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

Introduction to the Italian embassy in New York

The Italian Embassy in New York serves as a vital link between Italy and the Italian-American community in the United States. Established many years ago, it strengthens ties between Italy and the thousands of Italian descendants who call America their home. The embassy provides access to several exclusive services for Italians residing abroad and allows descendants of Italians to apply for Italian citizenship. Let us delve further into this institution.

12/19/2024

10 main steps in getting Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship is a gateway to exploring a rich cultural heritage and enjoying the benefits of being a European citizen. The process of acquiring Italian citizenship involves several steps, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable journey. This guide will walk you through the essential steps in getting Italian citizenship to ensure you are well-prepared to achieve your goal of becoming an Italian citizen.

12/18/2024

Guide to moving for expatriates: choosing the best cities in Italy

Italy has long been a dream destination for many, thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in relocating to Italy, with people from around the world looking to make it their new home. Choosing the right city is crucial for ensuring a high quality of life and successful cultural integration. This guide will help you understand the key criteria for selecting a city and highlight some of the best cities in Italy for expatriates.

12/17/2024

Italian women: Addressing gender inequality in Italian citizenship

The issue of gender inequality in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship has been a significant concern, particularly for those affected by the “1948 rule.” This rule, which prevented Italian women from passing on their Italian citizenship to their children if they were married to a foreigner before 1948, has long-lasting implications. This text aims to explore the historical context, legal evolution, practical impacts, and available solutions to address this inequality.

12/16/2024

An in-depth look at Italian last names: origins, significance, and the path to citizenship

Italian last names offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. These names carry with them stories of family, regional identity, and societal roles that have evolved over centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the historical context, common origins, geographic distribution, the importance of last names in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship and how these names have adapted and changed through immigration.

12/13/2024

The history and impact of Italian immigration in the United States: the cultural heritage of American people of Italian descent

Italian immigration to the United States has a rich and multifaceted history that significantly shaped society and the heritage of American people of Italian descent. The initial waves of migration began in the late 1800s, driven by poor economic conditions in Southern Italy. Regions like Sicily, Calabria, Apulia, Molise, Basilicata, Campania, and Abruzzo faced dire circumstances, prompting many Italians to seek new opportunities abroad.

12/12/2024

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!