Dual Citizenship in Italy
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How to Get Italian Dual Citizenship
Do you want to fulfill your lifelong ambition of residing in Italy but are unsure how to do so? While an unforgettable experience in Italy may be made possible by your original passport, a lifetime of rural life in Italy cannot be guaranteed. How can? Acquiring dual citizenship and becoming an Italian citizen.
Not all the countries allow their citizens to get dual citizenship, but if you are, for example, from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada or an European country, you can qualify for the dual citizenship with Italy.
The gratifying process of obtaining Italian citizenship can be drawn out and involved, but with the assistance of our team, you can do it as soon as feasible. Understanding the three routes to citizenship and selecting the one that is best for you is the first step. The following step is to comprehend the Italian citizenship requirements for that road once you have decided which path you must follow.
There are three ways to become an Italian citizen: naturalization, citizenship by marriage, and citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis). Here, the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches of requesting Italian citizenship are covered in detail. Italian citizenship can be acquired more quickly by marriage or descent than through naturalization, which typically takes more than ten years.
Let’s look at the immigration procedure, how to apply for Italian citizenship using different options, and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
How long does it take to get Italian Citizenship?
After collecting the correct paperwork, Italian citizenship can be obtained handful of ways. Applicants can apply online or within the country with legal help. The process to qualify this Italian citizenship can take between one and ten years depending on your route. However, it can be much, much quicker if you’re an Italian descedent or getting married.
The application process can take anywhere between a few months up to two years. If you receive a favourable outcome, you can apply for a national identity card and an Italian passport.
Can be obtained by:
- “right of blood” (jure sanguinis) if the applicant is the son/dougter of an Italian parent;
- “right of soil” (jure solis) if the applicant parents’ are unknown or Stateless, or if the foreing parents doesn’t transmit their citizenship to their child by the laws of their country, or if the child was found in a condition of abandonment in Italy;
- late paternity or maternity recognition (even by a court of law) until the completion of the age 18;
- adoption;
- voluntary acquisition (residence, marriage, and other specific cases);
- Rendered extraordinary services to the Italian State;
- Being considered a person of recognised strategic value for the Italian State;
Once all the necessary documentation has been gathered and all the conditions are met, you can apply for Italian citizenship.
The timeline differs depending on which way the citizenship is acquired.
They can be divided into the following steps:
- Understand what’s needed: one day
- Collect and prepare the documents: One to two weeks. However, when requesting citizenship by descent, it can take up to two years to gather the correct paperwork as it depends on each case and country
- File the request: one day
- Decision for the request: Typically up to 24 months
- Schedule swearing ceremony: Usually 30 to 60 days but can be as longer depending on the competent authority
- Release of ID Card: One to two weeks
- Release of ID passport: 30 to 45 days
Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis Italy)
One of the quickest and simplest ways to become an Italian citizen is through jure sanguinis, often known as citizenship by descent (by blood). The number of descendants who can claim Italian ancestry through their paternal or maternal line is unrestricted. Additionally, there is no generational restriction while applying in Italy. In other words, you can get Italian Citizenship through your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and great great grandparents.
You must first decide if you are eligible based on your ancestry in order to comprehend how to become an Italian citizen through ancestry (jus sanguinis), as there are specific legal requirements you must meet in order to qualify. If a person’s mother or father, grandfather, or great-grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of their birth, or if their paternal or maternal great-grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of their birth, they may be eligible to apply for recognition of their Italian ancestry.
You must locate and obtain certified copies of the necessary official documents in the hometown or city of your family member in order to claim Italian citizenship jure sanguinis. You must also follow the correct application procedures through your neighborhood Italian consulate or embassy. This is the route to take if you want to become an Italian citizen by blood. Depending on the complexity of your case and the wait period at the Italian consulate near you, this process can take anywhere from three months to three years to complete.
Benefits: Applying for Italian citizenship by descent is an easy process that will be automatically passed down from one generation to the next.
Cons: Children born before January 1, 1948 from an Italian woman who married a foreign citizen, can only have their citizenship recognized by a judicial court in Italy.
For more information on this type of citizenship, click here.
Citizenship by Marriage
Got in love with an Italian? You’re in luck then! Italian citizenship can also be obtained through matrimony.
If this applies to you, you can obtain citizenship after two years of marriage if you reside in Italy or after three years if you do not. Either way, you’ll need to submit a citizenship application.
Pros: You can establish a place among the Italians with a little effort and an application. However, speaking Italian is a requirement for acceptance.
Cons: You must meet and fall in love with a native Italian in order for this to work.
For more information on this type of citizenship, click here.
Citizenship by Naturalization
The residency/naturalization process is arguably the most difficult way to become an Italian citizen. You must establish a permanent residency in Italy and spend at least six months there each year with a visa in order to proceed.
Depending on your unique situation, you must additionally fulfill the statutory time limit. In some circumstances, you must have resided in Italy for at least ten years before you can apply. It can be a difficult journey with many criteria, but if it’s what you desire, it’s worth it. Click here for more details about applying through residence.
You might just need to wait four years if you have some Italian heritage rather than the full ten years required for non-descendant residents.
Pros: Obtaining citizenship status just requires patience and knowledge of visa regulations.
Cons: Getting Italian citizenship requires at least ten years of residing legally on a visa. If the Italian government determines that you pose any form of security concern, they may potentially deny your application.
For more information on this type of citizenship in Italy, click here.
Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship
Your current US citizenship will not be affected by your Italian Citizenship. Both dual citizenship and holding both passports are simultaneously possible. Having dual citizenship may or may not be a possibility for you, depending on where you are relocating from. In some nations, you can only have one citizenship.
Although it is not required by Italian law, your former nation of origin may forbid you from holding dual citizenship with Italy. Find out if your nation demands this by doing some research.
For information on how to apply for Italian citizenship by descent, whether you qualify, and how to gain dual citizenship in the US and Italy with a passport, get in touch with our Italian immigration specialists.
Benefits of dual citizenship include the ability to obtain an Italian passport and the exemption from paying taxes on money earned abroad.
Cons: If your parents acquired US citizenship prior to 1992, they lost their dual citizenship privileges, and you would have lost them as well. Documentation is required to support your claim to be recognized as a dual citizen.
What Documentation Do I Need?
Qualifying for Italian citizenship can be done in many ways. However, the visa applicant needs to provide appropriate documentation as listed below:
Italian Citizenship by Residence:
- Certificate of Residence in Italy. This is usually for a 10-year period
- Family State certificate
- B1 level of knowledge of the Italian language
- Valid Passport from your country
- Valid Italian Residence Permit
- Clean criminal record in Italy or other countries of previous residence
- Three years of tax declarations
- Proof of income. This must be at least €6,041.70 annually for the main applicant and €3,020.85 for each dependent family member
Italian Citizenship by Marriage:
- Certificate of Residence in Italy. This must show at least two years of residence
- Family State certificate;
- B1 level of knowledge of the Italian language
- Valid Passport from your country
- Valid Italian Residence Permit
- Clean criminal record in Italy or other countries of previous residence
- Marriage Certificate in long-version
- “Proof Of Life” for the spouse
The above applies to those married after April 27, 1983. If you married before then, you must show the following.
- Valid Passport of your country;
- Marriage Certificate in long-version. This must be registered in Italy
Italian Citizenship by descent, or Jure Sanguinis:
- Italian Certificate of Birth of the applicant’s Italian Ancestor. This is called “Estratto per Riassunto dell’Atto di Nascita”
- Marriage and death certificates (in long-form) of applicant’s Italian Ancestor
- Certificates of birth, marriage and death of the members of the direct lineage. This must be in long-form
- The applicant’s certification of birth – and marriage if married. This must be in long-form
- A Negative Naturalization certificate from the authority of where the ancestor resided
- A scanned copy of the applicant passport
- Certificate of legal residence in Italy if applying from within Italy
All of these, except the passport, must be translated into Italian by a sworn translator. Both the original document and the translation must be legalized.
Whatever route you choose to citizenship, having Italian citizenship has several advantages. Nevertheless, obtaining Italian citizenship frequently calls for patience and time, just like any other government procedure. Remember that depending on your unique situation, the requirements for Italian citizenship will differ for each method.
If you persist, you might be able to obtain Italian citizenship and take advantage of all the advantages that come with it.
Please get in touch with our Italian citizenship lawyers team if you have any additional questions to learn more about our citizenship services that can help you become an Italian citizen.
How can a lawyer help me with the italian citizenship?
A lawyer can be a valuable asset in assisting you with the Italian Citizenship process by:
Assessing eligibility: A lawyer will evaluate your specific situation to determine if you qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalization.
Document preparation: They assist in gathering the required documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residency, and any necessary translations or apostilles.
Application submission: A lawyer ensures that your citizenship application is accurately completed and submitted to the relevant Italian authorities, minimizing the risk of errors or delays.
Navigating bureaucracy: Italian bureaucracy can be complex; a lawyer will help you navigate the process, including dealing with consulates, local municipalities, or the Ministry of the Interior.
Appealing rejections: If your citizenship application is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision, addressing any issues that led to the rejection.
Ongoing legal support: They can assist with follow-up requests for additional documentation, interviews, and the final stages of obtaining Italian citizenship.
If you’d like, we can discuss your specific situation in more detail to help you through the Italian citizenship process.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in Italy a reality.
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Italian Citizenship with Giancarlo
“Getting a Citizenship in Italy can be complicated, but Giancarlo will help you understand the process.
- What is the Italian Citizenship
- Benefits of the Citizenship in Italy
- What type of citizenship can I apply for?
- What is the process to get the Citizenship
Quality Life for You and Your Family
Why Italy?
Obtaining citizenship in Italy offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Italy’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of Italian hospitality, savor its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich Italian culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Italy has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned Italian food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Italy has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefits of Italian citizenship?
Italian citizenship pertains to an individual’s legal status and standing within Italy.
Italian citizens have various rights, including the right to live and work in Italy, access to healthcare and education, and the ability to travel within the European Union without restrictions. They also have civic responsibilities, such as voting in Italian elections and serving in the Italian military (under certain conditions).
Is it possible for an American to acquire Italian citizenship?
Certainly. It is possible for an American to attain Italian citizenship if they can demonstrate legitimate connections to Italian ancestry. Alternatively, you may be eligible to pursue dual citizenship through marriage, and this process does not necessitate renouncing your American citizenship.
What are the steps to obtain Italian citizenship?
If you have confirmed ancestral ties to Italy, you can complete an application form and assemble the necessary documents to support your Italian citizenship application. Subsequently, you must schedule an appointment at your local Italian consulate. During this meeting, you will submit your application, and the consulate will assess it before making a final decision regarding your eligibility for Italian citizenship.
How can one acquire dual citizenship in Italy?
To secure dual citizenship in Italy, you should initiate the application process at your local Italian Consulate. Following your consulate appointment, you will need to wait for several months while your application is reviewed and potentially approved. The approval is contingent upon the validity of your supporting documents and your claims to Italian ancestry.
What is the typical duration for obtaining dual citizenship in Italy?
Upon acceptance of your application, it may take more than six months for the consulate to review and formalize your application. Subsequently, you can proceed to apply for an Italian passport. The entire process usually spans between two to three years.
Is it possible for US citizens to hold dual citizenship with Italy?
Yes, it is possible for US citizens to maintain dual citizenship with Italy. While dual citizenship is not formally recognized under US law, there are no legal restrictions against holding dual citizenship with another country. Consequently, you can pursue dual citizenship in Italy without having to renounce your US citizenship rights.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship if I was born in Italy but am not of Italian descent?
Yes, if you were born in Italy but do not have Italian ancestry, you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements. Typically, you need to have legally resided in Italy for a specified number of years to qualify.
Is there an age limit for applying for Italian citizenship through descent?
No, there is no specific age limit for applying for Italian citizenship through descent. You can apply at any age if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Are there language requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship?
In some cases, you may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language as part of your citizenship application. The language requirement can vary depending on your circumstances and the specific eligibility criteria.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record may affect your eligibility for Italian citizenship. It’s important to consult with the Italian consulate or a legal expert to understand how your specific circumstances might impact your application.
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