Obtaining Italian citizenship has significant benefits that come with being a citizen of an EU member state. Italian citizens have the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries without the need for visas or work permits, providing unparalleled freedom of movement. This opens up a wealth of opportunities for career advancement, educational pursuits, and personal exploration across the continent. Additionally, Italian citizens can access comprehensive healthcare and social services in any EU country, ensuring a high quality of life and security. Overall, Italian citizenship not only connects individuals to Italy’s rich cultural heritage but also grants them the expansive benefits and opportunities of the entire European Union. Italy, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, attracts many people who wish to become its citizens.
There are many ways to obtain Italian Citizenship and one the most advantageous routes is through “jus sanguinis,” or citizenship by descent. This method allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim citizenship based on their lineage
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of getting Italian citizenship by descent, the various ways to obtain it, the time necessary for each process, and why the descent route is particularly advantageous. And if you would like to explore the possibility of going through the process in person, this article will show you why applying in italy can be very beneficial.
Ways to Obtain Italian Citizenship
- Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
- Citizenship by Marriage
- Citizenship by Naturalization
- Citizenship by Birth on Italian Soil (Jus Soli)
1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Italian citizenship law is based on the principle of “jus sanguinis” (right of blood), meaning that Italian citizenship is passed down from parent to child. This method allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship if they have Italian ancestors, regardless of where they were born.
Requirements:
- Proof of Italian ancestry (this can be shown with birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates).
- Continuous lineage without any breaks (e.g., ancestors did not renounce their Italian citizenship).
- Documentation proving the ancestor’s Italian citizenship at the time of their child’s birth.
Time Necessary:
- The time frame can vary significantly if applying in the consulate where the applicant resides or in person once the applicant is in Italy. When applying in a consulate, it can take up to 3 years, but applying in Italy can cut that time in half, or even more. For more information on the necessary steps to do it in person, please go here: Also it is important to note that the time frame will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the efficiency of the consulate or Italian authorities involved.
2. Citizenship by Marriage
Foreign spouses of Italian citizens can apply for citizenship after a certain period of marriage.
Requirements:
- Three years of marriage if residing abroad or two years if residing in Italy.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of Italian by passing a B1 level test of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Proof of continuous marriage and Italian citizenship of the spouse.
Time Necessary:
- Between 2 to 4 years after the application is submitted.
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Foreigners can apply for Italian citizenship after legally residing in Italy for a specific period.
Requirements:
- Ten years of legal residence in Italy for non-EU citizens and 4 years for EU citizens.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of Italian by passing a B1 level test of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Demonstration of financial stability and integration into Italian society.
Time Necessary:
- This process usually takes 10 to 12 years, considering the residency requirement and the application processing time.
4. Citizenship by Birth on Italian Soil (Jus Soli)
This is less common in Italy, as citizenship by birth on Italian soil is only granted under specific circumstances, such as statelessness of the child or parents.
Why Citizenship by Descent is the Best Way
1. Not Italian Fluency as a Requisite
Not having to be fluent in Italian as a requisite for obtaining Italian citizenship is a significant advantage, allowing individuals with Italian ancestry to claim their citizenship without the additional burden of mastering the language, which can be time-consuming and challenging. This is particularly beneficial for those who plan to live and work in other EU countries where Italian may not be commonly used.
2. Broad Eligibility
The eligibility for citizenship by descent is broad. Unlike naturalization or marriage, which have stringent residency and time requirements, citizenship by descent can be claimed by anyone with Italian lineage, regardless of where they currently reside.
3. EU Citizenship Benefits
As an Italian citizen, you gain access to the benefits of EU citizenship, including:
- The right to live, work, and study in any EU country without restrictions.
- Access to social services and healthcare across the EU.
- The ability to vote in European elections.
4. Faster and Less Stringent Process
While the documentation process for proving ancestry can be extensive, it is often faster and less stringent than the naturalization process, which requires a lengthy residency period and demonstration of integration into Italian society.
Legal Procedures and Documentation
To obtain Italian citizenship by descent, follow these steps:
- Gather Documentation:
- Obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestor.
- Collect documentation proving the continuous lineage to yourself (e.g., your parent’s birth certificate).
- Authenticate Documents:
- Ensure all documents are translated into Italian and legalized (apostilled) as required.
- Submit Application:
- Submit your application to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over your residence or directly in Italy if you are residing there.
- Provide additional documentation as requested.
- Wait for Approval:
- The consulate or Italian authorities will review your application.
After becoming a citizen, you can apply for an Italian passport at the local “Questura” (police headquarters) if you have applied for Italian citizenship by descent directly in Italy. And if you have applied for citizenship jure sanguinis (by descent) via an Italian consulate, you can apply at the same Italian consulate.