here to provide expert guidance, clarity, and personal support throughout your journey.
Attorney Arturo Grasso
Managing Partner
FAQs
Do I have to pay for a first consultation with you?
No, My Lawyer in Italy provides the first free no-obligation consultation with an English-speaking expert.
Which documents do I need?
To apply for Italian citizenship in court you will need: the birth and marriage certificates of your direct ancestors, plus documents attesting their naturalization/non-naturalization. Based on any discrepancies, My Lawyer in Italy® may ask you to provide additional records to maximize your chances of success.
Can you procure certified copies of the necessary documents?
My Lawyer in Italy can request copies of Italian birth certificates if you have photos of them. We can also apply for marriage records if we have photos of the birth certificate. As of January 1, 2025, municipalities are entitled to charge a fee for issuing documents older than 100 years. Any costs in this regard are to be borne by our clients.
We do not procure documents issued outside of Italy, but we can refer you to trusted third-party professionals.
Do I have to travel to Italy?
No, My Lawyer in Italy can prepare a Power of Attorney for you to sign, which gives Avvocato Arturo Grasso the authority to act on your behalf, without the need for you to come to Italy.
Can multiple family members join the same court case?
Yes, family members can apply under the same petition as long as they are descended from a common ancestor. My Lawyer in Italy accepts up to 10 applicants for the same case, in order to make the processing smooth and avoid excessive delays.
Do you handle translations?
Yes, My Lawyer in Italy takes care of translating and certifying foreign documents into Italian for judicial use as part of our assistance. Currently, we can guarantee the translation of documents written in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Can you help me obtain Apostilles?
No, My Lawyer in Italy does not assist with obtaining Apostilles, but we can share information on how to request them correctly.
Can you help me obtain my Italian tax code (codice fiscale) for the court application?
Yes, My Lawyer in Italy can provide assistance with obtaining an Italian tax code through the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) as an additional service if your local Consulate is not available. Please discuss this further with us if you are interested.
Do you assist with A.I.R.E registration?
Yes, My Lawyer in Italy can provide assistance with A.I.R.E registration as an additional service. Please discuss this with us if you are interested.
Can you help me obtain my Italian passport when my citizenship is recognized?
No, My Lawyer in Italy does not assist with the passport application. We follow up with our clients’ court cases until the positive court order is registered in the relevant municipality and the Italian vital records of the applicants are produced.
Client spotlight
Michael
Citizenship Client
For Michael and his family, the journey to Italian citizenship was more than a legal process – it was a deeply personal mission to honor the legacy of their ancestors.
Like many Italian descendants, Michael’s family had long dreamed of reclaiming their heritage. But as anyone pursuing Italian citizenship by descent knows, the process can be complex, especially when handled across borders and through the courts. That’s where My Lawyer in Italy stepped in.
From the very beginning, our team provided Michael’s family with:
- Clear legal analysis of their eligibility
- Full case support management from intake through court ruling
- Prompt communication at every step
- A human-centered approach that recognized the emotional weight of this journey
We’re honored to have walked this path with Michael and his loved ones – and proud that the outcome was not just a legal victory, but a multigenerational triumph.
At MLI, that’s exactly what we strive for: helping families reconnect with their roots while building a secure legacy in Italy.
Frank
Citizenship Client
When Frank, a practicing attorney in the United States, began his journey to obtain Italian citizenship, he knew the stakes were high – and the legal path, complex. With his deep respect for law and precision, Frank chose to work with a team that mirrored his own standards: My Lawyer in Italy.
Frank’s case wasn’t just about documents and deadlines. It was about restoring a connection to family, history, and identity. And he brought the same critical eye he applies in his own legal work.
MLI provided:
- Precise case strategy and legal filings
- Clear answers to technical questions
- Ongoing updates and accessible support
- Deep cultural understanding of Italian legal processes
- Throughout the process, Frank felt supported, respected, and heard.
We’re proud that Frank’s experience affirmed what so many clients tell us: at MLI, we combine the rigor of a legal team with the heart of a family advocate.
Al A.
Italian Citizen
For Al A., winning his Italian citizenship case meant the fulfillment of a dream. But what happened after the case closed is what truly defined his experience with My Lawyer in Italy.
Upon receiving the good news, Al shared his joy with our team. He didn’t expect a personal reply from Arturo himself, who not only congratulated him but extended a heartfelt invitation: “I am delighted to have represented you. We would be very happy to meet you and your family next time you are in Italy.”
This gesture transformed a legal victory into a deeply human moment. For Al, it was the confirmation that he was more than just a client; he was valued, supported, and welcomed into a family. At MLI, we believe legal excellence is not just about winning cases—it’s about building lasting relationships and ensuring you feel at home in Italy, even before you arrive.
Destiny
Italian Citizen
Destiny P.’s path to Italian citizenship was anything but simple. Her case fell under an ATQ jurisdiction – cases for clients who could not obtain appointments at their home consulate – and it was riddled with gray areas that made even Destiny unsure of her chances.
But she found in MLI not just a law firm, but a team of determined legal minds who believed in her case.
MLI built a strong legal argument, filed her case through the courts, and guided Destiny through every stage of the process. The result? A win.
We’re proud to have helped Destiny reclaim her Italian identity – and honored to be part of a life-changing legal journey.
David P.
Citizenship Client
For David P. and his family, the journey to Italian citizenship was marked by years of frustration. After spending two and a half years trying – and failing – to secure an appointment at the Italian consulate, they were at a standstill. That’s when they turned to My Lawyer in Italy.
Our team stepped in with a clear solution: bypass the stalled consulate process and take the case directly to court. With strategic precision and constant support, we managed the legal filings and timelines, keeping David and his family informed at every step.
The outcome? All six family members were granted Italian citizenship at the same time.
At MLI, we believe no one should have to fight bureaucracy alone. For David’s family, this wasn’t just a legal victory – it was a restored legacy.
Our Credentials
