Do you want to obtain dual Italian citizenship but don’t know how? Dual Italian citizenship represents a precious bond with a country rich in history, culture and opportunities. It also offers many advantages, such as traveling, studying and working freely in the European Union without needing a visa or accessing the National Health System. Here is a guide on the requirements needed to apply for Italian citizenship, the methods for obtaining it and the advantages that this also entails for foreign citizens.
Who is entitled to dual Italian citizenship?
Let’s start by clarifying which people are entitled to dual Italian citizenship according to the law. According to the fundamental principle of “jus sanguinis”, Italian citizenship is granted to all those who can demonstrate their Italian descent. Initially, the right was such only for descendants from the paternal line, according to law no. 555 of 13 June 1912. However, the ruling of the Constitutional Court of 9 February 1983 established that even descendants born abroad from an Italian maternal line have the right to Italian citizenship if born after 1 January 1948.
This means that anyone with at least one Italian ancestor can apply for dual Italian citizenship, regardless of their place of birth. Obtaining citizenship still requires proving descent through documents that attest to it with certainty. For this reason, careful genealogical research of one’s Italian ancestors is often necessary.
What does Italian citizenship jure sanguinis mean?
In Latin, jure sanguinis means “by right of blood” and in the acquisition of citizenship it indicates the right to obtain it on the basis of blood ties. Jus sanguinis, in force in Italy, is opposed to jus solis, valid in other countries such as the United States and Australia. According to jus soli, a person born within the borders of a State is a citizen of that State.
How do you obtain dual Italian citizenship?
In addition to obtaining dual citizenship by descent, there are other ways to acquire Italian citizenship if you are not a descendant through the maternal or paternal line:
Italian citizenship by birth and adoption
A person born in Italy can obtain Italian citizenship if the parents are unknown or stateless and if they reside in Italy from birth until they reach 18 years of age. Adopted children of Italian parents can also apply for Italian citizenship.
Dual Italian citizenship by marriage
It is possible to obtain dual Italian citizenship two years after marriage to an Italian citizen and by demonstrating that they have resided in Italy for at least two years from the date of marriage.
Dual Italian citizenship by residence or naturalization
Those who have resided in Italy continuously for 3 to 10 consecutive years, depending on the different cases, can apply for Italian citizenship.
What are the advantages of dual Italian citizenship?
Obtaining dual Italian citizenship offers a series of essential advantages and practical and work benefits for many foreign citizens. In particular, thanks to Italian citizenship it is possible to:
- Travel freely in all the States of the European Union
- Study or work in any State of the European Union without the need for a Visa
- Vote, be elected and hold public positions and functions in Italy
- Access the National Health System and obtain public care in any State of the European Union
- Access public education in all the States of the European Union
- Buy a house in Italy in a simpler and safer way
- Participate in sports competitions in Europe without occupying the limited places reserved for non-EU citizens within your club
- Pass on Italian citizenship to your minor children with all the rights associated with it
How to obtain dual Italian citizenship by descent?
To obtain Italian citizenship by descent it is necessary to produce some essential documents to demonstrate it. Among these:
- An extract of the birth certificate of the Italian ancestor issued by the municipality where he was born
- The birth certificates of the descendants in direct line of the ancestor, including that of the applicant
- The marriage certificate and the death certificate of the Italian ancestor and the marriage certificates of the members of the succession in direct line
- A certificate from the authorities of the State of emigration of the Italian ancestor attesting that he did not acquire the citizenship of the foreign State before the birth of the applicant.
- The certificate of residence of the person requesting Italian citizenship and a photocopy of a valid identity document or passport
Searching for such documents is a complex genealogical research task that requires experience and access to official documents. The research passes through municipal and state archives, registry offices and church registers of the native towns and cities, in which marriages were recorded. Doing it independently is a fruitless experiment as it requires, in addition to commitment and physical presence in the area, also a high level of expertise in the field.
MIA – My Italian Ancestry is at your disposal to proceed with the genealogical research of your roots to obtain dual Italian citizenship. With an expert and trained team, we will carry out an accurate search for you, tracing the evidence of your connection with your Italian ancestors.
Contact us to find out how we can help you search for your ancestors to request dual Italian citizenship
