How You Can Qualify for Italian Dual Citizenship
If you are of Italian ancestry or are married to an Italian citizen, you may be eligible for Italian dual citizenship. If you have ever wondered about becoming an Italian citizen, these guidelines and our questionnaire will help you decide if you or a family member should apply for Italian citizenship.
There are many legal paths to becoming an Italian citizen, even if you or your children were not born in Italy. Under Italian citizenship laws, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, by marriage, or by meeting other specific criteria.
Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)
According to Italian law, you and your descendants may be entitled to Italian citizenship if your Italian ancestors maintained an uninterrupted line of citizenship leading to your generation. If you were born in the United States or in another country which granted you its citizenship at birth “jure soli” (by law of the soil), you may also claim Italian citizenship “jure sanguinis” (by law of the bloodline.) Of course, you will need to provide the necessary documentation and meet the other Italian citizenship requirements, a process with which we can assist you.
Italian Citizenship by Marriage (Jure Matrimonii)
It is also possible to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage. Since April 27th, 1983, the foreign spouse of an Italian citizen may request to acquire Italian citizenship after two years of marriage if residing in Italy, and after three years if residing abroad. Necessary documentation will include a marriage certificate, criminal background clearance, and standard proof of residency documents.
Reclaiming Italian Citizenship Lost Through Naturalization or Immigration
Some individuals who were born in Italy and became U.S. citizens (or citizen of any other country) before August 16th, 1992, may have automatically lost their Italian citizenship due to naturalization. If your ancestor was naturalized due to past immigration processes, it is often possible to reclaim your rights and the benefits of dual citizenship for yourself and your children.
Renouncing Italian Citizenship
For personal or business reasons you may wish to formally renounce your rights to Italian citizenship. Dual citizens registered in the AIRE (Registry of Italian Nationals living abroad) can renounce their Italian citizenship voluntarily by making a formal declaration and submitting the required documents at the Consulate on the day of their appointment, with our help if needed.
Advantages of Applying for Italian Citizenship
Some of the reasons that individuals and families choosing to pursue dual Italian American citizenship include:
- The ability to purchase property in Italy and/or reside there indefinitely
- The right to work and to some preference in hiring for jobs within the European Union
- The ability to study, reside, or work not only in Italy but across the 27 EU countries without the need for a work or travel visa
- Access to high quality medical care and public education which is a right of EU citizens
- The right to vote in Italian elections and travel under an Italian passport
- Tax-free import of vehicles and other high value items from the US to Italy as personal property
- Reconnecting or establishing family and cultural ties associated with your Italian heritage
Italian Citizenship Assistance Is Available Here
To complete the process of applying for Italian citizenship, you will need to obtain documentation to support your application, possibly translate those into Italian, and submit the complete package to the correct regional or local Italian Consulate Office. Navigating this process is much easier with a guide familiar with the path.
At the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program, we will review your unique situation and consult with you on how to most effectively become a dual Italian American citizen. We can provide translation services, research portals, and help you identify the right Consulate to schedule an application review. With our wealth of experience helping individuals and families formally establish the dual citizenship to which they are entitled, the process can be an exciting way to learn about your ancestors and reconnect with your heritage.
The eligibility guidelines and process may seem daunting, but we at the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program will show you how to determine if you are eligible and assist in the process at every step of the journey. The first step is our simple questionnaire to see if you are likely to qualify for Italian dual citizenship. Try it now or contact us for a free telephone consultation!
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