How long does it take to get Italian citizenship: A guide to timelines and requirements

When did Italians immigrate? A timeline of Italian migration

Italian immigration, a significant movement spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, was driven by a multitude of factors including economic hardships, political turmoil, and social transformations. This migration not only shaped the lives of those who left Italy but also had a profound impact on the communities they established abroad, particularly in the Americas and Europe. Understanding this historical context is essential to appreciate the rich tapestry of cultural and social contributions made by Italian immigrants.

11/22/2024

Schedule an Appointment at the Italian Consulate: step-by-step guide to booking successfully

When it comes to applying for citizenship, passports, and related services, scheduling an appointment at the Italian consulate is crucial. The demand for these services is often high, making it essential to secure an appointment well in advance to avoid any delays. Prenot@Mi is the online system utilized by Italian consulates worldwide to schedule consular services. Whether you’re applying for a passport, or a visa, Prenot@Mi is the go-to platform for all your scheduling needs.

11/21/2024

The Italian citizenship history

The concept of Italian citizenship has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting the country’s complex political history and social changes. Today, Italian citizenship is highly sought after by many foreigners, not only because of the cultural and historical heritage it offers but also due to the various rights and privileges it provides within the European Union. Understanding the history of Italian citizenship gives us insight into the legislative and societal shifts that have shaped the current laws. This article delves into the major milestones in the evolution of Italian citizenship, highlighting key dates, laws, and their implications.

11/20/2024

How to get an Italian passport after citizenship recognition

The Italian passport is not just a travel document; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities. As the official travel document for Italian citizens, it grants the holder unprecedented global access, including visa-free entry to numerous countries. This includes the United States, which allows Italian passport holders to visit for up to 90 days without a visa through the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program. More than a tool for travel, the Italian passport is a powerful symbol of belonging to the European Union (EU). It confers rights such as free movement and residency within EU member states.

11/19/2024

Translation for Italian citizenship: what you need to know

Obtaining Italian citizenship is an intricate and detail-oriented process. One crucial aspect of this journey is ensuring that all documents submitted are accurately translated into Italian. This necessity rises from the requirement to have documents issued in other countries accepted by Italian authorities, ensuring they are understood and recognized without any issues. Translation for Italian citizenship is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle but a fundamental step in guaranteeing that your application is clear, complete, and compliant with Italian regulations.

11/19/2024

Federal apostille: a key step in your Italian citizenship process

An apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of documents intended for use in international contexts. It’s essential for documents to be authenticated with an apostille when they are part of processes such as acquiring Italian citizenship. The apostille certifies that the document in question is legitimate and has been issued by the appropriate authority, thereby ensuring its acceptance by foreign institutions. This practice aligns with the Hague Convention of 1961, which established a simplified method of certifying documents for international use.

11/18/2024

Acquiring Italian Citizenship

Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and enchanting landscapes, beckons dreamers worldwide. If you plan to embrace Italian identity, you might have wondered how long it takes to go through this process. Let’s delve into the intricacies of acquiring Italian citizenship. Whether you’re tracing your lineage through descent, seeking citizenship through marriage, or establishing residency, understanding the process and associated timeframes is crucial.

Italian citizenship by descent (Jus Sanguinis)

Preparing the correct documents for the citizenship process can take from 1 to more than 2 years, depending on the case. The process involves the following steps:

Research and Documentation: The journey begins by researching Italian vital records to establish your eligibility. You’ll need evidence that your ancestor was born in Italy.

Naturalization Records: if your ancestor naturalized in another country, such as the United States, obtaining the relevant naturalization records is crucial. Alternatively, you must document that no such records exist.

Certified Vital Records: locating other certified vital records from the relevant jurisdictions, such as state, county, and township records, is necessary.

Document Rectification: if any of your documents contain errors or discrepancies, such as incorrect names or dates, you will need to correct these before submitting them. This may involve requesting amended records from the issuing authorities. Ensure that all documents are accurate and consistent to avoid delays in the citizenship process.

Translation: once you’ve gathered the necessary documents, they must be translated into Italian. If your documents are in a language other than Italian, you will need to find a certified translator to translate them into Italian.

Apostille: for documents from countries that are part of the Hague Convention, they will need to be apostilled to verify their authenticity. This step is crucial to ensure that your documents are recognized as valid in Italy.

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Italian Consulate Processing

Consulates are legally allowed up to 24 months to process Italian citizenship applications by descent. However, the actual processing time may be shorter. It’s important to note that delays can occur if there are issues with the documentation, such as incorrect translations, missing documents, or errors requiring rectification. If your application exceeds the 24-month timeframe, legal action options become available.

Italian Court System

The waiting time for this process ranges from a few months to 18 months.

You can opt for the judicial route, which offers a significant cost-benefit in terms of effectiveness, time, and expense. Not only in special cases, but you can choose this route at any time.

In this route, your case will be represented by lawyers directly in Italian courts, ensuring standardized procedures and high success rates.

Those with 1948 cases (where an Italian female ancestor gave birth before 1948) can apply to an Italian court for recognition of their citizenship. Applications must be filed within the municipality of the family member’s birth. The waiting time for this option ranges from 2 to 18 months. Additional hearings may be necessary, depending on required documents.

Please bear in mind that starting from June 22, 2022 all 1948 cases must be filed at the court that covers the jurisdiction of the applicant’s ancestor’s municipality of birth.

Italian Citizenship by Marriage

If you’re married to an Italian citizen and reside in Italy, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship. Non-Italian spouses can apply for Italian citizenship after 2 years from the date of marriage or civil union. If you have minor children, the waiting time is halved. The application process involves online submission and an appointment at the local “Prefettura” (prefecture) in Italy.

If you reside abroad, spouses can apply for Italian citizenship after 3 years from the date of marriage or civil union. Again, the waiting time is halved if you have minor children. The application process includes online submission and an appointment at the Italian consulate.

Italian Citizenship by Residency

For EU citizens:

You can apply for Italian citizenship by residency after 4 years of legal residency in Italy.

For non-EU citizens:

The requirement is at least 10 years of legal residency in Italy.

However, some categories of individuals can apply after 3 years of legal residency, such as foreigners whose parents or grandparents were Italian by birth, and foreigners born in Italy who didn’t apply for Italian citizenship when they turned 18.

The processing time to be recognized as an Italian citizen by virtue of residency is typically 24 months (which can be extended to 36 months).

Important information

Remember, every name and date must be correct, any minor mistake can lead your process to be delayed. The path to Italian citizenship involves meticulous research, document collection, translation, consulate processing, and potential legal avenues. If you find the process to be too demanding and time consuming, you should consider hiring expert assistance, such as io.citizen. Our team of experts is ready to make your dream of Italian citizenship a reality. Contact us today!