Official photo of Giorgia Meloni in 2023
Giorgia Meloni has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Italian politics, shaping the nation’s political landscape with her leadership and ideological stance. As the leader of the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) party since 2014, she is the first woman to serve as Italy’s Prime Minister.
Italian citizenship by marriage processing time: Photo of couples walking around the historical monuments in the Italian comune of Bobbio
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Italian citizenship by marriage in 2025: Photo of newlyweds enjoying a trip to Venice
Italian citizenship by marriage has long been a pivotal legal pathway, enabling foreign spouses of Italian citizens to obtain nationality and integrate more deeply into Italian society. This provision not only fosters familial unity but also extends the benefits of Italian citizenship.
The new Italian citizenship law: Photo of the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, located in Rome
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government enacted a decree introducing significant changes to the process of obtaining Italian citizenship. This new Italian citizenship law legislation imposes stricter eligibility requirements and fundamentally alters the application procedures for individuals claiming citizenship through jus sanguinis (right of blood).
The new Italian citizenship decree: Photo of io.citizen's office
The Italian Prime Minister has recently issued a decree that significantly alters the rules governing Italian citizenship. Until March 28, 2025, any person with an Italian ancestor—no matter how distant—could claim Italian citizenship. Under the new Italian citizenship decree, only those whose parents or grandparents were born in Italy retain this right.
The cost of living in Italy: Photo of a street market in the comune of Latina, on the Lazio region
Italy has long been an appealing destination for expatriates, students, and descendants seeking to reconnect with their roots. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes to its excellent public services and quality of life, it offers endless opportunities for those who make the move.
Italian citizenship in Vancouver: aerial photo of the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver
Summary

The interest in obtaining Italian citizenship among residents of North America has been steadily growing. This surge can be attributed to the numerous benefits that come with holding dual citizenship. 

Italian citizenship offers a range of advantages, including access to European Union rights, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and opportunities for education and employment across Europe. 

For many Vancouver residents, obtaining Italian citizenship is not just a way to reconnect with their heritage but also a strategic move to enhance their future prospects. Dual citizenship provides the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Italy while enjoying the practical benefits associated with being a citizen of the European Union.

Challenges of the consular process in Vancouver

Residents of Vancouver seeking Italian citizenship traditionally have to navigate the process through the Italian Consulate in Vancouver. The consulate is located at Suite 840, 1140 West Pender Street, Vancouver BC, V6E 4G1, Canada.

Applicants can contact the consulate via telephone at 0016046847288 or email at [email protected]. More information can be found on their website at https://consvancouver.esteri.it/en/.

The jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver includes the Western Canadian Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

While the consular process is a well-established method for obtaining Italian citizenship, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the primary issues applicants face is the lengthy wait times associated with processing applications.

Given the high demand for Italian citizenship and the rigorous documentation requirements, applicants may find themselves waiting years for their applications to be reviewed and approved.

The bureaucratic nature of the process further adds to the complexity, with applicants needing to provide a comprehensive set of documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence, and more. Each document must be authenticated with an apostille and translated into Italian.

These stringent requirements can be daunting, and the long wait times can deter many from pursuing this route. However, for those willing to navigate the consular process, the rewards of obtaining Italian citizenship are well worth the effort.

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Alternatives to the traditional consular process

For individuals seeking a more efficient and expedited route to Italian citizenship, the judicial process offers a compelling alternative. Since the courts handle a smaller volume of cases compared to the consulates, applicants can expect a quicker resolution. This makes the judicial route an attractive option for those seeking to obtain Italian citizenship in a timely manner.

The judicial process is particularly advantageous for applicants with complex cases, such as those involving the 1948 rule for female ancestry. This rule pertains to individuals whose Italian citizenship was interrupted because a female ancestor gave birth to her child before January 1, 1948. For such cases, the judicial process is the only option for application.

The benefits of Italian citizenship

For Canadian residents, obtaining an Italian passport comes with several benefits that extend beyond the general advantages of dual citizenship. One of the most significant benefits is visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.

This allows Italian citizens to travel freely across Europe, making it easier to explore the continent for leisure, business, or educational purposes.

Another notable benefit is access to European healthcare systems. For example, if you decide to reside in Italy after obtaining an Italian passport, you will be eligible to use the Italian public health system, renowned for its high-quality care and considered one of the best in the world.

This access to quality healthcare can provide peace of mind and ensure that individuals receive necessary medical attention while abroad.

Importance of specialized consultancy

Obtaining Italian citizenship offers a wealth of benefits for Vancouver residents, from visa-free travel in Europe to access to educational and professional opportunities within the European Union.

While the traditional consular process through the Italian Consulate in Vancouver is a well-established route, it can be fraught with challenges such as long processing times and bureaucratic hurdles. The judicial process presents a faster and more efficient alternative, especially for complex cases.

For those seeking to navigate the complexities of the Italian citizenship application process, specialized consultancies like io.citizen provide invaluable support. Our comprehensive services, expertise in handling complex cases, and personalized approach make us an excellent resource for individuals looking to obtain Italian citizenship.

By working with experienced professionals, applicants can increase their chances of success and secure their Italian passport, opening doors to a world of opportunities.

Choosing a reliable and comprehensive service is crucial due to the complexity of the process. Before starting any procedure on your own, it is advisable to contact specialists who can provide guidance and support.

By making an informed decision and seeking professional assistance, Vancouver residents can successfully navigate the Italian citizenship application process and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with dual citizenship.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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