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      Are there any residency requirements for Italian citizenship by descent?

      No, there are no residency requirements for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent; applicants can complete the process without residing in Italy.

      Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) is based solely on lineage, allowing individuals with Italian ancestry to claim citizenship regardless of their place of residence. Below are the details regarding residency requirements for citizenship by descent.

      1. No Requirement to Reside in Italy:

        • Eligibility Based on Ancestry: Citizenship by descent does not require applicants to live in Italy, as eligibility is determined by proving direct descent from an Italian ancestor.
        • Application from Abroad: Applicants can submit their citizenship application at the Italian consulate in their home country without needing to relocate.

      2. AIRE Registration for Non-Residents:

        • Registry of Italians Residing Abroad: Once citizenship is granted, individuals living outside Italy must register with AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) through their local Italian consulate to maintain their official status as Italian citizens.
        • Benefits of AIRE Registration: AIRE registration ensures that Italian citizens abroad can access consular services, vote in Italian elections, and maintain up-to-date records.

      3. Option to Reside in Italy Post-Citizenship:

        • EU Residency Rights: Once citizenship is obtained, individuals have the right to live, work, and study in Italy and any EU member state without additional permits.
        • Future Residency Not Required: Even after acquiring citizenship, there is no obligation to relocate to Italy or spend a specific amount of time there.

      4. Flexibility for Future Generations:

        • Citizenship Transmission Without Residency: Italian citizenship by descent can be passed down to future generations without any residency requirements, preserving the connection to Italy across generations.

      Conclusion:

      There are no residency requirements for Italian citizenship by descent, allowing applicants to secure citizenship entirely from abroad. After citizenship is granted, non-resident Italian citizens can register with AIRE to maintain access to consular services and official status without living in Italy.