How Long Does It Take To Get Italian Citizenship by Descent?

The time it takes to obtain Italian dual citizenship through Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis) varies depending on where you apply. For those seeking dual Italian citizenship in countries like the U.S., the process through Italian consulates can be longer due to appointment wait times. However, individuals living in Italy or planning to establish residency there often experience a quicker process. The specific path you take—whether through consulates abroad or applying in Italy—significantly impacts how long it will take to confirm your Italian citizenship. In this episode of Ask the Italian Lawyer hosted by Italian attorney, Marco Permunian, and dual citizen expat podcaster, Rafael Di Furia, we’ll learn the answer to the question, "How long does it take to get Italian citizenship?"

For help with the Italian citizenship process and more information about Italian Citizenship Assistance visit ICA's website:

For help with buying a home in Italy, and more information about Italian Real Estate Lawyers visit IREL's website:

To contact Italian Attorney Marco Permunian and his team at Italian Citizenship Assistance & Italian Real Estate Lawyers:

To see more from Rafael Di Furia about life in Italy and life as a dual-citizen expat check out his YouTube channel and website:

#italiancitizenship #italiandualcitizenship #dualcitizenship

[HarplandProductions]

I started the process of citizenship by descent for myself and my 3 children in early 2020 and we are still in the process and I was notified that a judge will give the final decision in March 2026.

[afish]

It took almost 7 years at a consulate and getting a passport renewal is just not worth spending so much time getting a new one.

[kauaiboyo]

A US friend who lives in Germany started his process 3 yrs ago and is still waiting to get his citizenship. So what the lawyer said versus the reality is much different. You have to be pro-active and persistent to get things done.

[johnmax]

Hi Rafael. I do have a question for an Italian lawyer. When buying a property in Italy, people have told me that an inspection is not common. Do Italians really buy a home without having an inspection?

[amyveste]

Hello from England! We love your channels/episodes, they're such a great help for everything Italian!

My father-in-law was born in Egypt in 1934 to his Italian parents. My husband is looking to get dual citizenship, so can I ask some advice on how we can find and obtain his father's original birth certificate from Egypt please?
Many many thanks for any help/advice as it seems to be a big challenge from here in England!

[DennisFutball]

Once submitted… is the wait for decision shorter if your Italian ancestor is your parent and not a distant ancestor?

[impy]

I used Italian Citizenship Assistance and they have been great. I live in Orange County, California, and because I am using my father to acquire citizenship I did not need an appointment. I was able to mail in my packer for myself and my 3 children. My brother who lives in Texas, is not so lucky. He has been trying to get an appointment for months. So it depends, I guess on where you are located and which consulate you fall under. Good luck to everyone.

[DADVICETV]

Can you talk about getting multiple people citizenship - we have 2 families of 4 wanting to get citizenship through descent (and marriage for the spouses). One family is near Detroit, the other in Oregon. Is it better to do everyone at once, or should each family proceed separately?

[gd]

Once Recognized as an Italian Citizen who is married to their Non-Italian Spouse and both retiring to Italy to reside in a Rental home/apartment with the Italian Citizen having a Pension, Social Security, 457 IRA, 457 ROTH IRA and the Non-Italian Spouse having only Social Security, then Is there an Income Requirement for either, both or none? If so, then what's the income requirement?

[MrCrazz]

Been trying every day, multiple times a day, including at 6 PM (6 AM Rome time) for weeks now just to get a chance to book an appointment at the Consulate in PA and it always says there are no appointments available try again tomorrow. If I try at 6 PM, when new bookings are supposedly updated, the web page usually crashes or takes so long to load (probably due to everyone else doing the same) it is too late. I have no idea how I will ever even get an appointment scheduled if its always like this.

[GaetanoSantulli-czxw]

Hi my name is Gaetano
I am Italian by descent I live in canada
I have a question if I lease an apartment
for 2 years and and apply for my Italian Residency am I able to leave Italy after I have started the process of residency
For example come back to canada and when the process is completed go back to Italy
I ask that cause my parents are old and I do not want to leave them for a extended period of time
What I was hoping to do
Lease an apartment for 2 years
Come to Italy stay for 3 months
Then come back to canada and once the process is completed
Go back to Italy to complete the residency
Thank you
Your videos are very informative

[gd]

After Recognized as an Italian Citizen and Retiring to Italy and becoming a Resident, will I Need to Obtain Health Insurance prior to being on the National and or Regional Healthcare?

[michellemason]

So way faster by residency after 3 years