Completing an Italian dual citizenship form

Italy is one of the most accommodating countries in Europe when it comes to dual citizenship, encouraging many to apply and enjoy the benefits of Italian citizenship. As an Italian citizen, you will be able to gain access to working and living not only in Italy but in many EU member countries. Also, you and your dependents (children under eighteen) can enjoy the benefits of the largely free or low cost, world-renowned Italian education system, up to and including university. As an Italian dual citizen, you will also be granted ease of movement within Italy itself, be able to live and work there and appreciate the beautiful, historical country as a citizen.

However, applying for citizenship can be a lengthy and difficult process. Making sure you are fully prepared to complete your Italian dual citizenship form is key to your success – but with the right advice, this can be straightforward. Read on to find out how to do this.

Click on a link to jump to that section:

• Where can I complete an Italian dual citizenship application form?
• How is my application finalised?
• Who needs to observe the signing of the application?
• What documents do I need to complete an Italian dual citizenship form?
• How much does an Italian citizenship form cost?
• Completing an application form: frequently asked questions

Where can I complete an Italian dual citizenship application form?

There are different ways to apply for citizenship, and this will dictate which documents you need and when you can complete your dual citizenship form. If you are applying for Italian citizenship through Italian descent, also known as “jus sanguinis” (an Italian parent or Italian ancestry), you can download an application form from the Italian consulate general. You will also need to download a Declaration of Applicant Form and a Declaration of Living Italian Descendant or Declaration of Deceased Italian Descendant.

If you are applying for Italian citizenship through marriage, you need to create an account and fill out an online application on the Italian Ministry of Interior and upload scans of all the required documents, before your final appointment with a consulate.

Your Italian citizenship application through naturalisation should be addressed to the Italian President of the Republic and lodged at the Prefettura of the Province, where the applicant is formally registered as resident in Italy.

How is my application finalised?

You will need to submit the application and supporting documents in their original form to your local consulate in person. You cannot apply online or post this application form, and you can only attend an Italian consulate in your local jurisdiction.

If you are currently based in the UK and will be UK based during your application process, you can look at the website of the Italian Embassy in London – looking there; you can see where your nearest consulate is, where you will need to go to finalise your application. This will differ depending on which part of the UK you are based in.

Who needs to observe the signing of the application?

Your application must be signed in front of the officer during the appointment at the consulate.

If you are residing in Italy, your application will need to be filed with the local “Prefettura”. You will submit your application online and then later go for an appointment with the consulate, who will observe that your documents are signed correctly.

What documents do I need to complete an Italian dual citizenship form?

The documentation you will need to complete your form varies depending on whether you are applying through marriage, descent or naturalisation. You will always require all records in their original form or as certified copies. If you aren’t applying through descent, you will also need proof that you have proficiency in the Italian language up to B1 (intermediate) level.

If applying through marriage, you will need a valid passport and driver’s license (if relevant), with both originals and copies. Your original marriage certificate must also be produced. A recent utility bill is required to prove the residency in Italy of the foreign spouse (if you are based in Italy).

The applicant’s original birth certificate needs to be produced in the original, but you will also need to produce a certified copy in translation. You must bring a copy of your criminal record check, which must be clean. If you or your spouse has been divorced, a divorce decree or a no divorce declaration must also be shown.

If applying through descent, you will need your passport, the birth certificates of your parents, the death certificates of your parents (if applicable). You will also be required to provide your civil records (birth certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates of your children, divorce records if necessary. As well as these, you will need to provide certified copies of these documents in translation.

If applying through naturalisation, you will need to have been living in Italy for ten years and working under a visa. Again, you will need to provide your passport, birth certificate, criminal record (which must be clean), and proof that you have been living and working in Italy.

How much does an Italian dual citizenship form cost?

Italian dual citizenship used to be free. However, the Italian government now imposes a fee of at least 300 euros for all Italian dual citizenship applications. This needs to be paid whether you are based in the UK or Italy, and you should, as previously mentioned, retain a copy of your bank transfer as proof of payment during your application.

Get advice on your application

It can be tempting to try and undertake the application process for dual citizenship alone. However, having a skilled professional support you during your application process is invaluable. Giambrone is an international law firm with specialists in cases just like yours – we can help you from the first step (seeing which kind of dual citizenship you should apply for) to making sure your application is completed correctly. Speaking to an immigration specialist can reduce your chances of filling in your application incorrectly and being rejected. We will help you to be certain you have collated the correct documents and that everything is legally sound before you submit your application.

You can read more about our immigration services here.

See how Giambrone can support you during your application for Italian citizenship – get in touch today for a call back and make the process easier, quicker, and more likely to succeed.

FAQs

Do I still have to pay for my application even if it isn’t successful?

You will still be required to pay for your application even if it is unsuccessful.

What types of documents need to be translated from English to Italian?

Any certificates and any paperwork you submit must be translated from English into Italian. These must be certified translated copies.

Can you live in Italy without citizenship?

You can live in Italy without citizenship, on a student visa, temporary or permanent residence visa.

Can Italian citizenship be revoked?

Italian citizenship can be revoked on the grounds of terrorist offences.

Do dual Italian citizens pay taxes in both countries?

Citizens with dual nationality in Italy and the UK should not have to pay taxes in both countries. The UK has an agreement with Italy in order to prevent this.

What are the disadvantages of Italian dual citizenship?

There are not many disadvantages to being an Italian dual citizen. However, it is important to bear in mind that the process can be difficult and lengthy. Some government jobs are also open only to citizens of a single country.