USA vs. Italy for Italian citizenship: Photo of both countries flag
When considering obtaining Italian citizenship, there are two primary routes: applying through the Italian consulates in the USA vs. Italy, applying directly in the country. Each method has its own set of advantages and challenges. Here, we will explore the key differences between these two approaches.
Family sitting on the couch looking at a photo album of their Italian family tree
There are various reasons why someone might want to trace their Italian family tree. One common motivation is to validate eligibility for Italian citizenship. Italy offers citizenship by descent, which means that if you can prove your Italian lineage, you may be eligible for dual citizenship. This can open up opportunities for travel, work, and living in Italy and other European Union countries. 
Woman studying for the B1 Italian language test
The Italian language test is essential not only for those seeking an Italian language proficiency certificate but also for individuals applying for Italian citizenship through residency or marriage. This test goes beyond being a mere formality; it acts as a crucial gateway to deeper integration into Italian society, whether for personal, professional, or legal purposes.
Photo of a woman on the phone accessing the Giustizia Civile app
The “Giustizia Civile” app is a digital tool designed to modernize and streamline the judicial process in Italy. In an era where technology is increasingly integrated into various aspects of daily life, this app was designed to make civil justice more accessible and efficient, providing users with a more transparent and user-friendly experience and it can be used during your Italian citizenship process.
does-italy-have-universal-health-care
Italy’s National Health Service (Servizio sanitario nazionale, or SSN) stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare for all citizens. With its universal coverage, funding mechanisms, and emphasis on quality care, the SSN plays a very important role in safeguarding the well-being of Italians.
Benefits of becoming an italian citizen: photo of tourists and italians walking on a stone walkway in Amalfi Coast, Italy
Italian citizenship is more than a legal status; it’s an invitation to a rich tapestry of experiences. Beyond the well-known benefits of becoming an Italian citizen, such as access to the European Union (EU) and the ability to travel visa-free within the Schengen Area, Italian citizenship opens doors to a world of cultural enrichment, business opportunities, and global engagement. In this article, we’ll uncover the lesser-discussed advantages that await those who hold an Italian passport.
Woman sitting on a cafe using her computer to access the fast it platform
Summary

Fast It is an online platform designed to streamline consular services for Italian citizens living abroad. Developed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fast It aims to simplify and expedite processes such as AIRE registration, updating personal information, and accessing various consular services. 

The platform is particularly beneficial for Italian expatriates who need to manage their consular affairs efficiently without the need for frequent visits to consulates.

How Fast It works

Fast It offers a user-friendly interface that allows Italian citizens to perform several consular tasks online. To use Fast It, users must first create an account using their SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale), which ensures secure access to the platform. Once logged in, users can navigate through various sections to complete tasks such as registering with AIRE, updating personal details, and accessing other consular services. The platform provides step-by-step instructions and support to guide users through each process.

AIRE registration

AIRE, or Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero, is the registry of Italian citizens residing abroad. Registration with AIRE is mandatory for Italian citizens who plan to live abroad for more than 12 months. It is essential for maintaining one’s rights and obligations as an Italian citizen, such as voting in elections and accessing consular services.

Fast It simplifies the AIRE registration process by allowing users to complete the registration online. Users need to provide personal information, proof of residence, and other required documents. Once the registration is submitted, it is reviewed by the consulate, and users are notified of the outcome.

Differences between Fast It and Prenot@mi

Prenot@mi is another platform used by Italian consulates to manage appointments for various consular services. While both Fast It and Prenot@mi serve Italian citizens abroad, they have distinct functions.

  • Fast It: Primarily focuses on online services such as AIRE registration, updating personal information, and accessing other consular services without the need for physical appointments.
     
  • Prenot@mi: Used for scheduling appointments for in-person consular services, such as passport renewals, visa applications, and other services that require a visit to the consulate.
     

The main advantage of Fast It is the convenience of completing tasks online, reducing the need for physical visits to consulates. Prenot@mi, on the other hand, is essential for services that cannot be completed online.

Self-registration on Fast It

One of the key features of Fast It is the ability for users to register themselves on the platform. To self-register, users need to have a SPID, which provides secure access to the platform. The registration process involves providing personal information, proof of identity, and other required documents.

While the self-registration process is straightforward, users may encounter common issues such as difficulties in obtaining a SPID or uploading documents. Fast It provides support and guidance to help users resolve these issues and complete their registration successfully.

Additional services offered by Fast It

In addition to AIRE registration, Fast It offers a range of other consular services. Users can update their personal information, such as address changes, marital status, and other relevant details. The platform also provides access to various consular services, including:

Fast It is a valuable tool for Italian citizens living abroad, offering a convenient and efficient way to manage consular affairs. By providing online access to essential services such as AIRE registration and personal information updates, Fast It helps users save time and effort.

The platform’s focus on security and user experience ensures that Italian expatriates can confidently and easily handle their consular needs. For those living abroad, using Fast It can significantly simplify the process of staying connected with their home country.

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Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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