This provision, governed by art. 4 of Law no. 91/92, generally applies only within the Italian territory. For the relevant regulations, reference should therefore be made to the Ministry of the Interior.
At this stage, it is worth highlighting the sole provision allowing children of a parent who is an Italian citizen by birth to acquire Italian citizenship if the parents (or guardian) declare such intention. If the declaration is submitted within one year from the birth of the minor (or from a later date on which filiation – including adoptive filiation – is established), the minor may acquire Italian citizenship even while continuing to reside abroad. However, if more than one year has elapsed since birth, in order for the declaration to take effect, the minor must legally reside in Italy for at least two continuous years.
Should the individual later wish to renounce citizenship upon reaching the age of majority, this is permitted provided he or she holds another citizenship.
Declarations may also be submitted, by 11:59 p.m. (Rome time) on 31 May 2026, in favour of minors as of 24 May 2025, children of ius sanguinis citizens referred to in letters a), a-bis) and b) of article 3-bis, paragraph 1 of Law no. 91 of 5 February 1992.
To acquire Italian citizenship pursuant to art. 4, a contribution of EUR 250 is required in favour of the Ministry of the Interior.