How Much Does It Cost to Get Italian Citizenship by Descent? Find Out Here!

Italian citizenship by descent offers cultural, economic, and legal advantages while enabling people to rediscover their heritage. However, what is the expense of acquiring an Italian passport by lineage from an Italian immigrant ancestor? How much does it cost to get Italian citizenship?

For a long time, the United States has provided immigrants and their families with chances to start over and ways to become citizens of the nation. The same idea is adopted by nations such as Italy, which recognize ancestral citizenship.

In this article, I will be talking about the expenses that come with your decision to get an Italian citizenship by descent. So, if you are interested to learn about that, keep reading this blog till the end…

Italian-Americans: Exploring Roots and Family Ties

Italian-Americans_Exploring Roots and Family Ties

It can be a life-changing event to recognize and accept one’s roots. Many Americans with Italian heritage see their ties to Italy as more than simply sentimental; they also see them as a real chance to earn dual citizenship.

“Jure sanguinis,” or Italian citizenship by descent, enables descendants of Italian citizens to obtain citizenship through their ancestry. However, have you ever questioned why knowing your roots is so crucial?

I have something to tell you! There are several benefits to rediscovering your roots:

  • Enhances one’s sense of self and family.
  • Strengthens ties across cultures.
  • Grants access to rights, including the ability to live and work in the European Union.

One notable example is Susan Sarandon, who petitioned for Italian citizenship under “jure sanguinis” after learning that she was a direct matrilineal descendant of an Italian immigrant to the United States.

Regaining her Italian ancestry allowed Sarandon to enjoy special privileges and possibilities within the EU, improve her familial and personal identity, and reinforce her ties to Italian culture.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Italian Citizenship?

One of the most common questions for those exploring this process is: how much does it cost to obtain Italian citizenship by descent?

The standard fee that Italian consulates charge for completing an application to get Italian citizenship via descent (iure sanguinis) is approximately €600. However, this amount may vary slightly based on location and current exchange rates.

Italian-based international law company Damiani and Damiani, which specializes in cases involving Italian citizenship by descent, says that the cost depends on a number of variables.

For instance, these include the degree of skilled legal aid and the intricacy of the necessary paperwork. Here are some of the main costs to consider.

Documentation

Just like in the case of Lithuanian citizenship, you need certain documents here as well!

The required documents are used to prove descent from an Italian citizen and ensure no interruptions in the transmission of citizenship. The key documents include:

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates to demonstrate the line of descent from an Italian ancestor, whether paternal or maternal (originals and translations).
  • Apostilles to authenticate the documents.

Estimated cost: $50–$150 per document.

Translations and Legalizations

  • Certified translations and legalizations at the Italian consulate.
  • Estimated cost: $200–$500 depending on the number of documents.

Consular Fees

  • Fees for applying at the Italian consulate in the United States.
  • Cost: Approximately $600 following the recent reform of the Italian State Budget.

Professional Consultations

An attorney is not required to apply at the consulate. However, many people seek assistance from legal experts or genealogists to expedite the process.

Filing directly with a judge in Italy to claim the right to citizenship is often faster and more efficient than consular procedures.

Additionally, you can also take the help of Naturalization lawyers to make the immigration process of getting citizenship smoother!

Estimated cost: $1,500–$5,000.

Travel to Italy (Optional)

If you submit your application directly in Italy, you must account for travel and accommodation expenses.

Estimated cost: $2,000–$5,000.

By carefully planning and understanding these expenses, applicants can navigate the process more efficiently while balancing costs and benefits.

Practical Guide: How to Reduce Time and Costs and Get Support

The process of obtaining Italian citizenship ‘iure sanguinis’ can take up to 10 years, depending on the complexity of the required documents and the availability of the consulate. However, there are smart strategies to reduce costs and streamline the process.

Tips for Optimizing Expenses

  1. Do-It-Yourself Documentation: Collect the necessary documents independently before involving an expert. This approach can significantly lower initial expenses.
  2. Compare Consultants: Request detailed quotes from professionals to find the best value for pursuing a civil process in Italy for citizenship applications.
  3. Include Other Descendants in Your Application: Italian law allows direct relatives to be included in the same legal process to apply for citizenship before a judge. This can help reduce legal fees by sharing costs among family members.
  4. Leverage Online Resources: Use free genealogical archives to trace your family history and gather essential documents.

A strategic step is to seek assistance from qualified professionals who can guide you through complex legal procedures, helping to minimize errors and delays. This ensures a smoother and more efficient path to obtaining your Italian citizenship.

Planning for the Future: An Investment in Generations

Acquiring Italian citizenship is not just about individual rights; it’s also a significant investment in your family’s future and the generations to come.

Benefits for Future Generations

  • Access to Quality Education: European universities offer significantly reduced tuition rates for EU citizens.
  • Career Opportunities: Italian citizenship opens doors to international job markets across the European Union.
  • Tax and Property Benefits: Residency in countries with favorable tax regimes can provide financial advantages.

Families that have embarked on this journey attest to the long-term value of Italian citizenship, particularly for their children and grandchildren, who will create a legacy of opportunities and connection to their heritage.

The Impact of Cultural Identity on Daily Life

Aside from being a practical issue, obtaining Italian citizenship is also a cultural and emotional adventure.

The fact that so many Hollywood celebrities of Italian heritage have asked for Italian citizenship serves as evidence of this relationship.

Incorporating a person’s background into their everyday lives can greatly enhance their identity.

For many Italian Americans, becoming a citizen was a life-changing experience that strengthened their feeling of pride in their heritage and connected them to Italian culture and customs.

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