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French Italy is a country that continues to be captivated by its history, beauty, and lifestyle. For many, living and working there is a lifelong goal. However, obtaining dual citizenship can be a detailed and sometimes confusing process, especially for expats unfamiliar with the steps involved.
In this article, we’ll explain the requirements and benefits of dual citizenship in Italy to help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Italy offers dual Citizenship through various paths, including marriage, neutralization, and ancestral.
- Applicants must submit essential documents, such as their identification cards and the birth, marriage, and death certificates of their parents and grandparents.
- Dual Citizenship allows expats to enjoy numerous perks and benefits, including freedom, less costly education, and healthcare, which can make life easier and more secure.
- You also receive legal rights and protection across the European Union, like the right to vote and access to EU embassies for help.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is a legal status that allows an individual to be a citizen of two countries simultaneously. This means they hold the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in both nations, such as the ability to live, work, and vote in either country.
Requirements For Dual Citizenship
There are multiple ways for expats to obtain dual Citizenship, but I’ll give you some simple ways to lower the risk of rejection.
Ancestry
The most common way to obtain citizenship in Italy is through Ancestry, a term known as Jure Sanguinis, right to blood.
- Citizenship will be passed over to you if you have an unbroken Italian lineage with your relatives, parents, or grandparents.
- To avail of this, you must provide proof of Italian lineage through birth, marriage, or death certificate.
- Moreover, you should also ensure that your ancestor didn’t die before March 17, 1861. Until this date, Italy was not considered a country, and if so, you wouldn’t be eligible for dual Citizenship.
- Additionally, your ancestors must not have become citizens of another country before June 14, 1912; if they did, you would not be eligible to take advantage of this opportunity.
Marriage
Citizenship by marriage may appear to be an easy method, but choosing a spouse is a tricky part…just kidding! Keep in mind that:
- If both couples live in Italy, they will get residency in two years.
- But if they live abroad, the waiting period can last up to three years, so you should be married during that time.
- If you have children, either adopted or biological, your period will reduce to half.
- Most importantly, you must have a B1-level certificate from an approved institution.
By Neutralization
Obtaining Italian Citizenship through neutralization requires meeting specific conditions:
- You must have lived in the country for 10 consecutive years, showing your commitment to the government.
- Use job contracts and tax returns to prove your financial stability, as you have a stable income and do not need any public assistance.
- However, your good character matters the most, as you should not be involved in illegal activities.
The government sets the annual income for applicants:
- For single applicants, yearly income should be near to €8,000
- A married couple should earn €11,000 to €12,000 yearly.
Application For Italian Dual Citizenship
Here’s how to apply for Italian dual citizenship:
Necessary Documents
Multiple documents are required for a residence application; some crucial documents that can support your application are listed below.
- Provide your birth certificate and the certificate of your ancestor who was born in Italy. If you are applying as your grandparents as your ancestors, you will need their certificates and your parent’s certificates showing their relation in the lineage.
- If your Italian ancestors were deceased, you would need their death certificates, supported by an apostille and translated into Italian, along with their death records.
- Your marriage certificate is needed if applying through marriage. For ancestral applications, provide your parents and grandparents’ marriage certificates if married in an Italian commune; otherwise, the Secretary of State of the respective country must attest to their certificates.
- While during the neutralization process, you must submit records of those you are applying for.
- Your criminal record must show you have not been involved in any illegal activity.
Submitting Your Application
Once you have collected all your documents, it’s time to move forward to submitting your application. You can submit your application in one of two ways: either online through the Ministry of Interior portal called ALI or by visiting your nearest Italian Consulate to submit your documents in person. Additionally, the government has set a fee of €250 for processing applications, which can be paid at any post office.
Once you have completed all that work, you will receive a letter of recognition confirming your dual citizenship in Italy. If not, don’t be disheartened; try again, and you will get it next time.
Benefits of Dual Citizenship In Italy
The benefits of obtaining dual citizenship in Italy go far beyond just holding another passport. It offers a fresh start and a wide range of advantages newborns receive when born in Italy.
Opportunity To Work, Study And Travel In 27 Countries
You can spend your day roaming the streets of Italy, then enjoy a cosy evening under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. With Italian citizenship, you can travel anywhere in the 27 countries under the European Union without a visa, book your ticket, and live your dream life, which is a great opportunity for expats.
Employers can work anywhere freely as EU citizens receive priority over others, opening countless global opportunities.
You can study at your favourite institution at a minimal cost, as Italy has the most famous and oldest university for higher education. However, Article 33 of the Italian constitution states, “Everybody has freedom of arts and science and should be taught freely across the Republic.
Affordable Healthcare
Article 32 of the Constitution defines healthcare as “a fundamental right for individuals.” Italian citizens receive high-quality, affordable medical care, and the WHO (World Health Organization) ranks Italy’s healthcare in the top five globally. Unlike in other developed countries, healthcare services like ambulance rides and many more are free or very cheap.
Moreover, in 2019, Bloomberg highlighted Italy as the healthiest country due to its facilities. No matter who you are and your status, your life is the priority.
Protection
As you know, dual citizenship allows you to travel anywhere without restrictions. Most importantly, the EU ensures that its citizens are secure and protected. You will not feel like an outsider in other countries and can seek help anywhere.
If the state you are in does not have an Italian Consulate, you can still get assistance from any EU member state’s embassy with an EU passport. Moreover, according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR), EU member states ensure their citizens are safe and secure within their borders.
Some other benefits include;
- Buying Property
- Right to Vote
- Business Opportunities
- Tax Incentives
Conclusion
Dual citizenship offers expats many benefits, such as stability, freedom, and better opportunities for their future. You will have access to living, working, and travelling across the EU while having access to Italy’s excellent healthcare, education, and judiciary system.
However, the process for application can be tricky and will consume your time, but believe me, all that hustle is worth it with the long-term benefits you will get with that Italian passport. It will unlock several opportunities for you, which would be an investment for you and your family, so you can turn Italy’s dual citizenship into a dream-like life with the proper guidance.
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