The application process for Italian citizenship by descent involves gathering required documents, submitting them to the Italian consulate or comune, and undergoing a review process.
Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals with Italian ancestry to apply for citizenship through their family lineage. The process is comprehensive and requires attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process.
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Document Collection:
- Vital Records: Collect birth, marriage, and death certificates for each ancestor in the Italian lineage, as well as your own, to prove direct descent from an Italian ancestor.
- Naturalization Records: If the Italian ancestor emigrated, obtain any naturalization or citizenship records showing they did not renounce Italian citizenship before the birth of the next descendant.
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Authentication and Translation:
- Apostille Authentication: All non-Italian documents must be authenticated with an apostille, verifying them for use in Italy.
- Certified Translation: Have all foreign documents professionally translated into Italian by a certified translator.
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Submit the Application:
- Consulate or Comune Submission: Submit the completed document package to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over your residence or directly to a comune in Italy if you are applying from within Italy.
- Pay Application Fees: Pay the €300 application fee at the time of submission, which is required for adult applicants.
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Wait for Processing:
- Processing Times: Processing times vary based on the consulate or comune and can range from several months to a few years, depending on demand and workload.
- Application Status Updates: Some consulates may offer updates on the application’s progress, and it is advisable to follow up as needed.
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Receive Approval and Register Citizenship:
- Approval Notification: Once approved, you will be notified by the consulate or comune.
- AIRE Registration: Register in AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) if you reside outside Italy to complete your official records as an Italian citizen.
Conclusion:
The Italian citizenship by descent application process requires thorough preparation, from document collection to submission at the appropriate consulate or comune. Applicants should be prepared for varying processing times and stay updated on their application status to complete the journey to Italian citizenship.