Italian Dual Citizenship Application: Seven Steps Guide

Italian Citizenship Application: 7 Steps for your Document Preparation Guide

August 21, 2023

Introduction

When applying for Italian citizenship, proper document preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful application process. This article aims to guide you through the steps of gathering, organizing, and submitting the required documents and records for the application, either at your local consulate or at a town hall directly in Italy. By following these guidelines after you have finished your genealogy research and know where your records are located, you can enhance your chances of a successful citizenship application. If you are still looking for Italian vital records, refer to our previous article here.

Preparation of your vital records dossier

1. Gathering and issuing vital records

Begin by collecting or issuing your vital records and those of your family members as direct descendants of your Italian ancestor, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates and any other relevant documentation. To obtain the required certified copies, applicants must approach the Office of Vital Statistics in the respective State or County where the event occurred.

Ensure the vital records are issued as "certified copies" or commonly referred to as "long form," "full form," or "book copy." It is important to note that "abstract" versions of these certificates are not acceptable. It’s advisable to use documents issued within a year. Please be aware that Church Records from your country of origin are generally not accepted unless specific circumstances apply, this is important to note specifically for very older records.

You will also have to gather the vital records of your Italian ancestor with Italian public officials. Your ancestor’s naturalization status certificate will be issued by the Government of your country. These documents play an essential role in proving your lineage and eligibility for citizenship. Vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates establish a direct link between you and your Italian forebear, serving as compelling evidence for your application. Marriage and death certificates are likely to be found in your home country or where your Italian ancestor has lived previously. Please refer to our article Quick guide on how to gather your Italian ancestor's vital records for Italian citizenship application.

2. Validating your eligibility to Italian citizenship

Once you've obtained all the required vital records, including of your Italian ancestor, the next crucial phase in your journey towards Italian citizenship by descent involves validating your eligibility. It's vital to ensure that none of the special rules or restrictive criteria apply to your specific case. This step demands a comprehensive understanding of the Italian citizenship laws, as they can encompass intricate regulations related to factors like gender, generation skips, and naturalization dates. Thoroughly reviewing these regulations in light of your lineage will help you avoid potential pitfalls and complications during your application process. Check our eligibility page to know more.

3. Correcting/amending vital records if necessary

After issuing all vital records, you have to check for discrepancies and errors. Kindly note that Italian town halls or even Italian consulates now exercise stringent scrutiny concerning any discrepancies or inconsistencies found in documentation, which may ultimately result in the denial of your application. These inconsistencies often manifest as changes in names (first and last), misspellings, adoption of nationalized versions of names, nicknames, variations in dates or birthplaces, and more.

It is of utmost importance to rectify any variations or errors in both your own and your ancestors' documentation. Failure to do so may lead to the rejection of your application by the town hall or consulate. To ensure proper processing of your application, it is imperative that each discrepancy and variation is legally rectified using an official "affidavit to amend a record" accompanied by appropriate documentation. Get in touch with us if you need support with amendments/corrections of your vital records.

4. Translating national vital records to Italian

To meet the requirements of the Italian citizenship application process, it's crucial to translate your documents into Italian. Seek the services of a professional certified translator to accurately translate the content while maintaining the necessary legal terminology. Some Italian Consulates and Embassies may provide a list of recommended certified translators in their jurisdiction. For example, in the US, you can find a list of certified translators for the Jurisdiction of the Consulate of New York. Check this list for all Italian Consulates and Embassies jurisdictions in the US.

5. Authenticate original and translated national vital records with Apostille

Your vital records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and (non-)naturalization certificate) issued in your own home country will require an Apostille, which is an authentication stamp verifying the document's authenticity so they can be legally used abroad. Please refer to the Consulate's list of US records that require authentication with an Apostille for use in Italy, and proceed to send the original records to the appropriate US Government Office for authentication with an Apostille.

Organizing and Arranging Documents

Once you have gathered and prepared all the necessary documents, it's time to organize them in a systematic manner. Create a file or folder specifically for your Italian citizenship application and arrange the documents according to the provided checklist. Don’t forget to attach a family tree! It also helps to create a little summary index with the pages and key information from every document. This will help streamline the submission process and ensure that no documents are missed.

To help you organize this, we prepared a free detailed document checklist for you which is available for download.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, you can go on to the next phase which is preparing for the application. The most common ways are: 1) Applying at an Italian consulate within the jurisdiction where you reside; or 2) Applying directly at an Italian town hall. The processes are different and each one has pro and cons, you can read more about their differences here.

At Passport-Euro, we always recommend applying directly in Italy for those who can. The reason is that the town halls usually only need a couple months to process your request, while the consulates usually need years or longer. This is even more relevant now given the proposed upcoming negative restrictions that might demand applicants to speak Italian and in some cases even live in Italy for a year before even being able to apply - check our blog post on this. If you want to protect yourself from these changes, click here to know more about our services and how we can help you.

Conclusion

Preparing the documents and records for an Italian citizenship application is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your application is well-prepared and stands a better chance of success. Remember to gather all the required documents, translate and apostille them if necessary, organize them systematically, and submit the application with care. Good luck on your journey towards obtaining Italian citizenship!

Free available resources

Start your journey towards Italian citizenship by capturing your family's legacy in a visually captivating way. Download your free family tree template and document checklist now and embark on an extraordinary exploration of your heritage!

What is Italian citizenship by descent, and how can I qualify for it?: Italian citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship through ancestry, allows individuals with Italian heritage to acquire Italian citizenship. To qualify, you must have at least one Italian parent, grandparent, or, in some cases, great-grandparent. You can apply by gathering the necessary documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestors, and following the application process at your local consulate or directly in Italy. Use our Free Eligibility Assessment.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship by descent if my ancestors' records are incomplete or unavailable?: If your ancestors' records are incomplete or unavailable, proving your Italian descent can be challenging. In such cases, professional genealogists or Italian citizenship specialists can assist in tracing your family history and acquiring necessary documentation. We have access to specialized archives and resources to increase the likelihood of a successful application. Contact us and let us know how we can help you.
What are the benefits of acquiring Italian citizenship by descent?: Acquiring Italian citizenship by descent opens up a world of opportunities. You gain the right to live, work, and study in Italy and other European Union countries without a visa. Additionally, you become eligible for social benefits, access to healthcare, and the chance to embrace your Italian heritage and culture.
How long does the Italian citizenship by descent application process usually take at the Consulate in the US?: The timeline for the Italian citizenship by descent application can vary depending on factors such as the consulate's workload and the completeness of your documents. Generally, the process may take several 7 months to 5 or 6 years only to get an appointment. After that you will need to wait from 6 months to sometimes multiple years to get it processed.
How long does the Italian citizenship by descent application process usually take while applying in Italy?: It depends heavily on the municipality you choose. The bigger cities with more applications can take up to a year to process, while most cities only need from 3 to 7 seven months for it. This also includes the subsequent request for the Italian Passport, which can also demand a couple months to be issued at the consulates. We are specialized in helping clients to apply in Italy, contact us and get a quote, if you want to start this journey with us.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship by descent if my ancestors naturalized in another country?: If your Italian ancestors naturalized in another country, they may have lost their Italian citizenship. However, some situations may still allow you to be eligible for Italian citizenship, depending on the timing of the naturalization and specific Italian laws in place at the time. In particular, the child of the ancestor needs to have been born before the naturalization, if this is not your case, you may have some other option, contact us for more information.
Do I need to speak Italian fluently to apply for Italian citizenship by descent?: Fluency in Italian is not a requirement for Italian citizenship by descent yet. However, the current governing party is proposing to change this very soon, maybe as early as 2024. They are also proposing the introduction of a 1 year residency requirement before the application, get to know more here:
Can I apply for Italian citizenship by descent if my parent's Italian citizenship is through adoption?: Yes! As long as the person transmitting the citizenship adopts you before the age of 18. Or if your adoptive parents have been married before the adoption happened.
Is there an age limit for applying for Italian citizenship by descent?: There is no age limit for applying for Italian citizenship by descent. Whether you are a minor or an adult, you can still pursue citizenship through your Italian ancestry as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship by descent if my ancestors come from regions that were not part of modern-day Italy?: Not all regions. If the Italian ancestor was born in the Trentino region (Trento, Bolzano, Gorizia) between 1866 and 1920 there is no right to Italian citizenship as the region belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire until this date.
Can I pass on Italian citizenship to my children if I acquire it through descent?: Yes, if you acquire Italian citizenship through descent, you can pass it on to your children. Italian citizenship acquired through descent is passed down through generations, allowing your children to also become Italian citizens and enjoy the same rights and privileges. Yet it is important to request the Italian birth certificate of your children right after getting yours or at least before they turn 18. If you do not do this before they will need to go to the same process as you did yourself and that could save them a lot of money, time and trouble.