Italian Dual Citizenship for Australians: A Comprehensive Guide
Italian dual citizenship offers Australians the opportunity to connect with their ancestral roots, enjoy the benefits of EU membership, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Italy. If you are an Australian with Italian ancestry, you may be eligible for Italian dual citizenship. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the requirements, application process, and essential documents needed to obtain Italian dual citizenship in Australia.
If you want some information regarding citizenship, this is what we need from you: - where are you writing from? - where are you applying? - for eligibility: we need birth/marriage/naturalization or non-naturalization/ divorce/death documents of your last Italian ancestor and all your relatives in line, up to you - if you don't have those documents and need to find them, we can help (but we need to know where your ancestor was born and when).
1. Understanding Italian Dual Citizenship
What is Italian Dual Citizenship?
Italian dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, allows individuals to hold both Italian and Australian citizenship simultaneously. This means that as an Australian, you can enjoy the benefits and rights afforded to Italian citizens, including the ability to work, live, and travel freely within Italy and the European Union.
Jure Sanguinis: Italian Citizenship by Descent
Italian citizenship is primarily based on the principle of "jure sanguinis," which translates to "right of blood." This means that individuals can acquire Italian citizenship if they can prove their direct ancestral ties to an Italian citizen, typically a parent or grandparent.
2. Eligibility for Italian Dual Citizenship in Australia
Birthright Citizenship: Consanguinity Principle
Italian dual citizenship is available to individuals born in Australia who have Italian ancestry. The eligibility criteria depend on the date of birth of the individual and the Italian citizenship status of their parents or grandparents at the time of their birth.
Pre-1948 Rules for Italian Citizenship
For individuals born before January 1, 1948, Italian citizenship could only be passed down through the paternal line. This means that if your father was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Italian dual citizenship. However, if your Italian ancestor became an Australian citizen before your birth, you may not qualify.
Post-1948 Rules for Italian Citizenship
For individuals born after January 1, 1948, Italian citizenship can be acquired through both the paternal and maternal lines. If your mother was an Italian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Italian dual citizenship. However, similar to the pre-1948 rules, if your Italian ancestor renounced their Italian citizenship before your birth, you may not qualify.
3. Applying for Italian Dual Citizenship in Australia Initial Assessment and Consultation
Before beginning the application process, it is essential to determine your eligibility for Italian dual citizenship. My team offers a consultation to evaluate your case and provide you with personalized guidance on the application process.
Required Documentation Checklist To apply for Italian dual citizenship, you must gather various documents to support your application. These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and other relevant documents for you and your Italian ancestor. Ensuring that your documentation is complete is crucial, as incomplete applications will be returned.
Booking an Appointment at the Consulate General To submit your application for Italian dual citizenship, you must book an appointment with the Consulate General of Italy in your jurisdiction. It is advisable to book your appointment as early as possible, as waiting times for appointments can be lengthy. Each adult member of the family must book their own appointment if multiple family members wish to apply.
4. Documentation for Italian Dual Citizenship Application
Ancestral Documents: Birth Certificates One of the essential documents for Italian dual citizenship application is the "Estratto dell'atto di Nascita," or birth certificate, of your Italian ancestor. This certificate should be obtained from the Italian municipality of their birth. It is crucial to request the correct document and not a "Certificato di nascita”.
Proof of Non-Acquisition of Australian Citizenship
To establish your eligibility for Italian dual citizenship, you must provide documentation showing that your Italian ancestor never acquired Australian citizenship. This can be obtained from the Department of Home Affairs and should include the original Australian visa or Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status (CERS).
Australian Citizenship Certificate
If your Italian ancestor became an Australian citizen, you must provide their Australian Citizenship certificate. This certificate should include essential information such as their full name, date of birth, and date of acquisition of Australian citizenship. It must be translated into Italian for submission.
Marriage and Death Certificates You will also need to provide marriage and death certificates of your Italian ancestor and all direct descendants. These documents help establish the lineage and proof of relationship required for the Italian dual citizenship application.
Applicant's Documents: Birth Certificate, Passport, and more
As the applicant, you will need to provide your own birth certificate, passport, and other relevant documents. If you are married, your marriage certificate is required. If you have children under 18, their birth certificates should also be included. In the case of divorce, a certificate of divorce from the Federal Magistrates Court is necessary.
5. Translation and Apostille Requirements Importance of Accurate Translation
To ensure the accuracy of your documents, it is essential to have them translated by an approved translator recognized by the consulate. Google Translate is not sufficient for this purpose. The translated documents must accurately reflect the content of the original documents. As the Consulate clearly states, Certificates and documents must be thoroughly checked for errors or discrepancies in names, last names, dates and places of birth. In the event of significant discrepancies and errors in any of these fields, the certificates/documents will be returned to the applicant who must request the appropriate amendments and submit a new Apostilled and translated documents.
A translator with experience in this field knows it very well and can help you avoid wasting time and money!
Obtaining Apostille Certification
In addition to translation, you will need to obtain apostille certification for your documents. The apostille is a verification stamp from Australian authorities that confirms the authenticity of the documents. This step is essential for the Italian dual citizenship application process. Please note: if you have your documents translated in Italy, the only apostille you'll need is on the original document, not on the translation as well! Email us for more information!
6. Application Process for Italian Dual Citizenship Submitting the Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application for Italian dual citizenship at your scheduled appointment. Ensure that your documents are organized and complete to avoid any delays or rejections.
Consulate General Interview During your appointment, you will have an interview at the Consulate General, where your documents and application will be reviewed. It is crucial to present yourself professionally and answer any questions truthfully and accurately.
Application Review and Waiting Period
After the interview, your application will undergo a review process. The waiting period can vary, and it is important to be patient during this time. The Consulate General will inform you of the outcome of your application once the review is complete.
7. Fees for Italian Dual Citizenship Application Evaluation and Processing Fee
To cover the evaluation and processing of all Italian dual citizenship applications, a fee of 300 Euros is required. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid in Australian dollars using an Australian debit or credit card. The amount in Australian dollars may change based on currency conversion rates.
Payment Method and Currency Conversion
The fee for the evaluation and processing of Italian dual citizenship applications can only be paid in Australian dollars. The Consulate General provides information on the current amount in Australian dollars and the accepted payment methods. It is essential to check the consulate's website for the updated fee amount.
8. Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship Work and Live in Italy and the EU
One of the primary benefits of Italian dual citizenship is the ability to work and live in Italy and other European Union countries. This opens up new opportunities for career growth, business ventures, and cultural experiences.
Freedom to Travel in Europe
With Italian dual citizenship, you can travel freely within the European Union without the limitations and restrictions imposed on non-EU citizens. This allows you to explore the diverse landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cultures of Europe with ease.
Healthcare and Education Opportunities
Italian dual citizens have access to the same healthcare and educational opportunities as Italian citizens. This includes free or subsidized healthcare services and the ability to study at renowned Italian universities.
9. Professional Assistance for Italian Dual Citizenship Simplifying the Process with Expert Guidance
Navigating the Italian dual citizenship application process can be complex and time-consuming. Many individuals choose to seek professional assistance from to simplify the process and ensure a successful application. I work with genealogists in Italy, consultants and lawyers so I have you covered!
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Common Queries about Italian Dual Citizenship
The following FAQs reflect the most common cases in Australia.
Each individual case, even if based on general rules and principles could differ according to an individual's personal situation. There are sometimes, exceptions and particular rules that are not considered in this section. Please contact the nearest Italian consular office to obtain more detailed information about your individual case.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for Italian citizenship?
A: Italian citizenship is based on the principle of "jure sanguinis" (blood right) by virtue of which a baby born from an Italian father or mother (depending on the year of birth of the child) is an Italian citizen.
Q: My father was born in Italy and moved to Australia before I was born. He also became Australian citizen. Am I still eligible for Italian citizenship?
A: Cases like yours are not always black and white, as there could be a possibility that you are eligible and another that you are not. If your parent became an Australian citizen as an adult or, as a child included in his parents' naturalization, then you would not be eligible because you were born from a parent who was no longer an Italian citizen at the time of your birth. However, if your father was still an Italian citizen at the time of his marriage to your mother but not at the time of your birth, then, depending on the date of your parents' marriage, you may still be eligible.
Q: My grandparents moved to Australia many years ago. My father was born in Australia. Am I eligible for Italian citizenship?
A: Citizenship may be passed on from generation to generation without limitation - but there can be no generation gap. To be eligible for Italian citizenship you must prove that your father born to an Italian citizen, i.e., that your grandfather had not acquired Australian citizenship before the birth of your father. If you are looking at your grandmother as the holder of citizenship at the time of your father's birth, you have to take into consideration that women can only bequeath Italian citizenship to children born from the 1st of January 1948 (the birth of the Italian Constitution). Prior to this date, Italian citizenship was passed on only by the father.
Q: I was born in Italy and I moved to Australia with my parents when I was a child. My father became an Australian citizen while I was under age. Am I still an Italian citizen?
A: If your father became an Australian citizen and did not include you in his naturalization certificate, and nor did your mother, then, unless you have become an Australian citizen in your own right, there is a good chance that you are still an Italian citizen.
Q: I married an Italian gentleman. Am I eligible for Italian Citizenship?
A: If your marriage was celebrated before the 27th April 1983, then you have acquired Italian citizenship automatically at the date of marriage. If you were married after the said date, then you are not eligible for citizenship automatically, but would have to request to become an Italian citizen by naturalization on the basis of marriage. Request for citizenship may be lodged only after 3 years of marriage if you reside overseas or 6 months of marriage if you reside in Italy.
Q: I have lost my Italian citizenship because I obtained Australian citizenship before the 16th of August 1992. How can I regain Italian citizenship?
A: If you became an Australian citizen before 16/08/1992, even if you were included in your parents’ naturalization certificate, you automatically lost your Italian citizenship. Current Italian citizenship laws (entered into force on the 16th of August 1992) allow dual citizenship. You can reacquire Italian citizenship by residing in Italy for one year You must obtain an Italian visa for elective residence before departing for Italy. By signing a declaration in which you state your intention to reside in Italy for this purpose, and then registering as a resident, within 1 year of the date of the declaration, at the Italian municipality of your choice. This declaration may be signed at the competent Consulate before departing for Italy or directly at the chosen Municipality (Comune) in Italy. Documentation required for the declaration: - Australian passport; - Australian citizenship certificate; - Birth certificate. If the applicant has children (under 18 years of age) that will reside with him/her during the whole stay in Italy, they will also acquire Italian citizenship.
Q: I am a dual citizen, Italian and Australian. Does the possession of the Italian citizenship affect my situation as an Australian citizen?
A: The possession of Italian citizenship by descent does not affect your position as an Australian citizen. Since the Australian Citizenship Act was changed in April 2002, Australian citizens are allowed to hold dual citizenship even by naturalization.
Embracing your Italian heritage through Italian dual citizenship is a rewarding and fulfilling journey. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and following the application process, you can reconnect with your ancestral roots and enjoy the benefits of Italian and EU citizenship.
12. Additional Resources
For more information about Italian dual citizenship and the application process, you can visit the official websites of the Italian Consulate and relevant authorities.
· Official Website of the Consulate General of Italy:
Remember, obtaining Italian dual citizenship is a significant achievement that opens doors to new opportunities and experiences. Begin your journey today and embrace the rich cultural heritage of Italy.
If you want some information regarding citizenship, this is what we need from you: - where are you writing from? - where are you applying? - for eligibility: we need birth/marriage/naturalization or non-naturalization/ divorce/death documents of your last Italian ancestor and all your relatives in line, up to you - if you don't have those documents and need to find them, we can help (but we need to know where your ancestor was born and when).