Residence & citizenship
Vatican Vatican City State Citizenship
Citizenship granted by reason of office (jus officii), not by birth, and lost automatically once the qualifying role comes to an end.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The figure of 673 citizens is the Governorate's stated 2024 figure; confirm the current number before publication.
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
- Vatican City State citizenship (Law on Citizenship, Residence and Access, 2011)
- Route type
- Citizenship by office / service (jus officii)
- Basis
- Not acquired by birth in the territory or by descent alone
- Total citizens
- 673
- Governorate figure cited for 2024; confirm current number
Who qualifies
- Cardinals resident in Vatican City or in Rome
- Diplomats of the Holy See
- Persons residing in the State by reason of their office or service (including the Swiss Guard)
- Spouses and children of citizens, and papal grantees, on a discretionary basis
Key features
- No birthright citizenship and no automatic citizenship by descent
- Citizenship ends when the qualifying office or service ceases
- Usually held alongside a person's original nationality
How it works
- Granted and withdrawn by the competent Vatican authority
- Administered in line with the Lateran Treaty, which protects former citizens from statelessness by conferring Italian nationality
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.