According to the consulate's official page, the three most common ways to become an Italian citizen are recognition by descent (known as *ius sanguinis*), acquisition through marriage, and reacquisition of citizenship previously held. Italy’s 3 effective pathways to acquire citizenship. The second route covers those who acquire citizenship through marriage to an Italian national. The third pathway, reacquisition, applies to individuals who were previously Italian citizens and are looking to have that status formally restored. Crucially, an Italian passport can only be applied for once a person has already been confirmed as an Italian citizen.