How to Reclaim Italian Citizenship: A Complete Guide

Reclaiming Italian citizenship is a process that many former citizens may want to consider, particularly if they lost their citizenship after acquiring another nationality, such as U.S. citizenship. If you were born in Italy, like the individual in our example, and wish to reacquire your Italian citizenship, this guide will walk you through the essential steps, legal requirements, and key considerations.

Why Do You Need to Reclaim Italian Citizenship?

Italian citizenship is lost under certain circumstances, such as acquiring another nationality voluntarily. In the example case, the individual lost their Italian citizenship when their parents became naturalized U.S. citizens, and they automatically became a U.S. citizen as a minor. Italian law allows for the reacquisition of citizenship if it was lost in this way.

Legal Framework for Reacquiring Italian Citizenship

Law No. 91 of 1992

Under Law No. 91 of 1992, individuals who lost their Italian citizenship by acquiring a foreign nationality can reacquire it by establishing legal residency in Italy and submitting a formal declaration of intent to regain citizenship. This law governs the reacquisition process and specifies that former citizens must reside in Italy to complete the process.

Jure Sanguinis (Right of Blood) is Not Applicable

Unlike the Jure Sanguinis process, which allows descendants of Italian citizens to claim citizenship through ancestral lineage, this reacquisition process applies to former Italian citizens who once held Italian citizenship but lost it due to naturalization in another country. Therefore, this procedure does not require proof of Italian ancestry but focuses on reestablishing residency in Italy.

Introducing Global RCG’s Apply From Italy Program: A Fast Track to Reclaiming Italian Citizenship

If you’re looking to streamline your path to Italian citizenship, Global RCG’s Fast Track Program offers a comprehensive, end-to-end solution designed to simplify and expedite the process of reclaiming Italian citizenship. Here’s why our Apply From Italy program is an excellent option for Americans seeking to establish residency quickly and reclaim their Italian citizenship.

The Fast Track Program Overview

Our Fast Track Program allows individuals to earn Italian citizenship within six months by offering:

1. Tailored Document Preparation

We handle customized document collection to meet the preferences of local municipal clerks, ensuring a smoother application process.

2. Preliminary Review by Italian Clerks

Benefit from a preliminary evaluation of your citizenship application by experienced Italian clerks to enhance the likelihood of success.

3. Comprehensive Legal Review

Every document in your application will undergo a full legal review to ensure accuracy and completeness before submission.

4. Quick Establishment of Italian Residency

Through our exclusive partnerships with dozens of local communes, we expedite the residency process so that you can settle into Italy without delay.

5. Luxury Accommodation

Stay in a luxury 2-bedroom apartment during your stay in Italy, providing comfort while you transition to your new life.

6. Residency Permit Assistance

Our team offers support in obtaining your Italian residency permits, navigating local legal requirements with ease.

7. Efficient Application Submission

We submit your citizenship application directly to the local commune, saving you time and effort.

8. Health Insurance Coordination

Secure the necessary health insurance coverage tailored to your needs, a requirement for your stay and citizenship application in Italy.

Steps to Reclaim Italian Citizenship with the Apply From Italy Program

1. Profile Setup and Documentation Preparation

Before traveling to Italy, we assist you with:

• Document Collection: Including your Italian birth certificate, U.S. naturalization proof, valid ID, and apostilled documents.
• Application Review: A preliminary review of your citizenship application by Italian clerks to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Profile Setup: We help you create your Global RCG profile and complete your Ancestry Citizenship Tree.

2. Establish Legal Residency in Italy

Once in Italy, you’ll go through the following steps:

• Secure Accommodation: Through our program, you’ll have access to luxury accommodations and assistance with finding a rental or property.
• Register with the Comune: Our team will help you register your residency with the local Anagrafe (Registry Office) and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
• Obtain Your Codice Fiscale: The Italian tax identification number required for all official processes.
• Dichiarazione di Presenza: We’ll guide you through registering your presence with the local police station, a mandatory step for residency confirmation.

3. Submit a Formal Declaration of Intent to Reacquire Citizenship

After establishing residency:

• Submit Declaration: We handle the submission of your formal declaration at the Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Status Office) in your chosen Comune.
• Immediate Reacquisition: Italian law allows you to reacquire citizenship immediately after submitting your declaration. However, processing times can vary, and our team ensures that everything is in order to prevent delays.

Additional Benefits of Global RCG’s Fast Track Program

• Luxury Accommodation: During your stay in Italy, enjoy a premium living experience while we handle all the bureaucratic steps for you.
• Health Insurance: Our team arranges the necessary health insurance coverage for your stay, ensuring that you meet all the legal requirements for Italian residency and citizenship.
• Exclusive Partnerships: Our partnerships with local communes expedite the process and ensure you get priority treatment when it comes to establishing residency and submitting your application.

Alternative Path: Automatic Reacquisition After One Year

If you prefer a slower approach, our program also accommodates those who wish to reside continuously in Italy for one year. After one year of uninterrupted legal residency, you will automatically reacquire Italian citizenship without needing to submit a formal declaration. We’ll help you navigate this option as well.