The cost of living in Italy: Photo of a street market in Naples
taly has long captivated the imagination of travelers and dreamers alike. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Milan, it offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history. But beyond its postcard-perfect charm, Italy is increasingly becoming a practical destination for expatriates and dual citizens.
Christmas in Italy: Photo of the holiday decorations on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan
Christmas in Italy, or Natale, is a cultural and religious experience that stretches across regions, generations, and centuries. From the solemnity of sacred traditions to the warmth of family gatherings and the indulgence of festive foods, Italian Christmas is a season of joy, reflection, and community.
Italian Constitutional Court upholds citizenship by descent: Photo of the city of Florence
The Italian Constitutional Court reaffirmed the legitimacy of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) for individuals born outside Italy. The ruling, issued under Sentence No. 142/2025, rejected constitutional challenges raised by four ordinary courts—Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna—against the long-standing legal framework that allows descendants of Italian nationals to claim citizenship regardless of generational distance or territorial ties.
The best cities to live in Italy in 2025: Photo of the city of Milan
Italy conjures images of sun-drenched piazzas, Renaissance art, and plates of pasta that seem to defy culinary logic. But for those considering moving to the country—not just a vacation trip—the question shifts from “Where’s the most beautiful?” to “Where can I actually live well?”.
Exploring the Italian and American cultural differences: Photo of a classical Italian car in a mountain road
Culture is more than language, food, or fashion—it’s a way of life, a lens through which people interpret the world and define themselves. For Italian-Americans, navigating the space between Italian heritage and American identity often brings both pride and tension.
Italy’s 2026–2028 work visa decree: Photo of people working on markets in Rome
With the intention of addressing Italy’s labor shortages, the Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new decree on labor migration and work visas. Scheduled for implementation across the 2026–2028 period, the decree authorizes 497,550 legal entries for non-European Union workers with permanent or seasonal contracts—an increase from the previous allocation of 450,000 permits during the 2023–2025 cycle.
What do I need to apply for Italian citizenship: photo of a couple watching the city of Florence from afar
Summary

Italian citizenship is a coveted status that denotes legal affiliation with Italy. Many people apply for Italian citizenship because it provides a myriad of benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Italy and the European Union. Italian citizenship can be obtained through various means such as descent, marriage, and naturalization.

For residents of the United States, Italian citizenship can hold special significance. Not only does it provide the practical benefits of European Union citizenship, but it also offers a deeper connection to one’s ancestry.

The opportunity to claim citizenship through descent allows individuals to honor their heritage and stay connected to their ancestral roots.

Basic requirements for when you apply for Italian citizenship

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, one must first establish eligibility. This method is available to individuals who have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy.

Alternatively, If one’s Italian parent–not grandparent–lived continuously in Italy for two years, they may also be eligible. It is also required that the Italian relative held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death. Citizenship through marriage or naturalization requires different processes and requirements.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Here are the key documents needed for your application:

  • Birth certificates: Birth certificates for each family member starting from the applicant back to the Italian relative are crucial in demonstrating citizenship eligibility. These certificates must be official copies or extracts with full details pertaining to each birth.
     
  • Marriage certificates: If the Italian ancestor was married, marriage certificates provide a complete record of the legal union and help trace the lineage back through the Italian lineage.
     
  • Death certificates: The death certificates of ancestors are necessary to complete the documentation process. These records confirm the dates of death, which may be relevant for establishing timelines for citizenship transmission.
     

Other supporting documents, such as divorce judgments, naturalization certificates, and other legal records, may be required. All these documents must be translated into Italian and authenticated with an apostille.

Challenges in document gathering

Collecting all necessary documents accurately and in a timely manner can be a difficult task. Each ancestor’s country of residence and life events can influence the availability and complexity of obtaining these documents.

For instance, documents from certain countries may require additional steps or have specific archival processes. Moreover, ensuring that translations and apostilles are correctly done adds another layer of complexity to the process.

Given the complexities involved, it is ideal to consult a specialized company that focuses on Italian citizenship applications. These companies can provide tailored guidance, helping you navigate the document-gathering process efficiently.

Their expertise can prevent common mistakes and ensure that all documents meet the stringent requirements set by the Italian government.

How io.citizen can assist in your citizenship process

io.citizen is a specialized service provider that offers comprehensive assistance throughout the entire Italian citizenship application process.

Our services are designed to make the process more efficient and less stressful for applicants by providing expert guidance and support every step of the way.

Services offered by io.citizen:

  • Document Gathering: io.citizen assists in collecting all necessary documents, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and meet the requirements of the Italian government. Our team has experience in handling various types of documents and can help locate even the most challenging records.
     
  • Translations and Apostilles: The company provides professional translation services and ensures that all documents are appropriately authenticated with an apostille.
     
  • Genealogical Research: Expert genealogists at io.citizen can help trace your Italian lineage, providing detailed and verified family histories that support your citizenship application.
     
  • Legal Representation: For those needing to pursue their application through the judicial route, io.citizen offers experienced legal representation in Italian courts.
     
  • Application Submission and Follow-Up: io.citizen handles the entire application submission process, ensuring that all documents are submitted correctly and on time. We also provide ongoing follow-up and updates on the status of your application, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Why choose io.citizen?

First and foremost, choosing io.citizen means you’re opting for efficiency and expertise. Our comprehensive service package ensures that every aspect of your application is handled professionally, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays.

Additionally, our support extends beyond just the documentation; we offer personalized guidance tailored to your specific case, ensuring that you understand each step of the process.

For clients residing in the USA or other English-speaking regions, io.citizen provides multilingual support in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. This ensures clear communication and understanding, making the process smoother and more accessible.

Our services are not just about compliance but also about making the journey to Italian citizenship more manageable and less daunting.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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