How to apply for Italian dual citizenship
Eligibility for Italian dual citizenship includes having an Italian ancestor, being married to an Italian citizen, or meeting residency requirements in Italy.
South African citizens can apply directly if eligible by ancestry (more on citizenship by descent).
If eligible by marriage, South African citizens need to learn the Italian language (B1 level) and then submit an online application (more on citizenship by marriage).
When eligible by residency the application is submitted in Italy directly at the Prefettura.
Tip: Explore our Citizenship Documents page for required documentation.
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Italy has allowed dual citizenship with no restrictions since 1993.
Before 1993 Italy allowed dual citizenship by birth, but not by choice.
For instance, an Italian citizen born in South Africa of a South African parent and an Italian parent, would enjoy dual citizenship as they would be Italian by birth (of an Italian parent), while an Italian born citizen who opted to acquire a second citizenship before 1993 would have incurred the loss of the Italian citizenship.
The new law which came into effect in 1993 allows Italian citizens to apply for a second citizenship without this affecting their Italian citizenship.
Does South Africa allow dual citizenship?
South Africa allows dual citizenship, both by descent and by voluntary naturalisation.
Under the 1995 Citizenship Act, South Africans who acquired another citizenship voluntarily (e.g. Italian citizenship through marriage) were previously required to obtain an exemption.
However, a Constitutional Court ruling on 6 May 2025, applied retroactively, confirmed that no exemption is needed. South Africans who lost their citizenship under the old rule are still considered South African citizens.
Managing Dual Citizenship: Passport Use
Dual citizens traveling to Italy must use both passports: the South African passport for the South African custom authorities, the Italian passport for the Italian authorities.
Each country acknowledges the second passport but doesn’t recognise it as a valid travel document.
Airlines may require you to use the Italian passport for visa purposes. When visiting a country other than Italy, choose the passport granting visa-free access.
For assistance in online submissions or sworn translators you can contact us at
starlingtranslationsCT@gmail.com