Whether you're seeking to reconnect with your ancestral roots, gain access to European opportunities, or embrace the Italian way of life, citizenship by descent in Italy (known as "jure sanguinis") offers a pathway to achieving these dreams. But what are the steps in getting Italian citizenship by descent using the residency pathway?
Italian citizenship opens doors to numerous benefits that make this journey worthwhile. As an Italian citizen, you'll gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without restriction. You'll have access to Italy's renowned healthcare system, the ability to purchase property with fewer restrictions, and the opportunity to pass citizenship down to your children. Moreover, Italian citizenship doesn't require you to renounce your current nationality, as Italy allows dual citizenship.
The path to Italian citizenship through descent has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many discovering their eligibility through ancestral connections. If you can prove your Italian bloodline through documentation, you may be eligible to claim citizenship through your ancestors. While the traditional route involves applying through Italian consulates abroad, which often comes with multi-year waiting lists, establishing residency in Italy can significantly expedite the process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the eight essential steps to obtaining Italian citizenship through residency, a route that many find faster and more direct than consular applications. While this path requires temporary relocation to Italy, it offers the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian culture while pursuing your citizenship goals. Let's explore each step in detail to help you navigate this exciting journey successfully.
Select an Italian town or city where you want to establish residency. Some municipalities may be more accommodating to citizenship applications, so research your options.
You can enter Italy as a tourist and then establish residency for your Italian citizenship application. Upon arrival, you may need to submit a "dichiarazione di presenza" to inform the Italian government of your arrival, especially if your passport wasn't stamped in Italy.
Acquire an Italian tax code ("codice fiscale") from the local "Agenzia Delle Entrate". This is often necessary for various administrative procedures.
Find suitable long-term accommodation. You'll need either:
Go to the local city hall (comune) to register your residency. You'll need to provide:
Local police will verify your residency within 45 days. This is a standard procedure involving a brief visit to confirm your residence.
As the citizenship process often exceeds the 90-day limit for non-European citizens to stay in Europe, apply for a residency permit based on your dual citizenship application
Once residency is established, formally apply for Italian citizenship through the city hall's citizenship office. After your citizenship by descent application has been approved, you can apply for your Italian Passport.
GlobalRCG's custom designed Residency Pathway Program delivers citizenship approvals within three months of establishing your residency in Italy and completing the in-country administrative requirements, significantly faster than the consular route which can take five years or more. The most time-consuming part of the process is often gathering and preparing the necessary documents before arriving in Italy.
If you're a non-EU citizen, you'll need appropriate authorization to work while waiting for your citizenship application to process. The residency permit you obtain for your citizenship application doesn't automatically grant work rights. Consult with local authorities or an immigration lawyer about your specific situation.
You'll need to provide a complete chain of vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates) linking you to your Italian ancestor. These documents must be:
Our specialized Citizenship Advisors will walk you through the process.
Yes, you can travel outside Italy once your residency is established and verified. However, it's crucial to:
Getting Italian citizenship through descent requires careful planning and attention to detail. While the process may seem daunting, following these eight essential steps will help you navigate the journey successfully. Remember that processing times can vary significantly based on your specific case and chosen municipality, but with proper preparation and patience, you'll be well on your way to becoming an Italian citizen.
Whether you're pursuing Italian citizenship to connect with your heritage, gain European Union benefits, or start a new life in Italy, understanding and following these steps is crucial for your success. Begin your journey well-informed, stay organized throughout the process, and soon you could be holding your Italian passport.
Remember that while this guide provides a comprehensive overview, each case is unique. Consider consulting with Italian citizenship specialists or legal professionals for advice specific to your situation. With determination and proper planning, your dream of Italian citizenship can become a reality.
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