Get Italian citizenship with any of these citizenship pathways

Dreaming of living the Italian lifestyle, savoring cappuccinos in charming piazzas, and immersing yourself in Italy’s rich culture? Wondering how to get Italian citizenship and make this dream a reality?

Whether you’re drawn by your heritage, love, or a new chapter in life, obtaining Italian citizenship opens the door to countless opportunities, including the possibility of holding Italian dual citizenship. There are several ways of obtaining Italian citizenship. Each has their pros and cons and is highly dependent on your personal situation and how much work you’re willing to put in. From Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), to actually marrying and Italian citizen, to living directly in Italy…you have several paths to Italian citizenship to explore.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main paths to gaining Italian citizenship, with all the pros and cons to help you decide which one is best for you.

How to Get Italian Citizenship (Path)	Requirements	Time
Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)	Be eligible through an Italian ancestor and file your case successfully.	2-3 years
Italian citizenship by marriage	Marry an Italian citizen and pass a language requirement.	2-3 years
Italian citizenship through residency	If you are qualified through an Italian ancestor, you can establish residency in Italy.	~ 1 year
Naturalization	Live in Italy for years.	5 – 10 years

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Path 1: How to Get Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

If you have Italian ancestry and wondering how to get Italian citizenship, you might already be eligible for Italian dual citizenship without even knowing it! Italian citizenship by descent, or Jure Sanguinis, allows individuals to claim Italian citizenship through their bloodline, even if their family has been living outside of Italy for generations.

How It Works:

You can apply for Italian citizenship through your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or even further back, as long as they were Italian citizens at the time their child (your ancestor) was born. Italy has no generational limits for claiming citizenship by descent. However, there are a few key requirements:

• If your Italian ancestor was a woman born before January 1, 1948, citizenship can only be passed to children born after that date. If this is your case, read more about 1948 cases, where you can still pursue Italian citizenship through a court case in Italy.
• Your ancestor must not have become a naturalized citizen of another country before the birth of the next person in your bloodline.

To apply, you’ll need certified records of your Italian lineage, translated and properly legalized. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the complexity of your case and the wait times at your local Italian consulate, which is based on where you are a resident.

Pros: Once you’re recognized, Italian dual citizenship automatically passes to future generations.
Cons: Collecting and authenticating documents can be time-consuming, especially if your ancestors lived in different regions.

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Path 2: How to Get Italian Citizenship by Marriage

Falling in love with an Italian can do more than warm your heart—it can also lead to obtaining Italian citizenship.

How It Works:

If you marry an Italian citizen, you can apply for Italian citizenship after two years of marriage while living in Italy or three years if living outside the country. This timeframe is halved if you and your spouse have children together. Keep in mind, learning basic Italian is a requirement to complete this process.

Pros: The process is relatively straightforward, requiring only time, patience, and an application.
Cons: This option is only available if you’re married to an Italian citizen. Basic Italian language proficiency is also mandatory.

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Path 3: How to Get Italian Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)

If you don’t have Italian ancestors or an Italian spouse, you can still become an Italian citizen by living in the country long enough to qualify for naturalization.

How It Works:

You’ll need to establish legal residency in Italy and live there for most of the year. The timeline for eligibility depends on your circumstances:

• If you have no Italian heritage, you must reside in Italy for at least 10 years.
• If you’re an EU citizen or have some Italian ancestry, the timeline may be shorter.

Naturalization involves meeting residency requirements, proving financial stability, and understanding Italian laws and culture.

Pros: Residency offers a clear path to citizenship, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Italian life.
Cons: This is the longest route, requiring a decade or more of living and working in Italy. The application can also be rejected for various reasons, including security concerns.

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Italian Dual Citizenship: Benefits and Requirements

One of the best parts of obtaining Italian citizenship is that Italy allows dual citizenship. This means you can hold an Italian passport while keeping your current nationality, such as your American citizenship.

Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

Italian Dual Citizenship Requirements:

To qualify, you’ll need to provide documentation such as birth certificates, marriage records, and other legal documents, depending on the path you choose. These documents must be properly translated, legalized, and apostilled.

Important Note: While Italy allows dual citizenship, some countries do not. Be sure to confirm your country’s policies before proceeding.

How Do I Get an Italian Passport?

Once you’ve successfully obtained Italian citizenship, applying for an Italian passport is the final step. This passport grants you access to travel, work, and live across the European Union, making it one of the most powerful travel documents in the world.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Each path to Italian citizenship—whether by descent, marriage, or residency—has its own set of benefits and challenges. Your personal circumstances, timeline, and goals will determine the best option for you.

If you’re looking for professional guidance on how to obtain Italian citizenship, our team of experts can help simplify the process. We offer personalized case reviews and assistance with gathering documents, navigating Italian dual citizenship requirements, and completing your application.

Take our Italian citizenship eligibility quiz to see if you qualify.

Embarking on this journey may take time, but the rewards of getting Italian citizenship, whether it’s reconnecting with your heritage, starting a new life in Italy, or gaining the freedom of an Italian passport, are well worth it.

Start your path to Italian citizenship today and make your dream of living la dolce vita a reality!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian citizenship?

Italian citizenship refers to the legal status that allows an individual to live, work, and enjoy the benefits of being a citizen in Italy. This includes access to Italy’s healthcare and education systems. Additionally, Italian dual citizenship allows you to travel freely across the European Union, opening doors to numerous personal and professional opportunities.

Can Americans become Italian citizens?

Yes, Americans can obtain Italian citizenship. If you have legitimate ties to Italian ancestry, you may qualify for citizenship through descent. Additionally, you can apply for Italian dual citizenship through marriage without having to renounce your U.S. citizenship.

How do I apply for Italian citizenship?

If you have ancestral ties to Italy, you’ll need to gather documents proving your lineage and complete an application form. Once ready, schedule an appointment at your local Italian consulate to submit your application. After this, the consulate will review your documents and make a decision on your eligibility for Italian citizenship.

How can I get dual citizenship in Italy?

To apply for dual citizenship in Italy, visit your local Italian consulate and submit your application, along with all required documentation. Once you’ve attended your appointment, the consulate will review your case. Approval depends on the authenticity of your documents and proof of Italian ancestry.

How long does it take to obtain dual citizenship in Italy?

After your application is accepted, the Italian consulate may take up to six months to review and register your case. Once approved, you can apply for an Italian passport. Overall, the process for obtaining dual citizenship in Italy can take two to three years.

What is the timeline for obtaining Italian citizenship?

After submitting your application, the consulate typically requires up to six months to process and verify your claim to citizenship. Once approved, you can proceed to apply for an Italian passport, with the entire process taking about two to three years to complete.

Can U.S. citizens hold dual citizenship with Italy?

Yes, U.S. citizens can have dual citizenship with Italy. While the U.S. does not officially recognize dual citizenship, it does not prohibit it either. This means you can retain your U.S. citizenship while enjoying the benefits of Italian dual citizenship. You keep your U.S. rights, including voting, Social Security, and Medicare. You must still follow U.S. tax laws, even if you live abroad. You can enter and leave both countries freely using the respective passport.