Goodbye to Vatican nationality: here’s why no one is born a Vatican citizen
In Vatican City, citizenship is granted based on factors such as employment or descent.
Due to its history, location, architecture, and religious significance, the Vatican is one of the most unique places on Earth. While some curiosities about it are widely known—like being the smallest country in the world—others often go unnoticed.
One such lesser-known fact involves Vatican citizenship. Only a little over 600 people hold Vatican nationality. Being born in the Vatican is extremely rare—not only because it’s so small, but also because it has no hospitals or delivery rooms. Moreover, citizenship is not automatically granted by birth within its borders.
No one is born a vatican citizen
Unlike most countries, Vatican nationality is not acquired by birthright. Being born within Vatican City does not make you a citizen. Instead, the Vatican grants citizenship selectively to those it deems eligible for political and social rights.
Usually, citizenship is awarded to those who have a direct connection to the Holy See, primarily through employment. This includes cardinals, members of the Swiss Guard, and Vatican employees. In some cases, spouses and direct family members may also be granted citizenship.
How to Become a Vatican Citizen
To become a citizen of Vatican City, one must submit a formal request, which is evaluated based on specific criteria, typically including place of residence, job position, and family ties.
Another unique aspect is that Vatican citizenship is not lifelong. If someone receives citizenship due to employment with the Holy See and later loses that job, they also lose their citizenship.
What if someone is born in the Vatican?
Although the Vatican has no hospitals, giving birth within its territory is not prohibited. If a child is born within Vatican borders, they are granted Italian citizenship, as if they had been born in Rome.
If someone from any country acquires Vatican citizenship, it is added to their original nationality. However, if they lose Vatican citizenship and do not hold another nationality, they automatically become citizens of Italy.
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