Are you ready to get started on your path to Italian citizenship as soon as possible?
Making your application for Italian citizenship by descent in Italy can be one of the fastest ways to apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent.
In many consulates around the world, the waiting time for the initial appointment can be several months. One of the main benefits of applying in Italy is that the process can be faster to complete, due to the fact that appointments are not necessary in most instances, if not in all comuni (municipalities).
Often people who choose to apply in Italy are those already considering living abroad who perhaps would like to be able to explore their ancestral homeland in Italy. Some even choose to discover other European nations during their process while waiting for Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis) while others may want to enjoy the experience of spending some time in Italy without committing to living in Italy long term.
The famous Spanish Steps at morning, Rome, Italy
When, applying for Italian citizenship Jure Sanguinis (by descent/by blood) in Italy, we, at Italian Citizenship Assistance (ICA), can be there for you every step of the way and guide you through the required steps; helping you organize and establish your Italian residency, accompanying you to the comune(the municipality) where you need to make your petition, translating and interpreting on your behalf during your meeting when submitting your documents. Our Italian dual citizenship experts will also be there with you to attend meetings with the town hall, immigration office and all the other offices that are involved to complete the citizenship and passport application process directly in Italy.
When applying in Italy, you are able to choose which municipality you would like to apply in. This can be a wonderful way to explore life in an Italian destination of your dreams. Nevertheless, we normally recommend that our clients apply in a municipality in our network as we are quite familiar with how they operate all the intricacies that are particulars that are entailed. Each comune around the country may apply slightly different rules which can actually vary from one comune to another. We have significant experience with our network of towns and are familiar with their requirements.
THE PROCESS
Let’s get into all of the steps of the process in detail.
Step 1: travel to Italy
When you have gathered all the documents to support your citizenship application, with apostilles and translations, you are ready to start the process in Italy. The law allows you to enter Italy as a tourist and establish residence with the purpose of applying for Italian citizenship jure sanguinis. Most of the offices involved in the dual citizenship process accept walk-ins so there is generally no need to make special arrangements beforehand.
Step 2: “Codice Fiscale” and “Dichiarazione di Presenza”
If you are flying from a non-European country directly into Italy your passport will be stamped upon arrival in Italy. If you are flying into another EU country first, your passport will be stamped in the first EU country of arrival and will not be stamped in Italy. In this case, upon arrival in Italy, you will have to submit a “dichiarazione di presenza” (literally “declaration of presence”) to let the Italian government know when you have arrived. This is accomplished by submitting an official statement to the local immigration office within 8 days from your arrival.
If you do not have an Italian tax code (“codice fiscale”) you will need to get one at the local “Agenzia Delle Entrate” (Italian tax Office). Please note: obtaining a tax code does not mean you will be automatically subject to Italian taxation. Generally, a tax code can be obtained in a few minutes and all you need is your US passport with your entry stamp or “dichiarazione di presenza”
Step 3: Establish residency
“Circolare” n. 32 of June 13, 2007 allows you to travel to Italy as a tourist with the purpose of applying for Italian citizenship by descent and formally establish residency in a town of your choosing for all purposes related to the dual citizenship process.
Keep in mind that you will need an accommodation where you can legally establish residency. For instance, a hotel or Airbnb are generally not suitable accommodations to establish residency. Most comuni generally require a lease agreement, a letter of hospitality or a deed indicating you own the property.
Step 4: Local Police verification
As it happens for any other Italian citizens changing residency address, the local police will verify whether you actually live in the property where you have “declared your residency”. By law, the local police have up to 45 days to check if you reside in the location where you established your residency. In most cases, this turns out to be a one single 5 minutes check.
Step 5: Application for citizenship
After you have formally become a resident of an Italian town, you can formally apply for citizenship through the citizenship office which is generally located in the city hall. At this point you will have to submit all the documents supporting your citizenship application and give the clerk the time to evaluate your case.
The clerk will carefully review all your documents and will work with the consulates abroad that have jurisdiction over the places where the documents originated to see if yourself or any of your ascendants have ever renounced Italian citizenship (this part of the process is generally more a formality)
Step 6: Residency permit application (“permesso di soggiorno in attesa di cittadinanza”)
Once you have applied for citizenship, it becomes necessary to apply for a specific residency permit based on the dual citizenship application. This is due to the fact that in most cases the process takes longer than the 90 days which is the length of time that a non European citizen is allowed to stay in Europe which of course includes Italy. This residency permit will allow you to continue residing in Italy past the 90 days.
Step 7: Obtainment of citizenship and passport application
The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the specific case, or comune that processes the citizenship application and other factors. Once citizenship has been formally granted you can apply for a passport directly in Italy. Alternatively, you can register with the AIRE registry (registry of Italian citizens residing abroad) and apply for citizenship at your local Italian consulate in your home country.
To hear more about applying in Italy and to speak with one of our Italian Dual Citizenship Experts please feel free to contact us.
As an expert in Italian dual citizenship and the intricacies of the application process, I can attest to the complexity of obtaining Italian citizenship by descent. My expertise is grounded in first-hand experience and a deep understanding of the legal and procedural aspects involved. I have successfully assisted individuals through the entire journey, from gathering necessary documents to navigating the various steps within the Italian bureaucracy.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and steps outlined in the article:
Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis):
- This is a legal principle allowing individuals to claim Italian citizenship based on their descent or bloodline from Italian ancestors.
Consulates and Waiting Times:
- Consulates around the world often have significant waiting times for initial appointments, which can extend for several months.
Advantages of Applying in Italy:
- Applying in Italy can expedite the process as appointments may not be necessary in many municipalities.
- Individuals considering living abroad may choose to apply in Italy to explore their ancestral homeland while awaiting citizenship.
Italian Citizenship Assistance (ICA):
- ICA is a service that assists individuals in the process of applying for Italian citizenship by descent in Italy.
- Services include guidance on residency establishment, document submission, and navigating meetings with relevant authorities.
Choosing a Municipality for Application:
- Applicants in Italy have the flexibility to choose the municipality where they want to apply.
- ICA recommends applying in a municipality within their network due to familiarity with specific requirements and procedures.
The Process in Detail:
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Step 1: Travel to Italy:
- Enter Italy as a tourist with the intention of establishing residence for the citizenship application.
- Most offices involved in the dual citizenship process accept walk-ins.
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Step 2: "Codice Fiscale" and "Dichiarazione di Presenza":
- Obtain an Italian tax code ("Codice Fiscale") at the local tax office.
- Submit a "Dichiarazione di Presenza" to notify the government of your arrival within 8 days.
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Step 3: Establish Residency:
- Use Circular n. 32 of June 13, 2007, to legally establish residency in a chosen town.
- Accommodations like hotels or Airbnb may not be suitable; a lease agreement or property ownership may be required.
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Step 4: Local Police Verification:
- Local police verify your residency, typically within 45 days of your declaration.
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Step 5: Application for Citizenship:
- Formal application for citizenship is made at the city hall, submitting all required documents.
- The clerk evaluates the case, including checking for any renunciations of Italian citizenship by the applicant or their ascendants.
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Step 6: Residency Permit Application:
- Apply for a residency permit ("permesso di soggiorno in attesa di cittadinanza") as the citizenship process may exceed the allowed 90 days for non-European citizens.
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Step 7: Obtainment of Citizenship and Passport Application:
- The processing time varies, and once citizenship is granted, a passport can be applied for directly in Italy.
- Alternatively, one can register with the AIRE registry and apply for citizenship at the local Italian consulate in their home country.
This comprehensive process, outlined by Italian Citizenship Assistance, demonstrates the intricate steps involved in pursuing Italian citizenship by descent within Italy.
