To be eligible for Italian dual citizenship, you generally need to have an Italian ancestor who was an Italian citizen after the unification of Italy on March 17, 1861, and ensure there is an unbroken chain of Italian citizenship from your ancestor to you.
Nevertheless, there are other two routes to Italian citizenship:
- You can acquire citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen, provided you have been married for at least two years if residing in Italy, or three years if residing abroad, and demonstrate basic knowledge of the Italian language;
- You can apply for Italian citizenship after requiring legal residency in Italy for a certain period, typically ten years, along with proof of integration into Italian society. Each pathway involves providing extensive documentation and applying through the appropriate Italian consulate.
If you are considering applying for Italian dual citizenship, it is important to know which costs are involved in the process. The expenses can vary significantly depending on how many generations separate you from your Italian ancestor who emigrated to your country, and on which route you are seeking. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you might incur when applying for Italian citizenship Jus Sanguinis:
Document search
Each certificate and other document required for each Italian ancestor will incur costs. These are the required documents:
- Italian Ancestor’s Certificates: You will need to obtain birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestor.
- Naturalization Papers: A certified copy of your ancestor’s naturalization papers is required. If they were never naturalized, additional research in Census Records and with the National Archives will be necessary.
- Vital Records: You will need new, official, and certified copies of birth, marriage, divorce, and death records for all ancestors in your lineage from your native/current country, including your own. These can be ordered from your State or Province vital statistics offices.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Apostilles and Legalization
Each document from your State or Province must be provided with an International Apostille or legalization. This will ensure that your document is recognized by Italian authorities.
Translations
Non-Italian documents (except for naturalization documents and Apostilles) must be translated into Italian by a certified translator.
Consular Fees
The Italian Consulate charges an application fee for the recognition of Italian citizenship. As of 2025, following the change in Italian citizenship law approved by the Italian Parliament on December 28, 2024, the fee charged at Italian consulates is €600 (approximately $680) for each applicant over the age of 18. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the petition’s outcome.
The cost of preparing the documentation is around €2,000. However, you should also consider the expenses of hiring a lawyer if you choose to apply through the courts, and the costs associated with living in Italy, if you choose to apply at a commune.
Seeking Italian dual citizenship can present several common challenges. One of the primary difficulties is gathering all the necessary documents, especially if they are old or have been lost over time. This often involves extensive research and contacting various government agencies.
Passport Fees
Once you receive your citizenship, you will need to order an Italian passport, which costs approximately $125 for five years.
Other routes
If you are considering applying for Italian citizenship through other routes, there are several costs you should consider. For marriage-based citizenship, factor in the expenses related to acquiring necessary documentation, including the language proficiency test. If you’re pursuing citizenship by residence, calculate the costs of living in Italy for 10 years (for non-EU citizens) or 4 years (for EU citizens).
So…how much does it cost for dual citizenship in total?
The cost of preparing the documentation is around €1,800. However, you should also consider the expenses of hiring a lawyer if you choose to apply through the courts, and the costs associated with living in Italy, if you choose to apply at a commune. Seeking Italian dual citizenship can present several common challenges. One of the primary difficulties is gathering all the necessary documents, especially if they are old or have been lost over time. This often involves extensive research and contacting various government agencies.
Additionally, the process of obtaining apostilles and translating documents into Italian can be time-consuming and costly. Applicants may also face bureaucratic delays and long waiting times for consular appointments. Navigating the legal requirements and ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed can be complex, making professional assistance highly beneficial. Despite these challenges, the rewards of obtaining Italian citizenship often make the effort worthwhile.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Becoming an Italian citizen offers numerous benefits, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without the need for a visa. Italian citizens enjoy access to high-quality healthcare and education systems.
Additionally, holding an Italian passport allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to many countries worldwide. Citizenship also provides the opportunity to reconnect with your Italian heritage, participate in cultural traditions, and potentially pass on citizenship to future generations, ensuring they too can enjoy these advantages.
If you see the advantages of having Italian dual citizenship and wish to reconnect with your ancestry, it is crucial to have personalized assistance to guide you. io.citizen is ready to provide the support you need for your Italian dual citizenship journey. If you want to learn how much Italian citizenship would cost for you, consider hiring our services. Our team of experts is ready to make your dream of Italian citizenship come true. Contact us today!
