FAQs on Dual Citizenship in Italy

Descent: Individuals of Italian descent are generally eligible for citizenship if their Italian ancestor did not become a citizen of another country before their descendant’s birth, and if the lineage involves a female ancestor, her child must have been born after January 1, 1948. see cases below.

Marriage: Citizenship can be obtained through marriage to an Italian citizen.

Financial Investments (Golden Visa): Making a significant financial investment in Italy can lead to citizenship after residency.

Naturalization by Residency: Non-EU foreigners with a residence permit can apply for citizenship after 10 years, EU residents after 4 years, and those of Italian descent after 3 years, potentially allowing for dual citizenship based on residency length.

Italian citizenship through descent (jure sanguinis) allows individuals with Italian ancestors to claim citizenship based on their lineage. See cases below.

To apply for Italian dual citizenship, you can go through the Italian consulate in your country or directly in Italy if you are a resident. The process involves gathering extensive documentation and can take several months.

The process can take one to three years, depending on how quickly you can gather necessary documents and the processing times of the Italian consulate.

You can apply for citizenship through marriage to an Italian national under the following conditions: If residing in Italy, apply after 2 years of marriage, or after 1 year if you have a child or have adopted together. If living outside Italy, apply after 3 years, or after 1.5 years if you live outside Italy and have a newborn child.

Yes. American citizens can obtain citizenship in another country without losing their U.S. citizenship.

As an American or Canadian citizen, you can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa but are not allowed to work during this period. To work in Italy, you’ll need to secure a business visa or residency permit. If you have the financial means to support yourself without employment, you might consider applying for an elective residence visa to live in Italy.

CASES: Criteria for Eligibility

Your father was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth and did not naturalize in any other country.

Your father was not born in Italy; however, one of his parents (your paternal grandparent) was an Italian citizen or eligible for citizenship at the time of his birth.

Neither of your grandparents were born in Italy; however, your great-grandparents (paternal or maternal) were Italian citizens or eligible for citizenship when your grandparents were born.

Your mother was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, she did not naturalize in the US or any other country, and you were born after January 1st, 1948.

Your mother was not born in Italy; however, one of her parents (your maternal grandparent) was an Italian citizen or eligible for citizenship at the time of her birth. Additionally, your birth-date must be after January 1st, 1948.

Neither your great-grandparents were born in Italy; however, your great-great-grandparents (paternal or maternal) were Italian citizens or eligible for citizenship when your great-grandparents were born

What is A.I.R.E.?

A.I.R.E (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero) is the registry for Italian citizens residing abroad for more than 12 months. Italian citizens are required to register with AIRE to access the consular services including passports.

How long do you have to live in Italy to become a citizen?

EU citizens may qualify for citizenship after four years, while non-EU citizens generally need ten years of residency, which can be shorter, typically 3 years, for those with Italian heritage.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Italy?

Yes, Italy allows dual or multiple citizenships and does not require renunciation of other citizenships during the application process.

Contact Us
Contact us for a Free Consultation on Italian Citizenship
Click Here