Applying in Italy

Citizenship by Descent

Applying for Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) directly in Italy is a process that allows individuals with Italian ancestry to claim their Italian citizenship based on their bloodline. This process can be particularly appealing for those who can legally reside in Italy, as it may expedite the overall procedure compared to applying through an Italian consulate abroad. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply for jus sanguinis directly in Italy:

  1. Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
    • Italian Ancestor: Identify your most recent Italian ancestor (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.) who was born in Italy and did not renounce their Italian citizenship before the birth of their descendant.
    • Unbroken Line of Descent: Ensure there is an unbroken line of descent from the Italian ancestor to you, and that no ancestor renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next in line.
  2. Step 2: Gather Required Documents
    Collect all necessary documents, which may include:

    • Birth Certificates: Obtain the birth certificates of every person in your direct line of descent from the Italian ancestor, including yours.
    • Marriage Certificates: Collect marriage certificates for each marriage in your direct lineage.
    • Death Certificates: If applicable, obtain death certificates for deceased ancestors in the direct line.
    • Naturalization Records: If your ancestor emigrated and became a citizen of another country, you need documents proving whether they naturalized and, crucially, the date of naturalization (it must be after the birth of their child).
    • Apostilles and Translations: All documents issued outside Italy must be legalized with an apostille (if from a country that is part of the Hague Convention) and translated into Italian by a certified translator.
  3. Step 3: Legal Residence in Italy
    • Establish Legal Residence: You must be legally residing in Italy to apply directly there. This involves registering with the Anagrafe (registry office) of the Comune (municipality) where you live. You will need to prove you have a place to live and sufficient financial means.
    • PDS (Permesso di Soggiorno): If you are a non-EU citizen, you will typically need to obtain a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) to legally reside in Italy.
  4. Step 4: Submit Your Application
    • Local Comune: Present your application and all the gathered documents to the Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Registry Office) at your local Comune. Some municipalities might have specific offices dedicated to citizenship applications.
    • Anagrafe Submission: Registering your residency allows you to submit your citizenship application based on residency, activating your right to apply for citizenship by descent.
  5. Step 5: The Processing Phase
    • Review and Verification: The Italian authorities will review your application and verify the authenticity and correctness of the documents. They may also check for the uninterrupted transmission of citizenship.
    • Possible Interview: You might be asked to attend an interview to discuss your application and ancestry.
  6. Step 6: Decision
    • Approval: If your application is approved, the Comune will register you as an Italian citizen and you will be recorded in the AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) if you plan to move back abroad.
    • Passport Application: Once registered, you can apply for an Italian passport and ID card.

Additional Tips:

  • Start Early: The process of gathering documents can be time-consuming, especially if you need to obtain records from different countries.
  • Professional Assistance: Consider hiring an a citizenship service specialized in Italian citizenship applications to navigate the process, especially if your case involves complex situations like ancestors naturalizing in another country.
  • Patience Is Key: The process can take a considerable amount of time, from a few months to a few years, depending on the Comune and the complexity of your case.

Applying for Italian citizenship by descent directly in Italy can be a straightforward process if you have all the required documentation and meet the eligibility criteria. Being in Italy can expedite your application, as you’re dealing directly with local authorities, but it requires preparation, patience, and sometimes, a bit of help from professionals.