From the onset, the EU (European Union) automatically developed the rights of citizens of every member country to become citizens of the EU. In fact, the EU is akin to supplementary to afford advantageous and national citizenship rights, like the right to employment, settlement, and free move across European Union countries.
Now that countries like the UK have left the European Union, citizenship is not easily attainable by British Citizens. Like US citizens, British citizens looking to attain Italian citizenship must be familiar with ways of how they can gain citizenship.
Who Qualifies
The eligibility for attaining Italian citizenship differs depending on the applicant’s status. Italian citizenship is ordinarily attained by birth or descent from one parent. But it can also be possible to attain dual Italian citizenship by other means, like marriage and naturalization.
It is also important to mention that those born in the country don’t automatically become Italian citizens unless one parent is a citizen. Similarly, children adopted in the country can be termed as Italian citizens if they opt to be at the age of 18.
Becoming a Citizen
When applying for citizenship in Italy, some agents will be there in every step you take as well as be your guide throughout the process. Some of the things they may help you with are accompanying you to the municipality, interpreting on your behalf, and establishing as well as organizing your Italian citizenship.
These experts will as well be there to attend several meetings with the immigration office, town hall, and other offices, which are involved in completing the passport and citizenship application process directly in the country. Not to mention, they can explain several methods available for becoming an Italian citizen, such as the following:
1. Descent
Citizenship by this method is among the easiest and quickest ways to get citizenship in the country. Usually, there are no limits to the descendants’ number who may claim heritage under their maternal or paternal line.
In addition, the country doesn’t have any generational limits during your application for Italian citizenship. That means you can always apply for citizenship through the following:
Great-great grandparents
Great grandparents
Grandparents
Parents
2. Naturalization
This refers to the process where individuals who have lived in Italy for ten consecutive years with a permanent residence status can become a citizen.
With a permit for residency, you may get an allowance to live in Italy for five years. After those five years elapses, you may then apply for permanent residence status. Spending more than five years in Italy may eventually attain citizenship through naturalization.
3. Marriage
Anyone can apply for citizenship in the country after getting married to an Italian or national. But this takes time – meaning a minimum period for marriage is often required. In general, you may apply for Italian citizenship after getting married to an Italian in 2 years if you and your spouse live in the country.
You can also do so in 2 years if you and your partner live in another country or in 1 year if you and your spouse stay in the country and adopt a child or have a newborn baby.
Conclusion!
Italian citizenship is one of the highly sought-after statuses, which comes with many benefits to those who have it. With this, you can study, live, and work in the country. So if you want to get Italian citizenship, determine whether you qualify, evaluate your options, and start the process.
