Our Italian Citizenship Story

As a British woman married to an Italian we have been through the Italian citizenship process and know it can be daunting! My application was submitted before covid 19 and therefore was delayed. The whole process took 7 years! This is not the norm though, processing time varies and it also depends where you submit your application.

How long does it take?

If you are already living in Italy the period of time is much shorter. It's also usually easier in smaller Italian towns which have quite efficient, less busy commune. If you are living abroad it is possible to get help from a professional who will navigate some of the complexities for you and make many of the follow up phone calls.

We wouldn't recommend submitting your application through the Italian consulate in London as they are notoriously slow with average times of 2-4 years from application to obtaining citizenship.

Please do not be disheartened though. It is worth it and we have listed some of the reasons why below.

a girl is flicking through her exercise book — Photo by Alissa De Leva on Unsplash

Dual Italian Citizenship and why bother?

Obtaining Italian citizenship can provide several advantages, both practical and personal. Here are some of the Italian dual citizenship benefits:

1. Freedom of Movement: Italian citizenship grants you the right to live, work, and study in Italy and another European Union, EU member state without any restrictions. Essentially you are a citizen of european countries in the EU and can therefore benefit in different ways. You can enjoy the benefits of free movement within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 EU countries. It's important to note these countries can change for example the UK is no longer a member of the EU and it's countrymen are now non-eu citizens since Brexit.

2. Access to Social Services: Italian citizens are entitled to access the comprehensive social welfare system of Italy, including healthcare, education, and other social benefits.Italian citizenship benefits include access to a universal healthcare system known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). As an Italian citizen, you are entitled to receive healthcare services through a european health insurance card, including doctor's visits, hospitalization, medications, and specialist consultations, through the SSN.

The system is funded through taxes and contributions, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all citizens. The Italian government provides welfare assistance to citizens who are in need of financial support. This includes programs such as income support, housing assistance, and subsidies for basic necessities. These programs aim to alleviate poverty, provide a safety net, and ensure a minimum standard of living for those in need. Italy has various family support programs, including child benefits, family allowances, and subsidies for childcare services. These programs aim to support families in raising children, promoting their well-being and development.

3. Voting Rights: As an Italian citizen, you can participate in the democratic process by voting in national, regional, and municipal elections. You can have a say in shaping the country's policies and electing representatives. Voting allows you to elect representatives who align with your values and interests. As a dual citizen, you have a unique perspective and connection to Italy, and by voting, you can help ensure that your voice is represented in the political system by voting for an Italian Parliament representative. This includes having a say in matters that affect your rights, access to services, and the overall well-being of Italian citizens.

close up of a green voting paper — Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

4. Passport and Consular Assistance: Italian citizenship allows you to obtain an Italian passport, which is highly regarded and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. Additionally, Italian embassies and consulates can provide consular assistance and protection while you are abroad.

5. Inheritance Laws: Italian citizens benefit from favorable inheritance laws, allowing them to inherit property and assets in Italy more easily. Here are some key points regarding inheritance laws in Italy: Forced Heirship: Italy follows the principle of forced heirship, which means that certain close family members, such as children and, in some cases, spouses, have a legal right to inherit a portion of the deceased person's estate. This is known as the "legitimate share" or "reserved portion" (quota di legittima). Legitimate Share: The legitimate share is a portion of the estate that is reserved for specific heirs, typically the children of the deceased. The legitimate share depends on the number of children and, in some cases, the surviving spouse. The legitimate share cannot be freely disposed of through a will and must be allocated to the legitimate heirs. Freedom of Disposition: While a portion of the estate is reserved for certain heirs, Italian law also allows for the freedom of disposition, meaning individuals have the right to distribute a portion of their estate as they wish through a valid will. This allows individuals to designate beneficiaries outside of the forced heirship rules. Intestate Succession: When someone dies without leaving a valid will, their estate is subject to intestate succession. In such cases, the Italian Civil Code sets out specific rules regarding how the estate is distributed among the closest relatives, with priority given to the legitimate heirs. Formalities and Procedures: In Italy, it is important to follow certain formalities and procedures when dealing with inheritance matters. This includes obtaining the death certificate, locating the deceased person's will (if one exists), and initiating the appropriate legal procedures for the distribution of assets.

6. Education and Scholarships: A great benefit is that Italian citizens may have easy access to educational opportunities and scholarships specifically available to Italian nationals, such as reduced tuition fees for higher education institutions in Italy. Italy provides free education from primary school to secondary school (up to the age of 16). This includes access to public schools and institutions. Additionally, there are public universities where Italian citizens can pursue higher education at significantly reduced or no tuition fees.

7. Dual Citizenship: Italy generally allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original citizenship while holding Italian citizenship. This can be advantageous for individuals who wish to maintain connections with their home country or take advantage of the benefits associated with both citizenships.

8. Cultural Heritage and Identity: Acquiring Italian national citizenship allows you to connect more deeply with your Italian heritage and cultural identity. It enables you to embrace and participate in the rich history, traditions, and cultural events of Italy, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

It's important to note that the specific benefits of dual citizenship may vary over time, and it's advisable to consult with official sources, such as the Italian government or an immigration lawyer, to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Italian citizenship and its advantages. It's also vital to note that the specific benefits of Italian citizenship may vary depending on individual circumstances and personal goals. It is advisable to consult with the appropriate authorities or seek legal advice to understand the specific rights and privileges associated with Italian citizenship in your particular case.

Application process

Applying for Italian dual citizenship can be complex and the entire process is long, but here are general steps on the italian citizenship application to help you get started:

Determine Eligibility: Verify if you meet the eligibility requirements for foreign nationals requesting Italian dual citizenship. This typically includes having Italian ancestry (being of italian descent)... The main ways are usually by having Italian parents, an italian spouse, grandparent, or in some cases a more remote Italian ancestor such as a great-grandparent and meeting specific criteria regarding dates of birth, date of marriage, and naturalizations.
Gather Documents: Collect the necessary documents to support your application. These may include firm identity documents such as birth certificates, a marriage certificate, death certificates,naturalization records, and other documents that establish your lineage and eligibility for Italian citizenship. Some documents may need to be translated and legalized.
Do you speak Italian? If you are applying for Italian citizenship due to descent you should not be required to speak Italian. However, if you are applying through marriage you now need to be able to speak Italian to level B1. There are more details about this here.
Research Consulate Requirements: Contact the nearest Italian consulate or embassy to understand their specific requirements for dual citizenship applications. Each consulate may have slightly different procedures and document requirements, so it's important to gather accurate information.
Prepare Application Forms: Obtain the relevant application forms from the consulate and fill them out accurately and completely. Be sure to provide all the requested information and attach the required supporting documents.
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with the consulate to submit your application. Due to high demand, appointments may need to be made well in advance, so plan accordingly.
Submit Application and Pay an application fee: Attend the appointment and submit your completed application form and supporting documents. Pay any application fees required by the consulate.
Await Processing and Decision: After submitting your application, it will undergo review and processing by the consulate. The processing wait time can vary, so be prepared for a potential wait. Stay in contact with the consulate for updates on the status of your application.
Attend an Interview: In some cases, the consulate may request an interview to further assess your eligibility. Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application and gathering any additional documents or information that may be requested.
Notification of Decision: Once a decision has been made regarding your application, the consulate will notify you of the outcome. If your application is approved, you may be required to take an oath of allegiance to Italy. This will then be your recognition of italian citizenship and hopefully your italian dual citizenship application is successful.

It's important to note that the process and requirements for becoming a citizen of Italy can vary, and it is advisable to consult with the specific consulate handling your application for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Seeking the assistance of a qualified immigration attorney or professional experienced in Italian dual citizenship can also be beneficial to navigate the process smoothly.

What does obtaining citizenship mean?

This means that you are a dual citizenship of your country from birth and your second citizenship, Italy. Italy being an EU country means you will gain EU citizenship. This is very useful if you are from the United States or the UK which has recently left the EU causing it's people to lose their freedom of movement and right to work in Europe.

This does not mean you will have an Italian passport. As a clarification this is an application to acheive acquisition of Italian citizenship. After this has been obtained you then make a separate application for an Italian passport should you wish to have one. Many countries will allow you to have a second passport if you wish to have one.

There are several groups online which offer advice, support and chats where you can find help for your particular questions. I found it incredibly useful when I was going through this.

One obstacle I had was that I took my husband's surname (common practice in the UK) when I got married (14 years earlier). This is not the norm in Italy so I was still considered by the Italian state as my maiden name and would not be granted Italian citizenship in my married name unless I changed my surname via deadpoll to my husband's surname before I got my citizenship.

This is something I would have not known how to do if it were not for the many people before me in the groups below who helped me navigate this extra part of the puzzle!

I hope you find this useful and have shared all the groups we used for assistance at the time. Good luck in your quest for becoming Italian!