In cases where recognition or judicial declaration of filiation involves a person of legal age, that individual may acquire Italian citizenship only if, within one year of the relevant decision, he or she expresses his or her intention to do so, through an “election of citizenship” (art. 2, paragraph 2 of Law no. 91/92). Pursuant to art. 3 of Presidential Decree no. 572 of 12 October 1993 (Implementing Regulation of Law no. 91/92) the declaration of election of citizenship under art. 2, paragraph 2 of the aforementioned law must be accompanied by the following documents, which constitute the necessary prerequisites for requesting this benefit:
- birth certificate (for the exact identification of the applicant);
- act of recognition or an authenticated copy of the sentence declaring paternity or maternity;
- certificate of citizenship of the Italian parent.
It should be noted that the judicial declaration of recognition may have been issued abroad: in such cases, the one-year period within which the declaration of election of citizenship must be made shall be calculated from the date on which the foreign decision becomes effective in Italy.