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Italy’s calling. Why not answer? If you have just one Italian ancestor (no matter how far back), you may qualify for Italian dual citizenship.

For those with “roots in the boot,” Italy’s citizenship laws are some of the most generous in the world.

Like many other European countries, Italian citizenship law states that any child born to an Italian parent is he himself an Italian citizen.

But Italy takes this one step further: once Italian citizenship gets passed down one time from parent to child, it gets passed down forever. That’s how today’s Italian Americans–often two, three, or more generations removed from Italy–can qualify for Italian citizenship.

All it takes is just one qualifying ancestor, no matter how many generations back.

Write your Italian story

The number one way to reacquaint yourself with your roots is to obtain recognition of your Italian citizenship. But make no mistake–getting your passport is so much more than a sentimental experience.

Obtaining Italian citizenship is a real, tangible good that you and your family can enjoy. It is a way to bring your story full circle and enjoy all the benefits that come with being a dual U.S.-European citizen at the same time.

Italian dual citizenship
Your birthright

Your birthright

If you qualify, you’ve actually been a citizen since birth. By applying, you are asking the Italian government to formally recognize something (citizenship) you already have. Once you qualify, nobody can take your Italian citizenship from you.

A practical tool

A practical tool

As an Italian dual citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in all of the countries of the European Union. You can also access affordable education at local EU tuition rates. Additionally, you can avail yourself of Italy’s world-class, affordable healthcare.

A gift to pass on

A gift to pass on

Italian citizenship is truly the gift that keeps on giving! Once you have Italian dual citizenship, it’s easier for your family members to obtain it, too. You can pass on Italian dual citizenship to your spouse as well as your children (and their children, too).

A way to come full circle

A way to come full circle

Obtaining Italian dual citizenship is a tangible way of honoring your ancestors and giving thanks for the sacrifices they made to give your family opportunities outside Italy. It is–in a sense–a way to return home.

All About Italian Dual Citizenship

The principle of jure sanguinis

Like most other countries in Europe, Italy gives citizenship on the basis of jure sanguinis. This is a Latin term meaning “by right of blood.” For Italy, your parentage determines your citizenship (in most cases). Therefore, children born to Italian citizen parents are themselves Italian citizens.

Like most other countries in the New World, the United States gives citizenship on the basis of jure soli. This term is also Latin, but it means “by right of the soil.” Therefore, anyone born in the United States is an automatic American citizen no matter who their parents are. Jure soli countries include the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and many others.

Since July 14, 1912, Italy has recognized Italian dual citizenship for children born in jure soli countries to Italian citizen parents. These children can be both a citizen jure soli of their native country and a citizen jure sanguinis of Italy. Furthermore, once the first U.S.-born (or other jure soli country-born) child receives citizenship, it gets passed down to all other generations in an unbroken chain.

The process of seeking Italian dual citizenship

People who qualify for Italian dual citizenship are actually already citizens of Italy. The process of “applying” is actually not an application at all. Instead, those who qualify must ask the Italian government to formally recognize a status they have held since birth.

In order to successfully do this, applicants must recreate their family tree. This is done by obtaining various vital records showing the unbroken chain of Italian dual citizenship. Once the documents are collected, applicants must lodge their claim at an appointment at their Italian consulate or directly in their town of residence in Italy.

Benefits of Italian dual citizenship

There are numerous benefits of Italian dual citizenship.

Italian citizens are EU citizens. This means the right to live, work, and study anywhere within the 28 member states.

Additionally, Italian citizens have access to world class affordable healthcare and affordable education. Parents with children are especially advised to consider sending their children to university in Europe, with its many English-language degree programs and extremely affordable tuition.

Additionally, applicants can pass Italian dual citizenship on to their spouses and children.

How we can help

Get Italian Citizenship is a full service Italian dual citizenship company. We help clients of Italian descent all around the world to obtain their citizenship. Whether you are seeking one off services such as Italian document procurement or a full service Italian dual citizenship application, our professional and accommodating staff are able to assist with any needs. Contact us today to get started!

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