Family visas
Vatican Family Residence (Spouse and Children of Citizens)
Spouses and children of Vatican citizens living in the State may be authorised to reside and, at the Pope's discretion, granted citizenship of their own.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Exact eligibility conditions, any age limits for dependent children and the discretionary nature of the grant should be verified against the current text of the Law on Citizenship, Residence and Access.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Vatican City government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Family residence / discretionary citizenship under the Law on Citizenship, Residence and Access (2011)
- Route type
- Family-based residence (citizenship at discretion)
- Issuing authority
- Governorate of Vatican City State
- Legal basis
- Law on Citizenship, Residence and Access (Law N. CXXXI)
- In force 1 March 2011; builds on the 1929 Lateran Treaty. Governs citizenship, residence and access.
- Who qualifies
- Spouse and children of a Vatican citizen
- They must be authorised to reside in the State.
- How granted
- By application and administrative decision
- Not acquired automatically through the relationship.
- Children
- Citizenship ends at age 18
- Unless the child then qualifies independently or gains continued residence authorisation.
- Validity
- Tied to the relative's status and continued authorised residence
- Temporary.
- Where to apply
- Governorate of Vatican City State
- There is no public visa route.
Who it is for
- Spouses of Vatican citizens residing in the State
- Children of Vatican citizens residing in the State
Requirements
- A qualifying family relationship with a Vatican citizen
- Residence within the boundaries of the State
- Authorisation from the competent Vatican authority
What you can do
- Reside in the State with the citizen family member
- Be granted citizenship on a discretionary basis, which ends when the qualifying tie ends
How to apply
- The Vatican-citizen family member, or their employing office, initiates the application for the spouse or child through the Governorate of Vatican City State.
- Ensure the family member's residence in the State is authorised under chapter two of the 2011 law, before or alongside any grant of citizenship.
- Arrange Italian immigration status separately if the family will live outside Vatican City.
Documents you may need
- A valid passport for each family member.
- Evidence of the marriage to, or parent-child relationship with, the Vatican citizen.
- Proof that the family member is authorised to reside in Vatican City.
Frequently asked questions
No. The spouse and children of a Vatican citizen who are authorised to reside in the State may apply for a grant of citizenship, but it is granted by administrative decision, not automatically.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.