Most of us have dreamed of moving to and living in Italy at one point. Imagine yourself enjoying your life in Milan, researching and learning about the art in Florence, or teaching the English language in Rome. Italy is a beautiful country with much to offer. It is also affordable, boasting top-quality universal healthcare in a competitive real estate market, and is welcoming, explaining why most Americans are tempted to move to this European country. There are three ways through which Americans can acquire Italian citizenship. These include marriage, residence, or descent (jure sanguinis).
Citizenship by Descent or Right of Blood
Getting your Italian citizienship as American is possible by descent, also known as jure sanguinis. However, this will depend on several factors. For instance, did the Italian kin through whom you are requesting your citizenship naturalized? If so, was naturalization done before or after the child’s birth? Generally, naturalization, among other factors, will determine whether you will need to make your application via a court case, a US-Italian consulate, or an Italian municipality. Here are some general rules when applying for Italian citizenship by descent:
- Children born to Italian parents automatically attain citizenship by descent (jure sanguinins), and the parent is referred to as an Italian parent.
- For Americans, a child born before 16 August 1992 to an Italian parent must not have acquired American or any other citizenship by naturalization at birth. On the same note, if your ancestor naturalized in America or anywhere outside Italy before 14 June 1912, they are not allowed to transmit their citizenship even to descendants born before naturalization.
- For Americans using a female Italian-born ancestor, the child must have been born before 1 January 1948.
Citizenship by Marriage to an Italian Citizen
Getting married to an Italian citizen gives you the automatic right to apply for citizenship. However, there are different qualifying waiting periods before applying, depending on whether you reside in Italy or America. Before getting your Italian citizienship as American, you will also have to be fluent in Italian up to the intermediary level (B1 level). Your fluency is tested, after which you will be granted a pass certificate which you must present during your application. However, you cannot apply for citizenship if your Italian spouse or partner has been accused and found guilty of serious crimes anywhere around the globe.
Citizenship by Residence
This is perhaps one of the most complex yet popular ways of getting your Italian citizienship as American. Americans who stay in Italy for up to 3 months or more are automatically considered residents. They could be in Italy for formal employment, transacting business, or simply enjoying living in the beautiful country. First, you must acquire an entry visa from the Italian consulate before traveling to Italy. The visa allows you to stay in the country for over three months, after which you will attain residency status. Once you get to Italy, you must obtain a permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno). Twenty days after receiving the permit of stay, you must visit the local Vital Statistics Bureau and apply for residency, which takes approximately one to two months, after which you will receive the certificate of residency. As an American, you must stay in Italy for at least ten years to attain Italian citizenship by residency.
The best thing about getting Italian citizenship is that you do not need to renounce your American citizenship, as dual citizenship is allowed. Whichever path you choose to attain your citizenship, being an Italian citizen comes with numerous benefits, including the ability to work and reside in Italy as well as the other 27 EU countries. You will also have access to top-quality health services, educational benefits, and an affordable, healthier, and happier life. For more information, consider reading this article about dual citizenship in Italy.
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