The following is a brief Guide to obtain the Italian Citizenship that is a highly sought-after status for many individuals around the world.
The most common paths to getting Italian citizenship and the requirements you need to meet are as follows:
1. Italian Citizenship by Descent (ius sanguinis)
If you have Italian ancestors, you may be entitled to obtain citizenship by descent. This route is available to those with Italian parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents. The key is to prove your lineage through official documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records. It is necessary to keep in mind that the rules and eligibility criteria can vary depending on when your ancestors emigrated from Italy and when they naturalised (if they did it).
Moreover, in case in your line of descent there is a woman (“Italian citizenship through the maternal line”) you should know that the procedure to obtain recognition of Italian citizenship varies depending on the birth year of the woman’s descendants. Indeed, descendants of an Italian mother born after 1st January 1948, can obtain recognition of citizenship ius sanguinis directly through administrative procedures (via the Consulate if residing abroad, or by applying to the Mayor if residing in Italy). On the contrary, if the descent is from an Italian mother born before 1948, the interested party should necessarily initiate a legal action in Italy.
2. Italian Citizenship by Marriage (iure matrimonii)
If you are married or in a civil union with an Italian citizen for at least two years (if you are resident in Italy) or three years (if residing abroad) following the marriage, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship. Both terms are reduced by half if the couple has children or when the children are legally adopted by the couple.
The same rules apply to civil unions between same-sex individuals, which were recognised in Italy in 2016.
Moreover, in order to acquire the Italian citizenship iure matrimonii, the interested party should prove the knowledge of the Italian language.
3. Italian Citizenship by Residence (“naturalisation”)
If you are a foreigner who has lived in Italy for an extended period, you might qualify for Italian citizenship through residency. This option usually requires at least ten years of legal residence in Italy.
Moreover, in case of EU citizen, it will be sufficient a 4-years period of legal residence in Italy. However, if you have an ancestor born in Italy or parents/grandparents who are Italian citizens, the period will be reduced in 3 years of residency.
In conclusion, Italian citizenship can be obtained through different paths.
Please contact The Italian Lawyer for further details on the procedure by email at info@theitalianlawyer.com