Law on citizenship, residency and access to the Vatican

Benedict XVI has promulgated a new "Law concerning citizenship, residency and access" to Vatican City. The document is dated 22 February, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, and comes into effect today 1 March.

This new norm replaces the old "Law concerning citizenship and residence" which dated from 1929, the year in which the Lateran Pacts were signed.

Chapter one of the new law defines who is a citizen of Vatican City State. Chapter two lays down the conditions for residency and the authorisation necessary to reside in the State. Chapter three deals with the authorisation non-citizens and non-residents need in order to access Vatican City State. Chapter four concerns lodgings within the State and the sanctions to be inflicted in case of violation of the norms.

(Published by VIS - March 1, 2011)