Italy is one of the most sought-after citizenships in the world, offering visa-free travel across Europe, access to universal healthcare, and the right to live and work in any EU country. If you’re a US citizen with Italian ancestry—or meet other eligibility criteria—you may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalization.
This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know, including:
✅ Eligibility requirements (by blood, marriage, or residency)
✅ Required documents (and how to obtain them)
✅ Application process (via consulate or in Italy)
✅ Timeline & costs
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
Let’s dive in!
1. Who Qualifies for Italian Citizenship?
Italy grants citizenship through four main pathways:
A. Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)
The most common method for Americans—if you have an Italian ancestor, you may qualify without speaking Italian or living in Italy.
Eligibility Rules:
✔ Your ancestor was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth.
✔ They never naturalized as a US citizen before your birth (or naturalized after 1992 under certain conditions).
✔ The lineage is unbroken (no renunciations of Italian citizenship).
Generational Limit?
- No limit if applying via a paternal line.
- If applying via a maternal line, your ancestor must have been born after 1948 (due to a historic Italian law change).
B. Citizenship by Marriage
If you’re married to an Italian citizen, you can apply after:
- 3 years of marriage (if living in Italy).
- 2 years if living abroad (but processing is slower).
Requirements:
✔ Proof of marriage (registered in Italy).
✔ B1-level Italian language certification.
✔ No criminal record.
C. Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency)
Live legally in Italy for:
- 10 years (standard).
- 4 years (EU citizens).
- 5 years (refugees or stateless persons).
Requirements:
✔ Clean criminal record.
✔ Proof of income.
✔ Italian language test (B1 level).
D. Citizenship by Investment
Italy does not offer direct “golden visas,” but residency permits for investors can lead to citizenship after 10 years.
2. How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Research your family tree (use Ancestry.com or Italian civil records).
- Verify if your ancestor naturalized as a US citizen (check USCIS or National Archives).
Step 2: Gather Documents
You’ll need:
✔ Your ancestor’s Italian birth certificate (from their comune in Italy).
✔ Marriage & death certificates (if applicable).
✔ Naturalization records (or proof they never naturalized).
✔ Birth, marriage, and divorce records for every generation down to you.
✔ Your US passport & ID.
All non-Italian docs must be:
- Apostilled (state-level authentication).
- Translated into Italian (by a certified translator).
Step 3: Book an Appointment at Your Italian Consulate
- Each US consulate has long wait times (2+ years in NYC, LA, or Chicago).
- Some people apply in Italy (faster but requires residency).
Step 4: Submit Your Application
- Attend the appointment with all original documents.
- Pay the fee (~€300).
Step 5: Wait for Approval
- Processing takes 6 months to 2 years.
- Once approved, you’ll be registered in Italy and can apply for an EU passport.
3. Applying for Italian Citizenship by Marriage
- Register your marriage with the Italian consulate.
- Wait the required time (2-3 years).
- Submit proof of language skills, marriage validity, and no criminal record.
4. Costs & Processing Time
| Method | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Descent | €300-€1,000+ | 6 months – 3 years |
| By Marriage | €250-€500 | 2-4 years |
| By Naturalization | €1,000+ | 4+ years |
Note: Hiring a lawyer or genealogist adds $2,000-$10,000.
5. Dual Citizenship: Does Italy Allow It?
✅ Yes! Italy permits dual citizenship with the US.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Missing documents (every birth/marriage/death cert must be accounted for).
❌ Incorrect translations (must be certified).
❌ Applying at the wrong consulate (must use the one covering your US state).
❌ Assuming eligibility without checking naturalization dates.
7. Benefits of Italian Citizenship
✔ Live, work, or study in any EU country.
✔ Visa-free travel to 190+ countries.
✔ Free/subsidized healthcare & education.
✔ Pass EU citizenship to future children.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining Italian citizenship as a US citizen is a long but rewarding process. If you qualify by descent, you could claim your EU passport without learning Italian or moving abroad.
Need help? Consider hiring an Italian citizenship specialist to navigate paperwork and consulate appointments.
🇮🇹 Ready to claim your Italian heritage? Start gathering documents today!
Did you find this guide helpful? Share it with fellow Italian-Americans! For more expat tips, follow our blog. Buona fortuna! 🍝✈️