Introduction to Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italian citizenship by descent, known as jure sanguinis (right of blood), allows individuals of Italian heritage to reclaim their ancestral nationality. For Americans with Italian ancestors, establishing residency in Italy to apply directly through a local municipality (comune) can expedite the recognition process compared to applying through Italian consulates in the United States. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for Americans aiming to navigate the residency path to Italian citizenship by descent.

So, how do you get Italian citizenship by descent?

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Italian Citizenship by  Descent
2. Preparing Before You Arrive in Italy
   • Gathering Required Documents
   • Securing a Visa(securing-a-visa)
   • Choosing the Right Comune
   • Arranging Accommodation
   • Learning the Italian Language
3. Upon Arrival in Italy
   • Declaring Your Presence
   • Registering Your Lease or Hospitality
   • Establishing Residency
4. Applying for the Permesso di Soggiorno
   • Understanding the Permesso di Soggiorno
   • Application Process
   • Working and Traveling While Waiting
5. Submitting Your Citizenship Application
6. The Waiting Period and Final Steps
   • Processing Timeframes
   • Receiving Recognition
7. Conclusion

Understanding Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italian law recognizes citizenship through bloodline, allowing descendants of Italian citizens to claim citizenship themselves. Applying directly in Italy requires establishing legal residency in a comune, as per Article 16 of Law 555/1912. This means you cannot apply while on vacation or through a proxy; you must physically reside in Italy during the application process.

Preparing Before You Arrive in Italy

Gathering Required Documents

Accuracy is Crucial: Ensure all your ancestral documents are error-free, translated into Italian, and legalized with an apostille where necessary. This includes:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates from your Italian ancestor (primo avo) to yourself.
• Naturalization records, if applicable.
• Apostilles for each document.
• Certified translations into Italian.

Note: Naturalization documents must be apostilled, even if they come from U.S. agencies like USCIS or NARA.

Securing a Visa

As a U.S. citizen, you can enter Italy without a visa for up to 90 days. However, since you will be applying for residency, you must convert this entry permit into a Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay) before the 90-day period expires. Mark this date on your calendar to ensure you begin the conversion process in time.

Choosing the Right Comune

Selecting a comune is a strategic decision. Consider the following:

• Avoid Major Cities: Larger cities like Rome and Florence have longer processing times, sometimes extending beyond a year.
• Research Comune Procedures: Look for comuni with clear guidelines on jure sanguinis applications on their websites.
• Contact the Comune: If possible, communicate with officials beforehand to understand their requirements.

Tip: Choose a place where you would enjoy living, as you must reside there until your citizenship is recognized.

Arranging Accommodation

Securing lodging is essential for establishing residency.

1. Renting a Property
   1. Lease Requirements: Most comuni require a lease of at least 12 months.
2. Types of Leases
   1. Free Market Lease (4+4 years): Standard but may be too long for your needs.
   2. Agreed Rent Lease (3+2 years): Often lower rent but still lengthy.
   3. Temporary Lease (1-18 months): Ideal for your situation
3. Fees: Expect to pay a security deposit and possibly an agent's fee.

For finding rentals, you can use websites like Idealista or Immobiliare to search for properties. Or, if you're using GlobalRCGs services, we'll take care of accommodation for you!

Letter of Hospitality

If staying with friends or family:

• Obtain a Dichiarazione di Ospitalità (declaration of hospitality).
• The host must register this letter with the local Questura (police headquarters) within 48 hours of your arrival.

Upon Arrival in Italy

Declaring Your Presence

You must declare your presence in Italy within 8 days of arrival:

1. Direct Arrival: If you arrive directly from a non-Schengen country and receive an entry stamp, no further action is needed.

2. Indirect Arrival or Private Accommodation: Fill out a Dichiarazione di Presenza at the local Questura.

3. Staying at a Hotel or Airbnb: The accommodation provider will handle this for you.

Documents Needed:

• Completed declaration form.
• Passport and photocopies.
• Two passport-sized photos.
• Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or hospitality letter).

Registering Your Lease or Hospitality

Lease Registration

• Timeline: Must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate within 30 days of signing.
• Responsibility: Usually the landlord's duty, but ensure it's done promptly.
• Documentation: Obtain a receipt of registration for residency application.

Hospitality Registration

• Timeline: Host must submit the hospitality declaration within 48 hours.
• Documentation: Keep copies of both the declaration and the registration receipt.

Establishing Residency

With your accommodation secured, proceed to register your residency:

1. Visit the Anagrafe Office: Bring all necessary documents, including your lease or hospitality letter and their registration receipts.
2. Submit a Residency Declaration Form: Available on your comune's website or at the office.
3. Provide Identification: Passport and copies.
4. Additional Requirements: Some comuni may ask for proof of income or a Permesso di Soggiorno receipt.

Residency Confirmation

• A local police officer (vigile) will verify your residence, usually through an unannounced visit.
• Ensure your name is on your mailbox and doorbell.
• Stay at your residence as much as possible until the check is completed.

Applying for the Permesso di Soggiorno

Understanding the Permesso di Soggiorno

The Permesso di Soggiorno in Attesa Cittadinanza allows you to legally stay in Italy while your citizenship application is processed. It typically lasts one year and is renewable.

• Work Authorization: You can work with this permit.
• Family Reunification: Your spouse can also apply for a permit under family grounds, allowing them to work.

Application Process

1. Obtain the Application Kit:
   • Visit a local post office (Poste Italiane) that handles immigration services.
   • Request the "kit giallo" (yellow kit).
2. Prepare the Application:
   • Fill out Modulo 1 in the kit.
   • Purchase a marca da bollo (duty stamp) worth €16 from a tobacco shop (tabaccheria).
   • Gather required documents:
   • Passport and copies.
   • Four passport-sized photos.
   • Residency registration receipt.
   • Proof of accommodation.
3. Submit the Application:
   • Return to the post office with your completed kit.
   • Pay the application fee (approximately €40-€50).
   • Receive a receipt (ricevuta) and an appointment date for the Questura.
4. Attend the Questura Appointment:
   • Arrive early at the immigration office on your appointment date.
   • Bring all original documents and copies.
   • Undergo fingerprinting and provide any additional information.
5. Await the Permit:
   • Use the provided tracking number to monitor your application's status online.
   • Keep the receipt with you at all times; it serves as proof of your legal status.

Working and Traveling While Waiting

Working

You are legally allowed to work once you have the receipt of your Permesso di Soggiorno application.

Traveling

Within Italy, you can travel freely.

Outside Italy, traveling is restricted until you receive your physical permit. Exceptions may apply for returning to your home country, but verify current regulations.

Submitting Your Citizenship Application

With residency and your Permesso di Soggiorno application in process, you can submit your citizenship application:

1. Prepare Your Application Packet:

• Completed Istanza (application request form).
• All ancestral documents, apostilled and translated.
• Copies of your passport and Permesso di Soggiorno receipt.
• Proof of residency.
• Any required marca da bollo.

2. Submit to the Stato Civile Office:

• Schedule an appointment if necessary.
• Present your documents and application form.
• The official will review your documents for completeness.

3. Confirmation:

• You may receive immediate confirmation of acceptance or be notified later.
• Keep any receipts or confirmation documents provided.

The Waiting Period and Final Steps

Processing Timeframes

Processing times can range from a few months to over a year.

1. Factors Influencing Time
   1. Comune workload.
   2. Complexity of your case.
   3. Efficiency of communication between Italian and foreign authorities.
2. Receiving Recognition
   1. Notification: You will be informed when your citizenship is recognized
   2. Vital Records: Your birth and, if applicable, marriage certificates will be registered in Italy.
3. Final Steps:
   1. Obtain an Italian identity card (Carta d'Identità).
   2. Apply for an Italian passport.
   3. Update your tax status if you plan to remain in Italy.

Essential Checklist for Your Italian Citizenship Journey

Before Leaving Your Home Country

• [ ]  Gather all ancestral documents
• [ ]  Obtain apostilles
• [ ]  Complete certified translations
• [ ]  Research potential comuni
• [ ]  Secure accommodation
• [ ]  Set up financial arrangements
• [ ]  Learn basic Italian phrases
• [ ]  Make digital copies of all documents

First Week in Italy

• [ ]  Submit dichiarazione di presenza
• [ ]  Register lease/hospitality
• [ ]  Begin residency registration
• [ ]  Start Permesso di Soggiorno application
• [ ]  Set up local banking
• [ ]  Register with US embassy

During Processing

• [ ]  Maintain physical presence
• [ ]  Track application status
• [ ]  Prepare for police verification
• [ ]  Network with local community
• [ ]  Continue language learning

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the total cost for Americans seeking Italian citizenship through residency?

The cost of acquiring citizenship by descent varies a lot depending on your circumstances, paperwork needs, how long you stay in Italy, and more. Get in touch with our citizenship advisors for a personalised quote.

Can I work remotely from Italy during this process?

Yes, many Americans continue their remote work or digital nomad lifestyle during the citizenship process. However, ensure you understand tax implications and comply with both US and Italian regulations.

How does this affect my US citizenship?

Italy allows dual citizenship with the US. You won't lose your American citizenship by claiming Italian citizenship by descent. However, report your Italian citizenship to US authorities once recognized.

How can I move to Italy if I don't have Italian heritage?

Don't worry! There are plenty more options for you to choose from to gain residency or citizenship in Italy without having Italian ancestors. Click here to read about the 5 main ways to get Italian citizenship.

Can my spouse and children also get citizenship?

• Spouse: Must apply separately after you're recognized
• Minor children: Automatically receive citizenship when you do
• Adult children: Must apply independently

Conclusion: Your Path to Italian Citizenship

Pursuing Italian citizenship through residency represents a significant but rewarding journey for Americans with Italian heritage. While the process requires careful planning, dedication, and patience, the benefits extend far beyond obtaining an Italian passport. You'll gain:

• Deep connection with your ancestral heritage
• European Union citizenship rights
• Opportunity for long-term travel and work in Europe
• Rich cultural immersion experience
• Potential for a new life in Italy

Remember that success in this journey comes from thorough preparation, attention to detail, and embrace of the Italian way of life. Whether you're seeking citizenship for professional opportunities, personal fulfillment, or connection to your roots, this guide provides the roadmap for your journey from American to Italian citizen.

Ready to begin your Italian citizenship journey? Get in touch with Global RCG

Note: This guide was last updated for 2024. Requirements and processes may vary by commune and change over time. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

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