The Italian Consulate "may" accept church records such as baptismal certificates or religious marriage certificates if the civil authorities provide a statement that they have no record of a birth or marriage.  In addition, the local diocese has to certify that the church document is authentic. The Bishop's signature may have to be notarized in order to be Apostilled. Please note: there is no guarantee that church records will be accepted by the Italian Consulate.

Yes. Frequently, a parent must be recognized as a citizen before he or she can request citizenship for an adopted minor child (unlike biological minor children, who are automatically citizens). The adoptions of minor children go to the Tribunale dei Minori (Children’s Court) for judicial review before they can be passed onto the municipality and the child recognized as an Italian citizen.

Yes. If you were adopted as a minor you will need certified copy of your adoption decree (translated to Italian with an Apostille).  If adopted as an adult, you must reside in Italy for five years before applying. 

Due to the many changes in the boundaries between Italy and other nations over the course of history and the ever changing laws of citizenship, the complexity requires you ask your closest Italian Consulate if you qualify. But sure to explain to the consulate official where and when your Ancestor was born and when your he or she emigrated from Italy or another country. For questions, please SCHEDULE A TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.

Yes, if your children are under the age of eighteen they can apply with you. If they are eighteen or older and qualify, they will need to apply separately.

Normally, yes, after you acquire Italian citizenship, your spouse is eligible, but you must first register your marriage in Italy, prior to applying.   Spouses of Italian citizens can apply for citizenship after two years of marriage if a couple is living in Italy and after three (3) years of marriage if they are living abroad. When applying, if these time periods have already been met the process is immediately started. Also if you have a child, the time is cut to 18 months in both Italy and in another Country.

1. Since August 16, 1992 (Law 91 Art. 11), the voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship no longer leads to the automatic loss of Italian Citizenship (with the exception of acquisition of citizenship in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxemburg, Netherlands and Norway. 

Yes.  If you are living now, or plan on living in Italy (through work visa’s, etc.) you may qualify in the following ways:  

• Reside one (1) year in Italy, if you are formerly an Italian citizen

• Reside three (3) years in Italy, if you are a foreigner with native-born Italian parents or grandparents

• Reside four (4) years in Italy, if you are a citizen of another EU country

• Reside ten (10) years in Italy, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country

Yes. All living ancestors in the direct line between you and your ancestor from Italy will be recognized as Italian citizens in you reside in the same Consular jurisdiction. Applying with other family members, such as siblings or first cousins is possible but each will have to present a separate application. 

More and more Italian Consulate accept "family files", so if you one of your family members has already received his or her Italian Citizenship, you can use his or her documents as long as you are applying at the same Italian Consulate. You will have to present your vital records, certified, Apostilled and translated to Italian and pay the "application fee" to the Italian Consulate. If you don't reside in the same jurisdiction, then you will need submit a brand new portfolio of certified documents (both U.S.