Over the past decade, interest in Italian citizenship has surged, especially among Americans seeking the freedom to live, work, and study in the European Union (EU), reconnect with family roots, or access Italian health care and education.
As a dual American-Italian citizen, I moved to Sicily and applied for citizenship by descent through a comune, and I can attest to the opportunities, experiences, and sense of connection that Italian citizenship provides.
The process can feel complex, especially since Italian citizenship laws vary by pathway, each with its own rules and requirements. In this Remitly guide, we’ll break down the four main ways to get Italian citizenship, along with timelines, costs, and required documents, so you can start your journey with confidence.
Understanding Italian citizenship laws: the basics
Before exploring specific pathways, it’s helpful to understand the foundations of Italian citizenship law. Italy recognizes dual citizenship, so you don’t have to give up your current nationality.
Italian citizenship law is primarily based on the principle of jure sanguinis, or “right of blood,” meaning citizenship is passed down through ancestry rather than birthplace. Eligibility depends on a continuous chain of Italian citizenship from your ancestor to you.
Laws have evolved, including the language requirement for citizenship by marriage introduced in 2018 and the generational limit established in 2025. These legal nuances can be confusing, but they are crucial when planning your Italian citizenship application.
Method 1: Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)
For Americans with Italian ancestry, jure sanguinis is the most common pathway. Thousands pursue this route each year to reconnect with their heritage and gain access to the benefits of an Italian passport.To qualify, you must show that your Italian parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen at the time of their child’s birth, and that citizenship was never renounced or lost along the line. Naturalization records are key, since they confirm whether the citizenship chain remained intact.
Recent legal changes limit eligibility to children and grandchildren of Italian citizens, excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants unless a case was already filed before the law took effect. This rule has faced legal challenges, leading some applicants to pursue claims through the courts.
The 1948 rule adds another consideration. Before January 1, 1948, Italian women could not pass citizenship to their children. If your line goes through a mother or grandmother who gave birth before this date, you cannot apply at a consulate and must instead file a case in an Italian court.
Method 2: Italian citizenship by marriage
If you are married to an Italian citizen, you can qualify after two years of marriage if you live in Italy or after three years if you live abroad. These timelines are halved if you and your spouse have children together.
Applicants must show B1 level Italian proficiency by passing an official language exam. This requirement ensures that new citizens are able to integrate in Italy as a dual citizen.
If the marriage ends before you apply, you cannot claim citizenship. However, once granted, citizenship is permanent, even if you later divorce or separate, as long as you were married when you applied.
Method 3: Italian citizenship by naturalization
Italian citizenship by naturalization is available to non-EU citizens who have legally resided in Italy for at least ten years. For EU citizens, the requirement is reduced to four years.
Descendants from certain Latin American countries may qualify in three years, and refugees may qualify in five years. Like the marriage pathway, naturalization applicants must also pass a B1 official Italian language exam.
To strengthen your application, keep records of your residency, like official certificates and proof of address, and maintain a consistent financial record, such as taxes, employment, or bank statements. Occasional travel outside of Italy usually doesn’t affect eligibility so long as you maintain legal residency.
Method 4: Italian citizenship by birth
Children born in Italy to foreign parents may qualify under jure soli, “right of soil,” if they reside continuously in Italy until the age of 18. After turning 18, you have a one-year window to apply for Italian citizenship. This ensures that you have a genuine connection to Italy beyond the circumstances of their birth.
The key to applying for citizenship under jure soli is careful documentation of continuous residence, legal status, and municipal registration. Adopted children follow the same residency rules.
Documents you’ll need: a comprehensive checklist
Across all pathways, documents must be official, certified, and, if issued abroad, apostilled and translated into Italian by a certified translator.
Citizenship by descent
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates for each person in your direct line of descent
- Proof that your Italian ancestor never renounced Italian citizenship, from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Apostilles for all foreign documents
- Certified translations of every document into Italian
Citizenship by marriage
- Your marriage certificate, registered in Italy
- Your spouse’s Italian passport and birth certificate
- Proof of residence, depending on whether you live in Italy or abroad
- Clean criminal records from every country where you have lived
- Your B1 Italian language certificate
Citizenship by naturalization
- Proof of continuous residence in Italy (residency certificates)
- Proof of sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents
- Criminal record certificates from Italy and any country where you have previously lived
- Your valid passport and birth certificate
- The B1 Italian language certificate
Citizenship by birth
- Italian birth certificate
- Proof of continuous legal residence from birth until the age of 18
- Parents’ passports and residence permits
- Any additional certificates showing legal status or registration in local municipalities
Tips for organizing your documents
To simplify the process, keep your documents well organized with a clear digital or physical filing system, separating originals from certified copies and tracking what’s collected, translated, and apostilled.
It’s also a good idea to check the official Italian government or consulate resources to confirm requirements. Getting properly organized will give you the best chance of a smooth, successful application.
The application process: what to expect
Where you apply depends on your eligibility and location. You can submit applications through Italian consulates abroad, comuni in Italy, or courts for special cases.
Applying at Italian consulates in the US or abroad
Consulates handle citizenship applications by descent, marriage, and naturalization. The steps to get Italian citizenship typically include booking an appointment, submitting your documents, and paying the required fees. After submission, consulates review the documentation and forward approved applications to the Ministry of the Interior in Italy.
Applying through the comuni in Italy
Residents of Italy submit applications to their local comune, or municipality, where officials verify documents directly. This route is often faster, particularly for the Italian citizenship by descent process. Some applicants establish residency in Italy and submit their paperwork through the comune to shorten the timeline, especially if they plan on moving to Italy permanently.
Applying through the courts
Some applicants, particularly those affected by the 1948 rule, must apply through the Italian courts. This process requires a specialized lawyer who can guide you through the legal procedures, submit the necessary documentation, and present the arguments supporting your claim to citizenship.
Tracking your application
Consulates and comuni may provide reference numbers or online portals for monitoring the status of your application. Common delays stem from high demand, missing documents, or verification issues, so it’s helpful to keep copies of all submissions and correspondence.
Tips for a smooth process
- Ensure all documents are complete, certified, apostilled, and translated correctly.
- Keep digital and physical copies of every submission and correspondence.
- Start prepping for the B1 language exam early if applying by marriage or naturalization.
- Maintain a strong residency and financial record for naturalization cases.
- Be patient but proactive, following up politely if processing exceeds expected timelines.
- Consider professional assistance for complex cases, court filings, or document issues.
Costs and timeline: planning your investment
Costs and timelines vary depending on your pathway. Applications for citizenship by descent can cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Apostilles and translations generally cost $50 to $100 per document, and professional services or attorneys can add another $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
The fee for marriage and naturalization applications is €250 EUR (about $290 USD at time of writing), plus additional document and language costs, while birth-based applications are mostly administrative.
Processing times also differ. The citizenship by descent process typically takes one to four years, depending on whether you apply through a consulate or comune (court cases under the 1948 rule generally take 18-24 months). Marriage applications take two to three years, naturalization three to four years, and birth one to two years (after turning 18).
Delays often result from missing or incorrect documents, while professional assistance can simplify complex cases and save time.
Most straightforward applications succeed on their own without legal help.
Benefits of Italian citizenship
Obtaining Italian citizenship allows you the freedom to live and work across the EU without the need for visas or permits. You also gain access to Italy’s health care and social services, which are among the best in Europe.
For families, Italian citizenship provides educational opportunities and reduced tuition fees at Italian universities. It also offers visa-free travel to over 180 countries, making international travel simpler and more convenient.
Additionally, Italian citizenship provides the ability to own property in Italy more easily and participate fully in Italian civic life, from voting to engaging in local community affairs.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Applying for Italian citizenship can be rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. These can include:
- Missing or damaged vital records: Search for vital records using online databases, local archives, or churches. Hiring a professional genealogist in Italy can help with those hard-to-locate Italian documents.
- Name discrepancies on documents: Different spellings of names across documents are common, such as “Giuseppe” becoming “Joseph” in US records. Significant discrepancies may require certified affidavits or court orders.
- Navigating Italian bureaucracy: Italian bureaucracy can be complex, and many applicants face delays due to high demand or internal procedures. Stay patient and follow up regularly.
- Language barriers: Prepare in advance with language classes or using apps like Duolingo or Babbel to ensure you meet the requirement without stress.
Your path to Italian citizenship starts here
Italian citizenship is a life-changing opportunity, whether through ancestry, marriage, naturalization, or birth in Italy. Each pathway has its own requirements and timeline, but with organization, patience, and careful preparation, your journey can be smooth and rewarding.
Begin by identifying which pathway fits your situation and collecting documents early. For complex cases, consulting Italian citizenship specialists can provide guidance and peace of mind.
Citizenship is more than paperwork—it’s a connection to your heritage, new opportunities in the EU, and a gift for future generations.
FAQ
How long does it take to get Italian citizenship by descent?
Applications through Italian consulates in the US or abroad usually take two to four years, while applying through a comune in Italy can shorten it to one to two years. Court cases, such as those required for the 1948 rule, generally take 18-24 months.
Can I get Italian citizenship if my great-grandmother was Italian?
No, the current law restricts jure sanguinis eligibility to only those with a parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen. Great-grandparents no longer qualify unless an application was formally submitted before March 28, 2025.
Do I need to speak Italian to get citizenship by descent?
No, language proficiency is not required for citizenship by descent, only for marriage or naturalization pathways.
How much does the Italian citizenship process cost?
Costs vary by pathway and complexity. Government fees are generally €250 to €300 EUR (about $290 to $350 USD). Additional costs may include document collection, apostilles, translations, and professional assistance.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship while living outside Italy?
Yes, most applicants living abroad can apply through their local Italian consulate, although timelines can be longer due to high demand.
What if my Italian ancestor naturalized before my parent was born?
If your ancestor became a citizen of another country before passing Italian citizenship to their child, the line is considered broken, and you are not eligible through that ancestor.
Do I need to live in Italy to maintain my citizenship?
No, Italy recognizes dual citizenship, so you can retain Italian citizenship while living anywhere in the world. After becoming an Italian citizen, you should register with the Register of Italians living abroad (AIRE).