Italian Citizenship by descent - an overview of the process
The primary requirement for applying for Italian citizenship by descent is having Italian roots. In other words, if you have Italian-born parents, grandparents or great-grandparents, you may be eligible to claim Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis (by right of blood). To be more specific, there is no proper generational limit to the citizenship claim, as long as the lineage is straightforward.
This unique opportunity allows you to embrace your heritage, become part of the vibrant Italian community, and enjoy the benefits of Italian and European citizenship.
Also, the great news is that anyone in your family, sharing the same Italian-born ancestor, including siblings, cousins, and other relatives, may be eligible to apply.
The Jure Sanguinis application process is quite complex and entails the preparation of a citizenship kit to be approved by Italian authorities. This documentation can be subject to variation according to each case specificity; the citizenship application, indeed, is a wonderful journey that needs to be tailored according to each applicant’s family tree and history. This is what makes each process unique.
However, to complete the set of required documents, some guidelines can be useful; here is what you need to know:
Step 1: Confirming your eligibility.
The very first step is determining your eligibility to claim Italian citizenship: as mentioned, it is fundamental that you have Italian-born ancestry. As mentioned, there’s no generational limit, so you can trace your lineage back as many generations as needed.
However, your eligibility will be confirmed only if your Italian-born ancestor never naturalized as a citizen of another country or possibly naturalized after the birth of their child (your next-in-line relative). This ensures the chain of Italian citizenship was not broken.
If you are unsure about your eligibility and how to proceed if you qualify, you can avail of our free eligibility consultation to find out.
Step 2: Building your citizenship kit
Once you’ve established your eligibility after a thorough genealogy research, the next step is to create a comprehensive citizenship kit which is the key point to undoubtedly demonstrate the legitimacy of your Italian descent.
The set of documentation must include all the vital records pertaining to you and your family; each record must be appropriately legalized and translated into Italian. Accurate translations are crucial for the consular officers to assess your application.
Keep in mind that records that do not comply with current regulations will be rejected during the evaluation of your citizenship kit. If you need help in determining the acceptability of your documentation, we will be glad to provide our professional advice!
Step 3: Preparing for the consular interview
On the day of your interview, the consular clerk will carry out a preliminary assessment of your citizenship kit. The approval of the application depends on the clerk’s evaluation of the documentation provided, therefore it is crucial that everything is complete, consistent and well-organized. Moreover, there are several specific requirements concerning the interview itself, which are often updated by each consulate.
If you need help we can provide professional guidance to make sure you don’t get caught unprepared for your interview!
Step 4: After the Interview
Once you’ve submitted your application, the consulate has up to 24 months to approve or reject it. This waiting time allows the consulate to verify the consistency and authenticity of the documents provided.
That being said, for sure the citizenship application process is time-consuming and waiting is certainly the hardest part. As multi-year experienced citizenship specialists, we offer fast-track solutions for your citizenship application.
Curious to know how? Contact us to discuss your specific case! Start your application today and become part of the global Italian community.