Italian Citizenship: How to Make the Process Easier for Descendants

A italian citizenship is a guaranteed right for many Brazilians of Italian descent. Getting a European passport can open doors for those who want to live, study or work in Europe. In this article, we'll explain the process, the documents and the time needed to obtain Italian citizenship.

Knowing how the process works is essential to avoid delays. It can be a long road, but with the right tips, you can speed up procedures and ensure that everything runs more smoothly. Below, we explain step by step everything you need to know.

Who is entitled?

A italian citizenship is transmitted by "jus sanguinis" (right of blood). This means that if you have Italian ancestry, you can apply for citizenship. The process doesn't depend on your place of birth, but on proving your blood ties to your Italian ancestors.

To be eligible for citizenship, it is necessary to prove descent. The family line can be passed on by men and women, as long as the person concerned can prove the family tree back to the Italian ancestor. The rule applies to children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, in some cases, even more distant generations.

It is important to remember that the right can be lost in specific cases, such as when the ancestor renounced citizenship before the birth of the descendant.

Main ways to obtain Italian citizenship

There are three main ways to obtain italian citizenshipby descent, by marriage and by naturalization. Each of these has different requirements and processes.

1. Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)The most common for Brazilians, this method requires proof of Italian ancestry. It is necessary to gather documents proving the line of descent back to the Italian immigrant.
2. Citizenship by marriageAnyone who has been married to an Italian citizen for at least two years can apply for citizenship. The period drops to one year if the couple has children. However, the marriage must be duly registered in Italy.
3. Citizenship by naturalizationFor foreigners who have lived legally in Italy for at least 10 years, there is the possibility of obtaining citizenship by naturalization. The length of residence may vary according to the applicant's situation.

Documents needed to apply for citizenship

Gathering the correct documentation is one of the most important parts of the application process. italian citizenship. Here is a list of the main documents required:

• Birth certificates of all descendants up to the applicant.
• Marriage certificates (if applicable) of everyone in the family line.
• Death certificate of the Italian ascendant (if he is already deceased).
• Negative naturalization certificate of the Italian ancestor in Brazil (to prove that he did not renounce his Italian citizenship).
• Personal documents of the applicant (ID, passport, etc.).

These documents need to be translated into Italian by sworn translators and legalized for international use. Legalization must be done via the Hague Apostille, a process that authenticates documents for acceptance in Italy.

Step by step of the Italian citizenship process

Now that you know the documents, let's go to step by step on how to apply for Italian citizenship. This guide can help you better understand the steps involved.

1. Gather the necessary documentationThe first step is to get all the documents of the line of descent. This includes birth, marriage and death certificates, as well as a negative naturalization certificate.
2. Translation and legalizationAll documents need to be translated into Italian by a sworn translator and then go through the Hague Apostille process.
3. Appointment at the consulateIf you choose to carry out the process in Brazil, you will need to make an appointment at the nearest Italian consulate. Waiting times can vary according to demand.
4. Presentation of documentsOn the day of the appointment, bring all the original and translated documents, as well as copies. The consulate will check the documentation.
5. Wait for the analysisAnalysis time can vary greatly.

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship?

O waiting time The process of obtaining Italian citizenship varies greatly depending on where you apply and how you choose to apply. In Brazil, the process can take between two and four years, due to the high demand at Italian consulates.

For those who apply directly in Italy, the waiting time can be much shorter. Some processes can be completed in as little as six months. However, this requires the applicant to be legally resident in Italy for the duration of the application.

Another alternative to speed up the process is to hire a lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship, which can make it easier and avoid mistakes that delay approval.

Important tips to speed up the process

Although the process of obtaining italian citizenship can be time-consuming, a few tips can help speed things up or avoid problems along the way.

1. Organize documents wellCheck that all the certificates are correct and that the line of descent is well established. This prevents the consulate or the Italian authorities from requesting corrections, which can delay the process.
2. Watch out for translationsOnly sworn translators can translate documents into Italian. Make sure the translations are accurate to avoid problems.
3. Consider the process in ItalyIf possible, applying directly in Italy can significantly reduce the waiting time. However, it is important to be prepared to spend a few months living in the country.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the process flows more efficiently and with fewer setbacks.

Now that you know the whole process and the tips to make your journey easier, it's time to start gathering your documents and taking the first step towards your European passport. Good fortune!