Questions
Benefits:
Being part of the EU offers numerous benefits, such as free movement of people, goods and services, access to high-quality education at a low cost, better work-life balance, unemployment benefits and social security schemes, and free or low-cost healthcare services. EU citizenship also enables individuals to live, work, study, or retire in any EU member state without bureaucratic restraints or discrimination. The EU provides training and support for businesses and individuals, making it an attractive career destination. Overall, being part of the EU promotes unity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
Italy has a public education system that provides free education for all students up to the age of 16. After that, students can choose to continue their studies in either a vocational or academic track. Italy has some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, with the University of Bologna being the oldest in Europe.
As for healthcare, Italy has a national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) that provides universal coverage to all citizens and residents. This system is financed by general taxation and provides free or low-cost access to medical care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and other health services. The Italian healthcare system is highly rated by the World Health Organization.
General:
Yes, Americans can have dual citizenship, including Italian citizenship. Italy allows for dual citizenship, so if you are an American citizen and meet the eligibility requirements for Italian citizenship, you can apply and obtain Italian citizenship without giving up your American citizenship.
To be eligible for Italian citizenship, you may need to have Italian ancestry, be married to an Italian citizen, or reside in Italy for a certain period of time. You should check with the Italian consulate in your area or talk to a professional to determine your eligibility and the specific requirements for applying for Italian citizenship.
To find out which Italian consulate has jurisdiction over your place of residence, you can start by visiting the website of the Consulate General of Italy in the United States. On the homepage, you will find a section labeled "Jurisdiction," which provides a list of states and territories in the United States, along with the corresponding consular office that has jurisdiction over each area. It's important to note that if you live in a state or territory that does not have an Italian consulate, you may need to travel to the nearest consulate in a neighboring state to submit your application or receive services. Link.
If you have Italian ancestry and want to apply for Italian dual citizenship in the US, the process can be intricate and may require significant effort. Here are the main steps:
1. Research your ancestry: You need to establish that you have Italian ancestry to apply for Italian dual citizenship. You will need to collect documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates and evidence of your Italian ancestor's immigration and naturalization status.
2. Obtain necessary documents: Once you have researched your ancestry, you will need to gather all necessary documents required by the Italian consulate, including translations and apostilles.
3. Schedule an appointment with the Italian consulate: After you have obtained all required documents, you will need to schedule an appointment with the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction, which is usually the biggest challenge when applying in the US.
4. Wait for a response: Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a response from the Italian consulate. The processing time can vary depending on various factors, such as the consulate's workload and the complexity of your case.
It's essential to note that the process of applying for Italian dual citizenship can vary in complexity and requirements depending on various factors, such as your ancestry and the jurisdiction of the Italian consulate you're working with. Therefore, it's highly recommended to seek professional assistance to navigate the process effectively.
Yes, American and Canadian citizens can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. However, during this time, you are not allowed to work in Italy. If you plan to work, you will need to obtain a business visa or residency permit. For those who have the means to support themselves without working, an elective residence visa may be an option. This type of visa allows you to stay in Italy for an extended period, typically up to one year, without working. To live in Italy long-term, there are several types of visas available, including student visas, work visas, and family visas. Visa requirements and application procedures can vary based on your specific situation.
The timeline for receiving Italian citizenship in Italy can vary depending on where you apply, on your documents and the consulate response, always keep in mind 6 months which is the limit by law for the comune (town hall) to process your application. Usually, the process in smaller cities is completed around 3-4 months.
To become an Italian citizen by marriage, you must be married to an Italian citizen for at least two years if you live in Italy or three years if you live abroad. During this time, you must also meet certain requirements, such as being a legal resident in Italy or having a valid permit to stay in the country and the Italian language proficiency test. It's important to note that these requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you do not necessarily have to speak Italian. However, you will need to provide documentation proving your descent from an Italian citizen, which includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and naturalization records. You will also need to provide translations and apostilles for these documents.
That being said, having knowledge of the Italian language may be helpful during the application process and can also be beneficial if you plan on living or working in Italy after obtaining citizenship. Additionally, if you are applying for citizenship through marriage, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language, which can be achieved by passing an Italian language proficiency exam.
The cost of applying for Italian citizenship can vary depending on several factors such as the specific process being used, whether you are using a lawyer or other professional to assist with the application, and any additional fees such as translations or document fees. Generally, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
No, physical presence in Italy is not mandatory for filing a lawsuit or attending court hearings. To initiate a lawsuit on your behalf, you can provide a Power of Attorney to our lawyer, granting them the authority to represent you in court and act on your behalf remotely.
Citizenship through blood (jure sanguinis) does not require criminal records, but instead if you’re applying through residency or marriage, whether or not you can apply for Italian citizenship with a criminal record depends on the type and severity of the criminal offense. Generally, if you have been convicted of a serious crime or one involving moral turpitude, it may be more difficult to obtain Italian citizenship. However, if the offense was minor or occurred a long time ago, it may not necessarily disqualify you from citizenship. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or Italian consulate for specific guidance on your individual case.
Yes, Italian citizenship laws recognize adoption and allow for eligibility for Italian citizenship through descent from an Italian parent, including an adoptive parent.
Yes, minor children are recognized automatically regardless of where you apply or if they’re present at the time.
The timeline for receiving an Italian passport after obtaining citizenship can vary depending on various factors, including the specific circumstances of your case, where you were recognized, and the current processing times at the relevant government agencies. Generally, it can take several weeks to several months to receive an Italian passport after obtaining citizenship.
Obligations:
As an Italian dual citizen, it's important to follow specific recommendations, such as registering with the AIRE if you live abroad. AIRE, or Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero, enables you to vote in Italian and European elections and provides access to consular services like passport renewals and registering vital records. If you move to Italy, you'll need to register as a resident in an Italian municipality.
Your Italian citizenship will not expire or be revoked if you don't follow these recommendations, but respect for Italian laws is also expected as part of your civil duty.
Documents:
- Birth certificates for you, your Italian ancestor, and relevant family members in the direct line.
- Marriage certificates for you, your Italian ancestor, and relevant family members in the direct line.
- Death certificates for any deceased family members in the direct line.
- Naturalization records for your Italian ancestor, if applicable.
- Apostilles and translations of all non-Italian documents into Italian.
Requirements may change depending on your specific situation, applying at the consulates usually requires extra documents that are not listed above, such as spouses certificates, USCIS envelope, and others. Always consult the relevant Italian authorities for a comprehensive list of required documents tailored to
your case.
Eligibility:
About us:
- Citizenship eligibility assessment: We evaluate your eligibility for Italian citizenship through descent (jure sanguinis), marriage (jure matrimonii), or other pathways based on your unique circumstances.
- Professional document translation: Our certified translators provide accurate and legally valid translations of your vital records and other required documents into Italian.
- Apostille and legalization assistance: We guide you through the process of obtaining Hague Apostilles for your documents, ensuring that they are recognized by Italian authorities.
- Ancestral research and document retrieval: Our team conducts thorough research to locate and obtain vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, for your Italian citizenship application.
- Assistance with 1948 cases: We help you navigate the complexities of the Italian judicial system to pursue citizenship in cases affected by pre-1948 gender-based citizenship laws.
- Apply in Italy: Our professional assistance for your application in Italy includes securing a house for you and our in-person assistance from arrival until recognition.
- Application submission and support: Our experts guide you through the entire Italian citizenship application process, from preparing and submitting your application to providing ongoing support until the final decision is made.
Futura is committed to helping you achieve your dream of obtaining Italian citizenship by offering personalized assistance tailored to your specific needs.
1. Visit our website: Navigate to the Futura website, where you can find detailed information about our services and the citizenship application process.
2. Contact us: Use the provided contact form, email address, or phone number to get in touch with our team.
3. Provide necessary information: Let us know your specific requirements, such as the type of citizenship application (jure sanguinis, jure matrimonii, etc.) and any additional services you may need.
4. Receive a quote: Our team will review your information and provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your needs.
By following these steps, you can initiate the process of obtaining a quote from Futura for your Italian citizenship journey.