Faq Header
Citizenship

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions on Italian citizenship

Citizenship
FAQ

See below the most frequently asked question about Italian citizenship. If these answers caught your interest and you wnat to learn more about thid subject, contact us! Your Way to Italy is available to clarify any point

1. Can I apply for Italian citizenship if one of my ancestor was Italian?

Generally speaking, yes, you might be entitled to the recognition of the Italian citizenship by descent from an Italian ancestor, without limits of generation, as long as the Italian ancestor did not naturalize as citizen of another country or renounced to the Italian citizenship before the birth of their descendant and as long as nobody in the line of descendance renounced to the Italian citizenship.

2. Can I apply for Italian citizenship if my ancestor was a woman?

It is possible, however it is necessary to verify the fulfilment of all the conditions required by the law and possibly start judicial proceedings before the Italian Court of the place in which the ancestor was born.

3. How long is the process to apply for Italian citizenship by descent at an Italian Consulate or Embassy?

The process is quite long, a significant number of Consulates/Embassies have long waiting times for appointment scheduling and once it is started, it may take approx. 2-3 years to be completed.

4. Is it possible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent directly in Italy?

It is possible as long as the applicant physically moves to Italy, not temporarily, and becomes a resident.

5. Can my children and spouse apply for the Italian citizenship by descent with me?

Children of the applicant can be included in the same application while the spouse may apply for Italian citizenship by marriage once the applicant has obtained the recognition of the Italian citizenship by descent.

6. Can I apply for Italian citizenship by marriage even though I do not live with my spouse/partner in a civil union?

Generally speaking the cohabitation at the same address is required, unless in specific cases.

7. The term to apply for Italian citizenshio by marriage can be reduced?

In case of minor children the term is reduced to half of the standard term.

8. Do I need to be married until the end of the process for the obtainment of the Italian citizenship by marriage?

Yes, no personal separation of the spouses or divorce must occurr before the completion of the process.

9. Can I change my residence address once I have started the process to obtain the citizenship by marriage?

Yes, as long as the new address of the spouses is duly communicated to the local Prefecture/Italian Consulate/Embassy of the place of residence.

10. Can I move out of Italy if I have submitted an application to obtain the Italian citizenship by residence?

No, moving the residence out of Itlay or the prolonged absence from the Italian territory may result in the rejection of the application.

11. Can the income for the citizenship application by residence be produced also abroad?

The applicant must prove to have had in the last 3 years before the submission of the application an annual income higher than the one for the exemption for the social allowances, produced and taxed in the Italian territory.

12. Can past criminal charges or criminal records in the country of origin or past countries of residence result in the rejection of the application for Italian citizenship by residence?

The application may be rejected should the criminal record certificates of the country of origin and/or the countries of past residence show criminal chargese or ciminal records.

News
News from our blog

Keep yourself updated by reading the most recent news and our articles on the most important topics on Italian immigration and citizenship law

Visas and residence permits
Citizenship
Tax, legal and more
Senza Titolo 600 X 400 Px 1920 X 640 Px 600 X 400 Px
Citizenship
The advantages of becoming an Italian citizen
Discover the remarkable advantages of having the citizenship of an European country, not only in terms of job opportunities, but also on a personal level #YourWaytoItaly
05 Riacquisto Cittadinanza Italiana
Citizenship
Citizenship - reacquisition
At one time, Italian citizenship could be lost. After 1992, citizenship can be given up voluntarily. However, can one regain Italian citizenship if lost? If so, how? Find out more! #YourWaytoItaly
07 Reati Ostativi
Citizenship
Citizenship by marriage - obstructive offences
Law 91/1992 on Italian citizenship regulates, in Article 6, the possible grounds for denial of the application to acquire Italian citizenship by marriage or civil union. Let's find out about them! #YourWaytoItaly
1 / 4
Visas or citizenship?
Find out the best solution for you

Find out now which visas you can apply for or if you can obtain the Italian citizenship

Find out the most suitable visa and residence permit for you!

Find out if you can obtain the Italian citizenship!

Sign up to our newsletter!