Am I eligible for Italian Citizenship?

[maerunnalls]

Good day,

I am needing some help to figure out if I am, hopefully, eligible for Italian Citizenship. My Great Grandfather was born in Italy in Perrero, Torino and eventually moved to South Africa where he naturalized in 1939. My Grandmother was born in Zambia in 1919. My Mother was born in 1946 in Cape Town, South Africa. Neither my Grandmother or mother had/has Italian Citizenship, however, my grandmother did inquire and at the time she was told that because of the year her father naturalized she was not eligible. This seems to have fallen away.

I would so love to pursue this incredible opportunity if it is at all possible but I have not been able to get any conclusive advice thus far.

Would anyone be able to advise me as to whether I am eligible and if so how to proceed further.

Any help would be so appreciated!

Many thanks,

Mary

[maerunnalls]

Additional information:

My Great Grandfather was born in 20.07.1892 in Perrero.
His name was Gustavo Pons

My Grandmother, Mayette Pons, born 16.01.1919, married a South African in 1941.

Many thanks.

[mler]

I think the problem arises because your gm was born in Zambia. Because she did not receive South African citizenship at birth and was a minor (under the age of 21) when her father naturalized, she naturalized with him, ending the citizenship line.

Since she lost her citizenship through naturalization, she could reacquire it via a short trip to Italy, but given her age (is she still living?) this is likely not worth the effort.

You and/or your mother would be eligible to naturalize after legally residing in Italy for three years. This is an expedited path based on your gf's citizenship. Your minor children would receive citizenship with you. Unfortunately, this path is somewhat problematic because you are not permitted to work in Italy during this period.