I recommend ICA, without any reservation. They are very knowledgeable about the different avenues for applying for Italian citizenship. Here is my story:
I set out on the path to claim my Italian citizenship (Jure Sanguinis) through my maternal line in 2016. I completed much of the document collection in the USA and Italy myself and obtained the apostilles. I started working with ICA around 2020; they reviewed what I had collected and helped me identify a few documents I needed and did a review of all my documents to determine if there would be any anticipated problems with my application. They also completed the translations and obtained other certifications I needed.
I chose to initially apply in Italy. I also chose the difficult path of applying in the small town where my grandfather was from and where some of my family currently live in Italy. It was a bumpy road dealing with an official their that was in charge of my citizenship application, he made my application process in Italy very difficult. ICA had my back the whole way, though in the end it was obvious the official was purposely making things more difficult for me and no matter what additional documents I provided and hoops I jumped through, in the end he had already made up his mind. He was not very knowledgeable of the process and came up with his own criteria…
Even though my dream of applying in Italy did not work out, my 4 months there in 2021 was a wonderful experience because I was able to improve my language skills, spend time with my family, and learn more about my heritage. There was a possibility to apply in Rovigo, which would have likely turned out fine because that is where ICAs office is and they have a positive relationship with the municipality. But I chose the harder, uncertain path.
Luckily after my 4 months in Italy, I returned to NYC and applied right away at the Italian Consulate because I had made an appointment 2 years prior, as my plan B. Everything went smooth and I was notified after 21 months (in 2023) that my application had been successful and I was now officially an Italian Citizen!
I cannot say enough positive things about Silvia and Marco, I thank them immensely! Silvia answered all my questions, I sent her so many emails, and she was always patient, kind, and thorough with her responses. My experience with her was top notch! Grazie di cuore, Silvia! 😊
Thank you Marco, you have a great team! You all are helping so many people regain a connection with their ancestors that was lost, a connection to a country and culture that many of us love. Grazie mille per tutto il vostro aiuto! 😊🇮🇹
FAQs
The Real Italian Citizenship Assistance Company. My Italian Family is the only Full Assistance Service for people of Italian Descent applying for Dual Citizenship. If you are not sure you qualify, schedule your FREE Consultation with us. Otherwise, get started with our Italian Citizenship Programs!
How long is the waiting time for Italian citizenship? ›
Applying for Citizenship via the Italian Court System
You can expect the waiting time for this option to take from 2 to 18 months. Keep in mind that this option may require more than one hearing if additional documents are required. If not, a decision will be granted on the hearing day.
How can I speed up my Italian citizenship? ›
Alternatively, if you apply for citizenship via the municipality in Italy or at court (a 1948 case), then records pertaining to family members who are not direct ancestors are not always required, and this helps speed up the process because there are less forms to retrieve and prepare.
What are the disadvantages of Italian dual citizenship? ›
There are not many disadvantages to being an Italian dual citizen. However, it is important to bear in mind that the process can be difficult and lengthy. Some government jobs are also open only to citizens of a single country.
Where is Italian citizenship assistance located? ›
In partnership with our law firm based in Rovigo, Italy, and thanks to our associates based in New York City and Los Angeles, we are able to offer the best services at the most competitive fees for our clients to successfully obtain dual citizenship and an Italian passport.
How much does it cost to get an Italian citizenship? ›
As a rule, the dual Italian citizenship process can cost anywhere between $500 – $13,000.
How hard is it to get Italian citizenship? ›
Obtaining Italian citizenship by naturalization is a process available to non-Italian citizens who have lived in Italy for a specific period of time. The required residency period varies depending on the applicant's circ*mstances, but it is typically ten years for non-EU citizens and four years for EU citizens.
How hard is Italian citizenship? ›
Getting Italian citizenship is a lengthy process regardless of whether you apply through marriage, descent or naturalisation and the supporting documentary evidence must be correct or your application will fail.
Do I lose my Italian citizenship if I become a US citizen? ›
Finally, after 16 August, 1992, Italian citizens who voluntarily acquired another citizenship no longer automatically lost their Italian citizenship, unless they formally renounced it.
Do you need to speak Italian to get Italian citizenship? ›
If you are applying for Italian Citizenship by marriage, since 2018, you must speak Italian and show an adequate knowledge of the language (passing the level B1 test of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - CEFRL).
The interview is about to start and the first thing the Italian Consular officer will want to see is your valid Government Photo ID, U.S. passport and proof of residence (normally a utility bill) to make sure you reside in a State or County covered by the jurisdiction of the Italian Consulate where you are applying.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship at any consulate? ›
As a rule, you can only apply at the Italian Consulate that has jurisdiction over the state where you reside; this means that you cannot pick and choose your Italian Consulate based on how many appointments they are making available and how far out these appointments may be.
What are 3 countries in Europe that do not allow dual citizenship? ›
Despite this trend, specific countries such as Austria, Germany, Estonia, Bulgaria, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Netherlands remain hesitant to permit dual citizenship, enforcing strict rules for exceptions.
Does dual citizenship affect Social Security benefits? ›
The United States generally considers a person with dual U.S. and foreign citizenship a U.S. citizen for Social Security purposes. This does not apply if you are a U.S. citizen and a citizen of a country the United States has an international social security agreement with.
Do you have to pay Italian taxes as a dual citizen? ›
To be eligible for paying taxes as a dual citizen, you need to spend at least 183 days a year in Italy, or own assets situated in that country. Otherwise, you are not obliged to declare anything to Italian authorities.
How hard is it to get Italian citizenship as an American? ›
Obtaining Italian citizenship by naturalization is a process available to non-Italian citizens who have lived in Italy for a specific period of time. The required residency period varies depending on the applicant's circ*mstances, but it is typically ten years for non-EU citizens and four years for EU citizens.
Can an American apply for Italian citizenship? ›
You can get dual citizenship in USA and Italy if you can prove you have Italian ancestry with a demonstrable unbroken line of citizenship. Since 1992, Italy has allowed dual citizenship with the United States, and you will not need to renounce your American citizenship during the process of applying.
Can I get Italian citizenship through great grandparents? ›
Italian citizenship by descent is possible for individuals who are born to Italian parents, grandparents, great grandparents (there is no upper limit in terms of the number of generations).
