Why Applying in Italy is Right for You
Jacqueline's Story:
In August of 2022, fatigued by the pandemic and ready for a life reset, I turned to my sister and said, “Do you want to move to Italy?”
Our family’s genealogy had always been a special interest of mine, and then I discovered Jure Sanguinis (Italian citizenship by descent). Three out of my four grandparents have Italian heritage, but my last Italian-born ancestor was my great-grandfather. I wondered, could I really go back that far? So, I dug in and did some research.
By September, I had mapped out my entire family tree and all the documents I would need to apply at the Italian Consulate in Boston. After scouring Reddit and Facebook groups for tips and tricks to get an appointment, I realized that I was unwilling to wait. Not only would I have to wait two years for my application to be processed by the consulate, but the earliest appointment dates for Boston were already in 2027! And that was just what I heard from others online because I never actually made it to the Prenot@mi calendar.
There had to be a better way. Our plan was to move to Italy and build a life for ourselves; this wasn’t just a side quest to obtain the coveted little red passport. Nearly a decade of waiting was too long to put our dream on hold.
During my research, I discovered the process of applying for JS directly in Italy by becoming a resident. It felt like a huge risk. But wasn’t uprooting my life in the US and moving to Italy already a risk? More and more, the real risk felt like missing out on the opportunity to have our Italian citizenship recognized.
In March of 2023, I reached out to Italian Citizenship Concierge and signed a contract with Jennifer for assistance in applying in Italy. At first, our plan was to move to my great-grandfather’s comune, Ragusa. In my genealogy research, I had discovered that my grandfather, although American-born, lived in Ragusa until he was 16 years old. My family had gone back and forth several times over the years—not an uncommon story for descendants of Italian immigrants. ICC contacted the comune and discovered that they would only process our JS application after we completed an entire year of residency! Although a single year was not as long as the wait for US consulates, I knew our savings would be meager at the end of that first year. We needed another solution.
Jennifer pivoted quickly and recommended a different comune she worked with regularly. Our plans to move to Italy were set. ICC set us up with a housing contract, booked our appointment with the comune, and connected us with a translator. Just five months after the move, my sister and I successfully had our Italian citizenship recognized.
Who Should Consider Applying in Italy?
You should apply in Italy if:
You have all of your documents ready to go and are now playing the waiting game for your consulate appointment, or even worse, just trying to find an available appointment.
You have a CONE in hand from USCIS, or a USCIS/NARA packet proving that your LIRA did not naturalize until the next in line turned 21 (prior to 1975), or 18 (after 1975).
You have a viable JS line and have always wanted to live abroad, learn the Italian language, or connect with your Italian heritage.
You work remotely and have always wanted to explore your Italian roots.
Applying in Italy is much more than a quick path to an Italian passport. Making the move to Italy is about exploring a different way of life. Embracing the lifestyle and language is a must.
Be Proactive: Upcoming Changes to Citizenship Laws
In 2025, Law 752 is expected to pass. The changes proposed in 752 will restrict those who qualify and make applying for JS more difficult. Check out our article: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Jure Sanguinis for more details. Law 752 is the culmination of frustrated Italian officials who process JS applications, wondering why those with no Italian language skills or future plans to live in Italy would bother applying for citizenship. Some of these suggested changes include requiring applicants to pass a B1 level language exam and to prove cultural ties to Italy. What better way to do both of those things than by moving to Italy?
How ICC Can Help You with Applying in Italy
Navigating Italian bureaucracy is literally our job. Most of ICC’s employees have been through the process of having their Italian citizenship recognized, and about half of them applied and currently live in Italy. We are experts at understanding the nuances of Italian bureaucracy and how to get things done.
We work with local translators to assist you at every appointment, every step of the way. Although we highly recommend learning the language, nothing can replace the need for a personal advocate who can communicate fluently with Italian officials on your behalf.
ICC has an extensive network of housing providers across Southern Italy to meet the various needs of everyone from individuals to entire families, drivers and walkers alike.
In addition to eligibility services, ICC also offers document collection and review services. When applying in Italy, the requirements are different from comune to comune, just as they are from consulate to consulate. We will review your documents to ensure that they meet the standards of the comune before you arrive in Italy.
And speaking of comuni, ICC works with several comuni for those who choose to apply in Italy. We have a working relationship with Italian officials in these comuni and understand their expectations and requirements for documents, translations, and residency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
All of our clients who chose to apply in Italy have been successful.
The food! All the fresh pasta and cornettos!
Between our short-term and long-term ICC clients, we have formed a wonderful community of expats who have integrated themselves into the local landscape and built lifelong friendships.
The beautiful historic architecture and landscapes that surround you every day.
ICC is a company made of individuals with real, personal experience applying in Italy and a passion for assisting others in finding their own success.
Cons:
…we’ll get back to you when we can think of one!