How to Get Dual Citizenship in Italy with Less Stress & More Efficiently

Many U.S. citizens are now exploring options on how to get dual citizenship in Italy and other countries. For many Americans, citizenship is more attainable than they might realize, meaning they can immigrate to Italy if they choose.

There are also several other benefits one can enjoy upon filing an Italian citizenship application, as many people just want an unrestricted extended stay rather than living there. An Italian passport gives you that freedom.

It is worthwhile to note the processes to apply for citizenship in Italy and other countries that allow U.S. citizens to obtain dual status can be complex, time-consuming, and complicated if you do not know what to do. By using these great tips, you will find that even though there is a time constraint, the overall processes can be less stressful and more efficient.

This is how to get citizenship in Italy and get that Italian passport.

1. Learn about the different paths to dual citizenship status and Italian law.

Italy makes it possible to obtain dual citizenship status and therefore an Italian passport through Italian ancestors, by marriage, and by obtaining a work visa and living in Italy for a specific period. Which path you choose will depend on whether you have Italian ancestors that qualify you for citizenship by descent.

It’s worth noting that Italian citizenship by descent (also known as Jure Sanguinis) or marriage is generally faster than Italian citizenship by residency, though nothing is instant.

If you are looking to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, you should also ensure you don’t have any potential barriers, such as a criminal record.

2. Get advice and assistance from a qualified Italian dual citizenship service.

Italian dual citizenship services can help provide the guidance and assistance required to determine which path to citizenship is best for you. They can even provide a translation service that is required for various documents you need to submit with your application.

3. Schedule your application review appointment at the Italian consulate.

You will need to submit your application for citizenship and an Italian passport in person at the Italian consulate. The wait time for an appointment at the Italian consulate can range from six months to up to two years.

This is partially why it’s important to seek Italian citizenship assistance. Errors in paperwork will delay the Italian citizenship process further.

4. Gather the appropriate application documents and have them translated into Italian.

The Italian government requires all documentation that is not issued in Italy and Italian to be translated and submitted with an original copy of the document, such as naturalization records, vital records, and medical records. Make sure your translations are in order.

5. Have an Italian dual citizenship service review your application.

You will want to make sure your application has been completed correctly by having expert assistance. The last thing you want is to arrive at the Italian consulate for your application review and be told there are issues and problems you will need to correct, and then have to schedule another review appointment.

6. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your application review appointment.

Make sure you arrive at the Italian consulate at least 15 minutes early to allow time to check in, go through security, and make your way to the location where your meeting is taking place. You don’t want to arrive late and make a poor impression on the interviewer, as even if you meet the eligibility requirements, the interviewer has the final say.

How to Apply for Italian Citizenship Faster

Unfortunately, there is no way to click your fingers and get Italian citizenship instantly. It can be a lengthy process—however, there is a way to speed things up and get Italian dual citizenship faster.

You can choose to apply for Italian citizenship through the Italian courts instead of the consulate. This is an expensive way to fast-track applications, but it does work—and also allows you to apply for multiple family members at once, getting you your Italian passport faster.

This is generally faster because foreign consulates have longer wait times. You can also choose to go through an Italian comune, but that process can be very difficult, meaning it’s not the best path for most dual citizenship applicants. The courts are the most viable option, and you don’t need to be in Italy to go through this process.

Get Started and Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship Today

For further details and to find out more about how to get dual citizenship in Italy and your Italian passport, please feel free to contact the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program at (305) 812-5512 today for your FREE 30-minute initial consultation.