How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent: Requirements and Process

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Ancestral Lineage: You must have an Italian ancestor who was alive on or after March 17, 1
2. No Previous Renunciation: Neither you nor the ancestor(s) through whom you are claiming citizenship should have formally renounced Italian citizenship while the descendants were still minors (<18 years old).

REMEMBER: There is no generational limit, and anyone with an Italian ancestor, male or female, can apply (thanks to the court's approval of the 1948 case). Please find more information about Maternal Lineage case here.

Required Documentation

The application process requires gathering several vital records to prove your eligibility. These typically include:

1. Birth Certificates: For every person in the lineage connecting you to the Italian ancestor, including your own.
2. Marriage Certificates: To establish family connections and name changes (if applicable).
3. Death Certificates: For deceased ancestors in the lineage.
4. Naturalization Records:
5. Documentation proving your Italian ancestor never naturalized or naturalized after the birth of the next person in your lineage.
6. If applicable, records of your ancestor’s naturalization in another country.
7. Certified Translations and Apostilles:
8. All non-Italian documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator.
9. Documents must also bear an apostille, an international certification confirming their authenticity.

The Application Process

1. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary records from both Italy and the countries where your ancestors lived. Please review the list mentioned in the 'Required Documentation' paragraph.
2. Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted at:
3. The Italian consulate in your country of residence.
4. The local municipality (comune) in Italy, if you reside in Italy.
5. A local court in Italy, especially in cases involving the 1948 rule.
6. Pay Required Fees: Italian consulates and municipalities may charge administrative fees for processing your application.
7. Wait for Processing: Depending on where you apply, processing times can range from several months to a few years. Consulates generally have longer wait times compared to applications processed in Italy.

How AcrossBoundaries Can Support You

Navigating the complexities of Italian citizenship by descent can be a daunting task. That's where AcrossBoundaries comes in. We are a team of dual citizenship lawyers working directly with the Italian Court, which allows our customers to avoid delays at consulates and obtain Italian citizenship within one year. Moreover, we successfully handle maternal line cases, enabling descendants of Italian mothers prior to 1948 to obtain Italian citizenship. AcrossBoundaries services include:

• Personalized Service: We tailor our services to your specific needs, ensuring a smooth and effortless process.
• Seamless Online Process: Benefit from our fully digital services, ensuring all documentation is managed online for a streamlined and hassle-free experience.
• Efficient Scheduling: We optimize your application timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process.
• Full Ownership of Your Application Process: We provide comprehensive support, handling every aspect of your application from start to finish.
• Collaboration with the Italian Court: If needed, we involve the Italian Court at no additional cost to ensure the successful acquisition of Italian citizenship.
• Meticulous Documentation: We prepare and submit all required documents, ensuring they meet the strict requirements.

Conclusion

Reconnecting with your Italian heritage through citizenship is not only a meaningful journey but also a valuable opportunity to enjoy the privileges of being an Italian and EU citizen. If you believe you qualify, start gathering your documentation today to embark on this rewarding process. With AcrossBoundaries by your side, the dream of obtaining Italian citizenship can become a reality.

Contact Us

Obtaining Italian citizenship is a complex process that can require a significant time investment, and mistakes or incomplete paperwork

could jeopardize your application. If you have any doubts or questions about the Italian citizenship by descent application, BOOK A 100% FREE CONSULTATION TODAY. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.