Yes, your children can apply for Italian citizenship by descent if they meet eligibility criteria and you establish an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor.
Yes, your children can apply for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals to inherit citizenship from an Italian ancestor, and this applies to children if the lineage remains unbroken. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Eligibility Criteria for Children:
To determine if your children are eligible for Italian citizenship by descent, consider the following:
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Unbroken Lineage:
There must be a continuous lineage connecting your children to the Italian ancestor. You must establish this lineage through your own eligibility first. -
Date of Naturalization:
If the Italian ancestor naturalized in another country, the naturalization must have occurred after the birth of their child in the lineage. -
Minor Children:
Minor children automatically acquire Italian citizenship if their parent successfully obtains citizenship through descent. -
Adult Children:
Adult children must independently apply for citizenship by descent, even if their parent has already been recognized as an Italian citizen.
2. Required Documentation for Children:
To apply for citizenship for your children, you need to gather and provide the following documents:
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Birth Certificates:
Original or certified copies of your children’s birth certificates showing their full names and parentage. -
Parent’s Citizenship Recognition:
Proof that you (the parent) have been recognized as an Italian citizen or are eligible for Italian citizenship. -
Marriage Certificates:
If applicable, include your marriage certificate to establish the family relationship. -
Naturalization Records:
If your ancestor emigrated, submit records proving they did not naturalize before passing citizenship to the next generation. -
Apostille and Translation:
All non-Italian documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Italian by a certified translator.
3. Application Process for Children:
The application process depends on whether the children are minors or adults:
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For Minor Children:
If the parent’s citizenship is recognized, minor children automatically acquire Italian citizenship without a separate application. Their inclusion is processed along with the parent’s application. -
For Adult Children:
Adult children must independently submit their applications. This includes gathering all required documents to establish lineage and applying at the Italian consulate or municipality (Comune) in Italy.
4. Benefits of Citizenship for Children:
Italian citizenship grants children the right to:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union (EU).
- Pass Italian citizenship to their own descendants.
5. Processing Time:
Processing times vary depending on the workload of the consulate or municipality. Applications can take several months to a few years.
6. Key Considerations:
- Parental Citizenship Recognition:
The parent’s Italian citizenship must be established before children can apply. - Document Accuracy:
Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and properly authenticated to avoid delays.
7. Conclusion:
Your children can apply for Italian citizenship by descent if you successfully establish an unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. Minor children automatically acquire citizenship if their parent is recognized, while adult children must submit independent applications. By preparing the necessary documentation and meeting eligibility requirements, you can secure Italian citizenship for your children.