FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Below is a compilation of peoples’ most frequently asked questions and our answers on all topics regarding Italian dual citizenship:
Can I bring multiple family members with me to my appointment?
Usually not. Each adult will need their own appointment and consulates are becoming more and more strict with this. Minor children do not need to go into the citizenship appointment, but will need to be present in order to get their passports. Some consulates, such as New York City, have very tight security and will only allow the person named on the appointment inside the consulate.
Can people in the same family use overlapping documents?
Yes, as long as they live in the same consular area and are going to apply at the same consulate. However, if family members live in different consular areas, each family going to different consulates will have to present a complete set of documents. For family members applying together, we recommend bringing photocopies of the shared documents so that it is easier for the consular agent to find and process the application at your appointment. Also, some consulates require only photocopies of the actual documents; others, such as Chicago, insist on photocopies of the apostilles as well.
Can I apply in Miami if I live in Los Angeles?
No, you cannot. All applicants must apply at the consulate which services the area in which they are residing. Proof of residency will have to be provided at the time of your appointment or you will be rejected.
Can I get citizenship if I have Italian DNA?
No, you cannot get citizenship on DNA alone, you must establish that you fit the criteria for either jure sanguinis or jure matrimonii applications.
How long will the process take?
It is difficult to provide an accurate estimate as it is largely dependent on how long it will take to get an appointment at your consulate, how long it will take you to prepare your documents and how long it will take for the consulate to process your documents after you present. We would say that the average time we have seen from the start of the process to people having passports in their hands is about two years.
How much will it cost?
Again, this is very difficult to say as it will largely depend on your family and how many generations of documents you will need to obtain. It will also depend if you decide to go through the process by yourself or if you decide to hire a provider. We have completed simple packages for as little as $500, but this is for applicants who are applying through a parent. The cost increases with the more generations you have to go back, if there were divorces in the family, etc.
Do I need to speak Italian to be eligible for citizenship?
Language requirements only exist for jure matrimonii applicants (spouses who are applying through marriage). Applicants who are applying for Italian citizenship through jure sanguinis have no language requirement for recognition.
Will I have to join the Italian military if I am recognized as a citizen?
No, mandatory Italian military service ended in 2004.
Are there generational limits for those applying through jure sanguinis?
No, there are not. If you are eligible per the rules outlined on the eligibility page, then you can be recognized as a citizen.
Will being recognized as an Italian citizen mean that I lose my U.S. citizenship?
No, American citizens are allowed to be dual citizens with other countries as per the 1967 Supreme Court decision Afroyim v. Rusk.
Do I need to pass a citizenship test before being recognized as an Italian citizen?
No, you do not. Neither jure sanguinis nor jure matrimonii applicants need to take a test to be recognized as an Italian citizen.
How do I tell if my documents are long or short form?
In essence, the documents should have enough information to trace lineage. The key information you see on many long-form certificates are names, dates of birth, cities and counties of birth, parents’ names and ages.
If I have photocopies of my ancestor’s documents can I use those?
No, you cannot use photocopies or your application will be denied. All certificates are required to be certified long-form copies issued from a state or local authority.
Will I get my documents back after I present at the consulate?
No, you will not. The consulate will send your documents to the respective comune through which you applied and the documents will not be returned to you.
How can I save money on the process?
The best way to save money on the process is to do most of it yourself and to apply with family members in your consular area so that you can share document/translation fees.
If my ancestor filed an U.S. Oath of Allegiance, does this mean that they renounced their citizenship and that I am not eligible?
No, it does not. In the eyes of the Italian government, citizenship can only be renounced in front of their officials, which was very rare a hundred years ago. Plus, as it was often forced by the U.S. Government, Italy does not recognize that it was a voluntary renouncement. In these situations, applicants normally do not face any issues.