Italian Dual Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will it take to get my Italian Dual Citizenship?
Part of the time frame depends on the amount of time needed to track down and process birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates in your State in the United States and your comune in Italy.
When all the certificates have arrived, you may have to wait another few weeks for the apostilles (or legalizations). Sometimes we can help you expedite this process. You can usually save time if you go in person to your State government office that provides the apostilles. Please remember you also have to account for the time needed to translate your certificates into Italian.
You can complete the application for citizenship jute sanguines and get it notarized in a day. The real question is how long it will take for the Italian embassy or consulate to process your application. It may take anywhere from one week to one year. Because I have been through this process several times, I know exactly what documents are needed and where to look for them. I am usually able to help speed up and simplify the process.
How much is this process going to cost me?
Certificates from your State in the U.S. and from the commune in Italy, apostilles and translations all add up. Plus, the fee for an Italian passport is approximately $30 USDA for one year and $145 USDA for five years, though these prices may vary from country consulate to country consulate. Fees from my office vary depending on the time it takes to complete the process. Please call today for a quote.
How will I know that I qualify for Italian Citizenship?
You will be notified either by telephone or mail from the Italian authority through which you submitted your application for citizenship. You will then receive a letter stating that you are officially recognized as an Italian citizen.
How long will it take for me to receive my Italian passport once I have obtained my Italian Citizenship?
It could take anywhere from one to six weeks to receive your Italian passport. It depends how quickly the Italian embassy or consulate processes passport requests.
How do I qualify for Dual Italian Citizenship?
If you were born in the United States or any other country where citizenship is acquired by birth, and meet the requirements for any of the following:
- If your father was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth and you never renounced your right to Italian citizenship you may qualify.
- If your mother was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, you were born after January 1st, 1948 and you never renounced your right to Italian citizenship you may qualify.
- If your father was born in the United States, your paternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your father's birth, neither you nor your father ever renounced your right to Italian citizenship you may qualify.
- If your mother was born in the United States, your maternal grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your mother's birth, you were born after January 1, 1948 and neither you nor your mother ever renounced your right to Italian citizenship you may qualify.
- If your paternal or maternal grandfather was born in the United States, your paternal great grandfather was an Italian citizen at the time of your grandfather's birth, neither you nor your father nor your grandfather ever renounced your right to Italian citizenship you may qualify. *Please be aware that a grandmother born before 01/01/1948 can claim the Italian citizenship only from her father and can transfer it to descendants after 01/01/1948.
I don't seem to qualify under the current requirements; are there some other ways for me to acquire My Italian Citizenship?
If you are committed to becoming an Italian citizen and do not qualify under the current requirements, you may do so after legally living in Italy (i.e. with a visa or permit of some sort) for the following periods of time:
- One year if you are have formerly held Italian citizenship
- Three years if you are a foreigner with native-born Italian parents or grandparents
- Four years if you are a citizen of another EU country
- Ten years if you are a citizen of a non-EU country
You are also eligible for Italian citizenship if you marry an Italian citizen. If you and your spouse live in Italy, you can apply for citizenship after six months of marriage. If you both live outside of Italy, you can apply after three years of marriage.
What are the benefits of an Italian Dual Citizenship?
Access and ease of travel. Having an Italian passport will give you access to all twenty-five EU countries: Austria (EUR), Belgium (EUR), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland (EUR), France (EUR), Germany (EUR), Greece (EUR), Hungary, Ireland (EUR), Italy (EUR), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg (EUR), Malta, The Netherlands (EUR), Poland, Portugal (EUR), Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (EUR), Sweden and United Kingdom.
You will have the right to reside and work anywhere within the territory of the member states listed above.
Having an Italian passport will give you the opportunity to work in any of the 25 EU countries listed above without the hassle and costs of applying for a work visa. In addition, some American-based multinational corporations may put a premium on hiring executives who have dual nationality.
Having an Italian passport makes free public medical care and education available to you (some taxation may apply).
If you work long enough in Italy, an Italian passport may entitle you to collect a pension along with your Social Security
Having an Italian passport will allow you to purchase foreign securities without restriction, including Eurobonds, unit trusts, investment funds and real estate.
Having an Italian passport gives you the right to vote in Italy without losing your American citizenship.
Having an Italian passport allows you to pass it on to your children and secure any potential advantage that this status may grant them. The Italian law states that spouses of Italian citizens and children can apply for citizenship. Spouses after six months of marriage if a couple is living in Italy and after three years of marriage if they are living abroad and children if they are under the age of 18, otherwise they will have apply separately.
Having an Italian passport may fulfill those sentimental purposes to reconnect to your Ancestral land and give you the choice to spend your retirement years either in Italy or in the U.S.
Contact Me Today
If you are interested in obtaining your Italian Dual Citizenship, no matter where you live, contact me if you have questions about the process . I am happy to offer a 30 minute consultation for the rate of $50, where we can determine if you qualify. Visa and MasterCard Accepted.
