Recognition of Italian citizenship for descendants of residents of Istria, Rijeka, and Dalmatia: how to proceed?
Residents, and their descendants, of the territories of Istria, Fiume, and Dalmatia ceded to the former Yugoslavia following the 1947 Treaty of Paris can request recognition of Italian citizenship if they meet certain requirements.
It is known that this type of recognition is not "iure sanguinis" , but occurs by benefit of the law, namely Law 124/2006.
Law No. 124 of March 8, 2006, provides for the recognition of Italian citizenship for compatriots, and their descendants, who lost it for having resided in Istria, Fiume, and Dalmatia from 1940 to 1947.
Recognition in favor of residents of Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia from 1940 to 1947 who lost their Italian citizenship when these territories were ceded to the Yugoslav Republic by virtue of the Paris Treaties of 10 February 1947, and their descendants ;
In order to demonstrate the existence of the requirements, the following documents are required:
1) birth certificate;
2) certificate attesting to possession of foreign citizenship;
3) certificate of current residence;
4) certification or documentation suitable to demonstrate residence on 10.6.1940 in the territories ceded to the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia;
5) certification certifying that the interested party was an Italian citizen on 09/15/1947 – the date the Paris Peace Treaty came into force (or equivalent documentation such as military service record, passport, etc.);
6) a certificate issued by any Italian clubs, associations, or communities in the foreign country of residence, stating the date of registration, the applicant's usual language, and any other useful information proving knowledge of the Italian language;
7) any other useful documentation proving the applicant's usual language proficiency (for example, copies of attendance certificates from Italian language schools, school reports, etc.).
Children or direct descendants of beneficiaries of Article 19 of the Paris Peace Treaty who intend to avail themselves of Article 17- bis , paragraph 1, letter b), must attach the following documentation to their application for recognition of Italian citizenship:
certification or documentation demonstrating that one's parent or direct ascendant possesses the requirements set out in the above-mentioned points 4-5-6-7;
birth certificate certifying the direct lineage relationship between the applicant and the parent or ascendant;
certificate attesting to possession of foreign citizenship;
certificate issued by any Italian associations or communities present in the foreign territory of residence, demonstrating the applicant's knowledge of the Italian language and culture;
any other useful documentation suitable to demonstrate the applicant's knowledge of the Italian language and culture.
If you reside abroad, the application for recognition—along with all the necessary documentation—must be submitted to the Consulate responsible for your residence after booking an appointment through the Prenot@mi portal.
If you are unable to book an appointment, you can take legal action in Italy.
If you'd like to learn more, contact us and we'll analyze your case!
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