Vatican citizenship linked to office or service
Vatican citizenship is held by Cardinals living in Vatican City or Rome, diplomats of the Holy See, and people who must live in Vatican City because of their office or service. It can also be granted on request to people authorised to reside there for their office, to others authorised by the Pope, and to the spouse and children of a citizen living with them. Citizenship is lost when the office, service or residence ends.
Life in Vatican City
Money
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Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Cardinals, Holy See diplomats, people resident in Vatican City for their office or service, and their spouses and children living with them.
Eligibility
Citizens by law
Citizenship applies by law if you are in one of the three groups below.
- Cardinals resident in Vatican City or Rome
- Holy See diplomats
- People required to reside in Vatican City by office or service
- Source: art. 1(1)
Official wording
Cardinals resident in Vatican City or Rome; Holy See diplomats; people required to reside in Vatican City by office or service (art. 1(1)).
Citizenship on request
You can be granted citizenship on request if you are in one of the groups below.
- Granted by the Pope, or the Cardinal President of the Governatorato for him
- People authorised to reside for office or service, and others authorised by the Pope to reside
- Spouse and children of a citizen, if residing with them
- Source: art. 1(2)
Official wording
Granted by the Pope (or the Cardinal President of the Governatorato for him) to people authorised to reside for office or service, others authorised by the Pope to reside, and the spouse and children of a citizen residing with them (art. 1(2)).
ChildrenChildren
Children of a Vatican citizen lose citizenship at 18.
18 years
Age when citizenship ends
- If they keep living in Vatican City, they become residents
- Source: art. 3(2)
Official wording
Children of a Vatican citizen lose citizenship at 18; if they keep living in Vatican City they become residents (art. 3(2)).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistVatican identity card
- FeesCitizenship
- Steps to applyHold an office or service that confers citizenship, or obtain authorisation to r
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