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Summary

Italian citizenship by descent, also known as “jus sanguinis,” allows individuals of Italian descent to claim citizenship. An individual must have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy to qualify.

Alternatively, eligibility may apply if one’s Italian parent—not grandparent—resided continuously in Italy for at least two years. In both cases, it is essential that the Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.

As of 2025, with the enactment of Law No. 74/2025, Italian consulates and municipalities have ceased accepting applications for citizenship by descent. All administrative procedures are set to be centralized under a newly established governmental body; however, its structure, operational framework, and specific guidelines are still pending.

As a result, all existing consular and communal queues were formally dissolved, leaving judicial proceedings as the only available pathway to obtaining Italian citizenship. Applicants who intend to challenge Law 74/2025 are strongly advised to retain documentation—such as a receipt or proof of their original place in line at a consulate—as part of their legal strategy.

It is important to emphasize that the outcome of these legal challenges remains uncertain, as Italian courts continue to evaluate the constitutionality and retroactive implications of the law.

Due to recent legislative changes, the timeframe for obtaining Italian citizenship remains difficult to predict—even with the establishment of a new governmental body responsible for managing applications. For the latest updates and guidance, we recommend following our official channels.

What is “Against-The-Queue”?

“Against-The-Queue” is a method designed to circumvent the lengthy queues and bureaucratic hurdles typically encountered at Italian consulates. This approach involves utilizing the judicial system in Italy to expedite the citizenship process, bypassing the congested consular route. By opting for this alternative, applicants can significantly shorten the time required to obtain their citizenship.

Why are the queues long?

There are several factors contributing to the long queues at Italian consulates:

  • High Demand: The desire for Italian citizenship has surged in recent years, leading to an overwhelming number of applications. This increased demand strains the consulates’ capacity to process requests efficiently.
     
  • Limited Capacity: Italian consulates have limited resources and staff to handle the influx of applications. This limitation results in prolonged waiting times for appointments and processing.
     
  • Complex System: The Italian citizenship application process involves various steps, including document verification, translations, and authentications with an apostille. These requirements add layers of complexity and delay to the process.

How to go Against-The-Queue

To effectively avoid the lengthy queues, applicants can consider the following steps:

  • Via Judicial route: Rather than waiting months or years for a consular appointment, applicants can choose to file their citizenship application directly through the Italian judicial system. This approach allows for a more streamlined process, avoiding the backlog at consulates.
     
  • Professional assistance: Engaging the services of specialized companies can further expedite the judicial process. These professionals ensure that all necessary steps are completed accurately and efficiently, reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
     
  • Well-prepared documents: With the assistance of experts, applicants can ensure that their documents are correctly prepared and ready for submission. Properly prepared documents minimize the risk of delays and rejections, facilitating a smoother process.

Benefits of the judicial route for going Against-The-Queue

Opting for the judicial route offers several advantages:

  • Agility in the Process: By eliminating the consular queue, applicants can obtain their Italian citizenship much faster. The judicial route significantly reduces the overall waiting time, allowing for quicker results.
     
  • Peace of Mind: With the support of a specialist legal team, the process becomes more manageable and less stressful. Applicants can rely on experienced professionals to handle the intricacies of their case.
     
  • Reduced Bureaucracy: Professional assistance simplifies the legal and bureaucratic aspects of the application process. From document collection to interactions with Italian courts, experts handle the details, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Who should consider going Against-The-Queue?

The “Against-The-Queue” approach is suitable for a variety of applicants:

  • Those Seeking speed: Individuals tired of waiting for consular appointments or those who need to expedite their citizenship process will benefit from this faster alternative.
     
  • Complex cases: Applicants with complicated documentation, legal doubts, or unique circumstances (such as cases involving the 1948 rule) will find specialist support invaluable. Expert guidance prevents errors and accelerates approval.
     
  • Anyone facing bureaucratic challenges: Those who are overwhelmed by the bureaucracy and legal complexities of the consular route can opt for a more streamlined judicial process.

Don’t waste time in the consulate queue

Choosing to avoid the consular queue can be the key to successfully and swiftly obtaining Italian citizenship. By opting for the judicial route, applicants ensure a more efficient and less stressful process. This method leverages professional assistance to handle legalities, document preparation, and interactions with Italian courts, offering peace of mind and reducing the risk of delays.

If you are frustrated with long consular queues, io.citizen is the ideal solution. Our team of experts manages the entire judicial process, ensuring that your citizenship application is handled efficiently and without complications. Contact us today to begin your journey toward obtaining Italian citizenship without the wait!

By understanding and embracing the “Against-The-Queue” approach, you can turn a typically daunting and time-consuming process into a manageable and expedited one. From reducing bureaucratic red tape to leveraging professional expertise, this strategy offers a path to citizenship that is both efficient and effective. So, why wait in endless consular queues when a faster, more reliable option is available? Take control of your application process today and join the ranks of those who have successfully navigated the system with ease and confidence. Your Italian citizenship journey begins now.

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Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.