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

Breaking down the Italian citizenship assistance cost

The base Italian citizenship assistance cost of 3,000€ for a family of four covers a comprehensive range of essential services designed to facilitate the process of obtaining Italian citizenship efficiently and without complications. It’s important to note that this cost can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances and additional services required. Investing in professional assistance ensures that the process is handled correctly, saving time and avoiding common errors.

10/18/2024

Italian citizenship services: common risks and how to protect yourself

Obtaining Italian citizenship can be a bureaucratic and detailed process, especially in more complex cases. This journey often involves navigating through a maze of legal requirements, document collection, and various administrative procedures. For many, the process can be overwhelming and time-consuming. This is where hiring specialized Italian citizenship services can make a significant difference. These services can streamline the path to citizenship, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.

10/17/2024

Italian citizenship by birth – more than a legal right

Italian citizenship by birth is not just a legal status; it is a direct link to Italian culture, history, and values. For many, this connection is a source of pride and identity, offering a profound sense of belonging to a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Italian citizenship by birth can significantly enhance one’s sense of identity. It ties individuals to a country celebrated for its contributions to art, music, and cuisine. Italian citizenship is a gateway to a vibrant and storied way of life.

10/16/2024

Italian citizenship lawyer cost: what to expect and why it is worth it

Engaging a lawyer with expertise in Italian citizenship can be a smart move for those aiming to streamline the process and avoid pitfalls. The intricacies of Italian citizenship laws can be overwhelming, but a specialised attorney offers essential knowledge and guidance. With a deep understanding of legal subtleties, they can offer personalised advice, helping you build a solid application that aligns with all necessary regulations.

10/15/2024

Italian citizenship eligibility: turning your family history into your future

Italian citizenship eligibility is like a unique puzzle for each individual, where each piece represents a part of family history, documents, and even surprises that arise from genealogical research. This journey is not just about meeting criteria; it’s about uncovering the rich tapestry of your ancestry and understanding how it shapes your present and future. Understanding one’s eligibility can often be a way to connect with personal history and map out a future in Italy. This process allows you to delve into your roots, discovering stories and connections that may have been forgotten or unknown. It’s a journey that ties your past to your aspirations, creating a bridge to a new chapter in Italy.

10/14/2024

Italian citizenship by blood: claim your heritage and connect with your roots

Italian citizenship by blood, or jus sanguinis, is more than a legal entitlement; it is a profound connection to the rich tapestry of Italian history, culture, and traditions. This bond transcends mere documents and formalities; it is a link between individuals and their ancestral homeland. It is a living legacy that brings your family history to life, making them a part of the present.

10/11/2024

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!