Italian dual citizenship has become increasingly popular, especially for Americans with Italian ancestry who wish to reconnect with their heritage or move to Europe. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining Italian dual citizenship, from eligibility requirements to the detailed application process, both in the USA and Italy.
What is Italian Dual Citizenship?
Italian dual citizenship allows an individual to hold both Italian and their original nationality at the same time. For Americans, it means enjoying the benefits of both US and Italian citizenship without renouncing either. This is particularly appealing for Italian descendants who want to travel freely within the European Union, live and work in Europe, or reconnect with their Italian roots.
Can Americans Have Italian Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Americans can have Italian dual citizenship. The United States does not require citizens to renounce their American citizenship when obtaining another nationality, making it legal to hold both. Italian law also permits dual nationality, allowing Italian descendants to claim their Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), without giving up their current citizenship.
The Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship
Before diving into the application process, let’s explore why you might want to obtain dual citizenship with Italy.
- Live and Work in the EU: As an Italian citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study in any European Union country.
- Visa-Free Travel: Italian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to over 180 countries.
- Access to Healthcare and Education: Italy offers high-quality public healthcare and affordable education.
- Reconnect with Your Heritage: Gain a deeper connection to your Italian ancestry by becoming an Italian citizen.
We have a dedicated blog post detailing all the benefits of Italian citizenship here.
Eligibility for Italian Dual Citizenship
There are several pathways to obtaining Italian dual citizenship, but the most common is through descent (jure sanguinis). Here are the key criteria to qualify:
- Italian Descent: At least one of your ancestors must have been born in Italy and been an Italian citizen.
- No Naturalization Before Child’s Birth: The ancestor must not have naturalized in another country before the birth of their child.
- Uninterrupted Line: You must be able to trace an unbroken line of Italian citizenship through your family.
- 1948 Rule: If the ancestor is a woman and her child was born before 1948, you will need to go through a special legal process as Italy did not allow women to pass citizenship before that year.
Other options include obtaining Italian citizenship through marriage or naturalization. For more details on eligibility, check out our dedicated post on citizenship requirements here.
How to Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship in the USA
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Italian dual citizenship through your local Consulate of Italy in the USA. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Gather Documentation
You will need the following documents to prove your Italian lineage:
- Birth certificates for you, your parents, grandparents, and the Italian ancestor.
- Marriage certificates for all relevant parties.
- Death certificates if applicable.
- Naturalization records for your Italian ancestor or proof they never naturalized in the US. To obtain naturalization records or proof that your Italian ancestor never naturalized in the US, you can check the following key sources: USCIS, National Archives (NARA), the County Clerk’s Office where they lived, and Census Records. These institutions offer access to historical documents that may be required for your Italian dual citizenship application.
- Apostilles: Apostilles: All non-Italian documents must be authenticated with an apostille, typically costing $10 to $25 per document. You can obtain an apostille through your state’s Secretary of State office or US Department of State. Processing times vary by state, usually taking 1 to 4 weeks.
- Translations: All documents must also be translated into Italian by an official translator.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once all documentation is gathered, you must book an appointment with the Consulate of Italy that serves your jurisdiction. Given the high demand for Italian dual citizenship, the wait time for an appointment can be lengthy, often 1-2 years.
At the consulate appointment, you will need to submit the following:
- Completed Italian citizenship application forms: These include Form 1 (Domanda di Riconoscimento della Cittadinanza Italiana Jure Sanguinis) and Form 2 (Dichiarazione Sostitutiva dell’Atto di Notorietà). Make sure they are accurately filled out and signed as required.
- All necessary documents and translations: This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and naturalization records, each authenticated with an apostille and translated into Italian by an official translator. Ensure you bring both the original documents and certified translations.
- Fee: You will pay a fee of €300, usually via money order or cashier’s check (personal checks are not accepted). Verify the accepted payment methods with the specific consulate before your appointment.
Step 3: Application Review and Approval
The consulate will review your documents and determine your eligibility. This process can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the consulate’s workload. Once approved, you will be registered in the AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero), the registry for Italians living abroad.
How to Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship in Italy
A vary common question among Italian descendants is: how to get dual citizenship in Italy? And this is actually a great option if you want to immerse in the Italian culture. If you’re already living in Italy or prefer to speed up the process, you can apply directly in Italy. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Gather Documentation
As with applying in the USA, you will need to gather all necessary documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records, with apostilles and translations.
Step 2: Establish Residency in Italy
To apply in Italy, you must establish legal residency in an Italian comune (town). This typically involves:
- Renting or purchasing a home.
- Registering your address with the local comune.
- Providing proof of residency, such as a lease agreement.
Step 3: Vigile Verification
Once you have registered your residency at the local comune, the vigile urbano (local police) will visit your residence to verify that you are actually living at the address you provided. This home visit is crucial, as it officially confirms your residency in Italy, a necessary requirement for the Italian dual citizenship application.
The visit usually occurs within 30 to 45 days after your residency registration, but timelines may vary depending on the specific comune and their workload. The vigile will knock on your door to ensure you are physically living there. If you are not home during the visit, they may leave a note asking you to schedule another appointment or to visit the comune to confirm your residency.
Once the vigile confirms your presence, they will notify the comune, allowing your application to proceed to the next stage.
Step 4: Submit Your Application to the Comune
Once your residency is confirmed by the vigile, you can formally submit your Italian dual citizenship application to the local comune. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Required Documents: Birth, marriage, and death certificates, naturalization records, and proof of residency with apostilles and translations.
- Application Forms: You’ll need to fill out the same forms required for applying through the consulate, including the Domanda di Riconoscimento della Cittadinanza Jure Sanguinis.
- Fee: The application fee is €300, which is typically paid at the comune via bank transfer or directly at the office. Check with your specific comune for accepted payment methods.
Step 5: Approval Process
After submission, the comune will begin processing your application, which typically takes 6 months to 1 year, depending on the workload and efficiency of the particular comune. Once approved, you will be registered as an Italian citizen and can apply for your Italian passport.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for obtaining Italian dual citizenship varies based on where you apply and how complete your documentation is.
- In the USA: The entire process, from gathering documents to final approval, can take between 2 to 4 years. Much of this time is spent waiting for an appointment at the consulate.
- In Italy: If you establish residency and apply directly in Italy, the process is generally faster, taking 6 months to 1 year after submission.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Applying for Italian dual citizenship can be a complex process. Here are some common challenges and tips to overcome them:
- Finding Records: If you’re missing documentation, consult our Italian register database to locate birth, marriage, or death certificates in Italy.
- Delays: The process can be slow, especially in the USA. Consider applying in Italy if you want to expedite the process.
- 1948 Rule: If your case falls under the 1948 rule, you will need to hire an attorney to file a court case in Italy to claim your citizenship.
Conclusion: Is Italian Dual Citizenship Worth It?
For many Italian descendants, Italian dual citizenship offers numerous benefits, from reconnecting with their Italian heritage to gaining the right to live, work, and travel throughout the European Union. While the application process requires patience and careful preparation, the advantages make it worth the effort.
Follow us on Social Media!
Ready to begin your journey to Italian dual citizenship? Consult our database of Italian registers to locate your ancestral records and follow us on Instagram for more tips and updates on the citizenship process.
