You can obtain Italian citizenship essentially in two ways: through jure sanguinis, which is through ancestry, or through naturalization, and both provide many benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Applying for Italian Citizenship?
There are several benefits of applying for Italian citizenship, including:
- Right to Live and Work in Italy: Italian citizenship provides the right to live and work in Italy without the need for a visa or work permit. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who want to work or retire in Italy.
- EU Citizenship: Italian citizenship also provides EU citizenship, allowing the individual to travel and reside freely within the European Union.
- Access to Healthcare and Education: Italian citizens have access to the country’s healthcare system and educational institutions, which are some of the best in the world.
- Ability to Vote: Italian citizens have the right to vote in Italian elections, including national and local elections, and can also participate in EU elections.
- Dual citizenship: Italy allows for dual citizenship, meaning that an individual can hold Italian citizenship and maintain their original citizenship.
- Family Reunification: Italian citizenship can make it easier to bring family members to Italy and reunite with loved ones.
- Cultural Connection: For individuals with Italian heritage or a strong connection to Italy, obtaining Italian citizenship can provide a sense of cultural identity and belonging.
Overall, Italian citizenship provides numerous benefits for individuals who are interested in living and working in Italy, as well as those who want to take advantage of the benefits of EU citizenship.
Italian Citizenship Services
Jure Sanguinis
Many people around the world qualify for Italian citizenship through their parents or ancestors (Jure Sanguinis). To determine if you are eligible for Italian citizenship through ancestry, you will need to complete an Italian Citizenship Assessment Questionnaire, which my colleague will review for you without obligation.
After which, you can decide if you would like to begin the process of acquiring Italian citizenship, if you qualify. Italian citizenship gives you the right to work and live not only in Italy but also in the member states of the EU and EEA. It also allows you to avail yourself of the VWP for the US.
Applying for Italian citizenship can sometimes be challenging, especially if very old documents need to be procured from remote parts of Italy. As part of my Italian citizenship service, my team can assist with locating documents in any part of Italy, no matter how remote, as well as accompany you to any public office.
Allow my colleague, an Italian lawyer specializing in immigration and citizenship law, to lead you through the entire Italian citizenship application process, guiding you each step of the way with expert counsel.
Cases from 1948 – These are cases in which an Italian-born female ancestor who married a foreigner before 1948 lost her right to pass on her Italian citizenship to her children. If this specific case applies to you, we can also assist you once we have completely reviewed your case.
Naturalization
Individuals who have been legally resident in Italy for a certain number of years may be eligible for Italian citizenship if they meet the necessary criteria, which include adhering to Italian immigration and taxation laws during their residency.
Some of the main applications for Italian citizenship through naturalization include:
- Legal residency of at least four years for an EU citizen.
- Legal residency of at least ten years for a non-EU citizen.
- individual who has been resident for at least three years and is the second-degree descendant of an Italian who had citizenship.
- Five years of legal residency for stateless individuals, refugees, or foreigners of legal age adopted by Italians.
- No period of residency is required for foreigners who have worked for the Italian State, within Italy or abroad, for at least 5 years.
If you feel that you qualify for Italian citizenship through ancestry or naturalization, please contact us for further information without obligation.