Features of obtaining Italian citizenship

Italy is a country that is known for the presence of numerous resorts, cheerful and friendly residents, and various attractions.

Various factors influence the desire of foreigners, including Russians, to begin applying for Italian citizenship. Despite the simplicity of design, there are some features that are important to know about.

What are the benefits of an Italian passport?

You can obtain Italian citizenship at least in order to experience the numerous advantages, including:

• permanent residence;
• registration and use of state insurance;
• the opportunity to enjoy benefits and take part in elections.

Russians who have received Italian citizenship can enjoy the same rights as native residents.

Murano Island in Venice, Italy

Prospects opened by dual citizenship of Russia-Italy

• public funding of citizens;
• receiving all social benefits provided for by the legislation of both countries;
• free visit to countries that are part of the European Union and residence on their territory;
• the possibility of opening your own enterprise in Italy;
• official employment.

As you can see, dual citizenship Russia-Italy has many advantages. You will be able to feel like a full citizen of the country, enjoy all the benefits on an equal basis with the native residents and at the same time not renounce your native citizenship, moving freely from one country to another.

Ways to obtain Italian citizenship

Obtaining Italian citizenship for Russians is possible in several ways, for example, through marriage registration. Each of the available options has its own characteristics.

Marriage to an Italian citizen

A Russian citizen can obtain Italian citizenship if several conditions are met:

• continuous residence in the country for 2 years;
• residence is carried out from the moment of registration of official marriage with an Italian;
• the marriage is not recognized as fictitious and is not dissolved;
• living together.

A reduction in the waiting period is possible due to the presence of 2 or more children in the family.

Naturalization

Obtaining Italian citizenship through preliminary registration of permanent residence after a residence permit is called naturalization, subject to continuous residence in the country for 10 years.

Sequence:

1. Initially, documents are submitted for a residence permit.
2. The document is then extended to a total period of continuous residence of 5 years.
3. An emigrant applies for permanent residence.

A reduction in the naturalization period for obtaining Italian citizenship is possible in relation to:

• children born in Italy. This fact is confirmed by evidence. All foreigners can give birth, subject to agreement with an Italian clinic. According to statistics, over 100 thousand women come to this country to give birth every year;
• citizens of countries included in the EU who have decided to remain for permanent residence in Italy and have lived there for at least 4 years;
• foreigners adopted by native Italians, subject to continuous residence for 5 years. It doesn’t matter whether the Russians are adults or not;
• foreign military personnel defending the interests of Italy for 5 years;
• stateless persons or stateless persons living in the country for over 5 years.

Please note: a citizen of the Russian Federation can obtain Italian citizenship provided that they comply with local legislation within a specified period.

Venice, Italy

Italian citizenship by birth

A child born in a mixed marriage (one parent is a foreigner, the other from Russia, Ukraine or another country) can automatically obtain Italian citizenship.

The only criterion is that the children are recognized as Italian (it doesn’t matter whether they are husband or wife), otherwise it is entered into the residence permit issued by the second parent, and then the standard procedure follows.

Italian law provides for the conferment of citizenship upon birth in the Apennines without a parent, but subject to continuous residence until adulthood (18 years).

In this case, it is enough to submit the application within 1 year after reaching the age of majority. Relatives can apply to the migration service to obtain status by right of blood, if there is a degree of relationship not lower than the second.

Family in the Dolomites

Service in the Italian Armed Forces

The legislative framework allows for the recruitment of foreign citizens, including those from the Russian Federation, into military service. All you need to do is sign a contract.

The conditions are:

• clean biography;
• good physical form.

After 5 years, you can officially become a citizen of the country.

Is it possible to obtain citizenship when purchasing real estate?

If a person owns real estate, then this is a chance to obtain citizenship. In this case we are talking about a simplified naturalization procedure, nothing more. In addition, such a citizen becomes a taxpayer and pays fees in accordance with the established procedure.

House with garden in an alpine village

Rare ways to obtain citizenship

Italian citizenship can be obtained by those who:

• was born and at the same time lived in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The legislation also applies to their descendants;
• is Italian, including their children living in the Croatian regions - Istria, Dalmatia, Rijeka (formerly called the Republic of Fiume).

It is possible to obtain an internal passport of the country according to the minimum criteria in the case of a family reunification procedure, but subject to the presence of first-degree relatives. You can also invest in the economy by opening a business or by purchasing one operating in the country.

Dual citizenship in Italy

Living in Italy is also possible with a Russian passport. If you, as a foreigner, have finally received Italian citizenship, then it is not at all necessary to renounce the status of a Russian citizen. According to the Nationality Law of 1992, multiple citizenship is permissible, but you must report this to the local Italian registry office or consulate within three months by writing an application.

Dual citizenship opens up opportunities:

• participation in elections and political life of different countries;
• simplified procedure for crossing the border, opening accounts, obtaining loans;
• diversification of their assets and a simplified procedure for business emigration.

In other words, even if you renounce your status as a Russian citizen, you can in the future receive a passport of a French or Swiss citizen, you will just need to notify the authorities about this.

Contrary to popular myths, a citizen’s passport indicates only one citizenship, and not two in a row. Each country has its own passport; their unification is not envisaged, especially since there is no agreement between Russia and Italy on the status of a “dual” citizen.

Step-by-step guide to obtaining Italian citizenship

The step-by-step process is as follows:

1. Obtaining a visa for long-term stay.
2. Obtaining a residence permit.
3. Submission of documents for permanent residence.

At the end, citizenship is issued.

Applying for a long-term visa

The initial visit entails obtaining a type “C” permit. With its help, it is easier for the applicant to obtain status. Features include:

• the consulate handles the registration;
• The validity period of a Schengen visa allows you to live in the country unhindered for 3 months within six months.

Upon arrival in the country, you can begin applying for a long-term permit. The basis for issuance cannot be the fact that, for example, if a Russian bought an apartment, it is necessary to sign an employment contract with the employer. A minor does not have the right to do this, but he can acquire the status of “student”. In the case of entrepreneurs, you should have a developed business project.

Long-term visa to Italy

Obtaining a residence permit

The stage allows you to significantly reduce the period of obtaining the status in question. To obtain permanent residence, it is enough to live on a category “D” visa in the country for an average of 300 days (optimally a year). Approximately 1.5 months before the expiration of the permit, the immigrant forms and submits an application for consideration.

Permanent residence in Italy

If the immigrant has not violated any laws for 5 years, he can begin applying for permanent residence. To do this, it is enough to collect the necessary documents, the list of which varies depending on the status of the citizen. These include:

• tax return - a sample can be obtained from the local tax office;
• characteristics from the place of work;
• rental agreement. The purchase of real estate entails the need to provide supporting documents; additional registration is required.

The final result of the stage is obtaining a positive decision.

Obtaining citizenship

After 5 years of continuous residence, a Russian can begin the procedure for obtaining citizenship - integration into local society. The main stages are:

• collection of documents;
• passing an exam on knowledge of the Italian language (in the same way as Russian is tested for foreigners).

Additionally, a test is taken on the history of the state and knowledge of the established political and economic course of the government. After successful completion, the immigrant acquires the long-awaited status.

Italian citizenship by marriage

It is interesting that foreign women who married an Italian received the status of an Italian citizen, but men who married Italians did not. This rule was in effect until 1983. Obtaining citizenship in Italy through marriage is the most common solution. The spouse of an Italian can acquire status:

• if they have been legally married for six months;
• provided that the family resides outside Italian territory, the minimum threshold is 3 years;
• If, while living together, the couple gave birth to or adopted children, the waiting period for consideration of the citizenship application is halved.

Foreign children born in the country can obtain dual citizenship within three years of permanent residence.

The Italian citizenship law allows you to assign the status of citizen only to those individuals who, throughout their entire period of residence in the country, have not violated its legislation and have not had problems with the law in their home state.

When applying for citizenship, as well as at the time of assignment of status, the marriage must not be dissolved or dissolved.

If one of the parents is Italian, then the child automatically receives the status of a citizen of this country from the moment of birth. This rule also applies to those children who were born in an unregistered marriage, provided that the father recognizes the child as his own.

When adopted, children receive status from the moment the documents are completed. Children of foreigners born in the state may apply to become citizens at age 18.

List of required documents

The list of required papers depends on the applicant’s status. In any case, you need to prepare:

• birth certificate;
• certificate of no criminal record.

The latter must be completed within 6 months before transfer to the authorized body.

The main package also includes:

• statement;
• a copy of documentary evidence of place of residence;
• certificate of income for the last 3 years. For example, for a family of 2 adults you need at least 11 thousand euros;
• stamp duty payment receipt;
• receipt of payment of state duty.

The fee remains unchanged. It will be the same regardless of whether the investment is the purpose of the citizen or the entry is made to get married. Everyone can be allowed to obtain citizenship if the documents are in order.

Registration procedure

Before you receive a passport, you must:

• obtain a visa to enter the country (if the person does not have a second passport of a state that has a visa-free regime with Italy);
• obtain a residence permit;
• fulfill the conditions established by law (learn the language, prove the existence of a fact that simplifies obtaining a passport, etc.).

Where to contact

The applicant must submit an application with a package of documents to the Citizenship Department of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs in person or through the official website, having previously paid the state fee.

Attention! In case of refusal to obtain citizenship, the state fee is not refunded.

List of required documents

After submitting the application, the applicant must provide:

• birth certificate and passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation;
• international passport;
• information about the absence of a criminal record and criminal prosecution in Italy and the Russian Federation;
• certificate of registration in Italy;
• residence permit;
• certificate of family composition;
• declaration of income for the last 3 years (at least 11 thousand euros for a family of 2 people);
• document confirming passing the language exam.

If citizenship is acquired through marriage, the application must be signed by the spouse. In addition to the list of documents you will need:

• marriage certificate;
• certificate of family composition of an Italian citizen.

In other cases you may need:

• adoption certificate (if citizenship was not automatically established based on a change in the law);
• birth certificate as proof of Italian roots - up to 2 generations;
• documents confirming refugee status.

Application for Italian citizenship

The application can also be submitted online on the website of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

After the registration procedure, you need to find an application for citizenship that will suit the situation (through marriage - Modello A, etc.).

Having selected the desired form, you need to fill out and submit it. If a person prefers to submit an application in person, the form must be printed.

The status of the application can be tracked on the website.

Oath procedure

The new Italian citizen will be sent a concession decree (usually within 90 days) according to which he must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic in the local government of his place of residence. You must have with you:

• citizenship decree;
• passport;
• residence permit (personal and minor children, if any);
• birth certificate of minor children.

A person has 6 months to come to the authorities to take the oath. If during this time the oath is not pronounced with the testimony of municipal employees, citizenship will not be officially registered.

Text of the oath: “Giuro di essere fedele alla Repubblica italiana, di osservarne lealmente la Costituzione e le leggi, riconoscendo la pari dignit? sociale di tutte le persone" .

Timing and cost

An application for citizenship is processed within 4 years.

The state fee is 250 euros. To this should be added the costs of obtaining various types of information that may be required when applying for a passport of the Republic.

Reasons for refusal

An application may be rejected in the following cases:

• outstanding convictions and criminal charges hidden by the applicant;
• false documents or information;
• lack of housing and income acceptable for obtaining citizenship;
• threats to the country's national interests;
• conditions have not been met (length of residence, language proficiency, etc.).

The applicant has the right to appeal the decision within 10 days. If the court accepts his side, the application will be subject to review.

Is it possible to lose Italian citizenship?

There are often situations in which a negative decision is made during the consideration of an application. The notice the applicant receives must describe the reasons. They are often vague.

The main factors include the inability to initially obtain citizenship due to a criminal record in the home country. Such assumptions are carefully cross-checked at all levels and in numerous international databases.

If citizenship is granted, but the fact of falsification is later discovered, the citizen will be forced to leave his place of residence and expelled from the country, but will not be issued a fine. Resubmission of documents is not possible.

Cozy street in Rome

Obtaining Italian citizenship by residence

Citizenship in Italy by residence is called naturalization. According to the text of the law, a person must live in the country for at least 10 years. A prerequisite is legal registration on the territory of the state and the presence of a stable source of income. Exceptions to the rules may be:

• refugees;
• stateless persons;
• descendants of Italian citizens;
• residents of the European Union.

Immigration to Italy for the purpose of work or business always involves obtaining resident status.
You can become a resident of the country only subject to official registration during employment and residence. Many Russians go to Italy to engage in commerce. This is primarily due to the fact that there are no difficulties or restrictions for doing business in the state. Dual Italian citizenship does not entail a renunciation of your original status as a citizen of another country. The exception is states where this is prohibited by law. Russia, in Article 62 Part 1 of the Constitution, allows its residents to have citizenship of a foreign state. The text of the bill was drawn up many years ago, but was adopted only in May 2014.

Pros and cons of living in Italy for Russian emigrants

Having Italian citizenship for recipients provides numerous advantages and opportunities, the main of which are:

• the opportunity to stay on the territory of the state at any time, including in other countries that are part of the EU;
• You can choose to work as an individual entrepreneur or sign a contract with an employer;
• if necessary, you can easily contact financial institutions to obtain loans in any amount, in accordance with your level of solvency;
• the opportunity to use the right to social insurance with all the ensuing consequences;
• expressing your civic position - you can participate in legal rallies and elections;
• use the visa-free regime that has been established between numerous countries.

It is safe to say that, despite the simplicity of obtaining citizenship, the procedure is very complex. At the same time, for those citizens who purposefully move towards their goal, the path may not seem so difficult. This is largely due to the acquired opportunity to officially work, buy and sell movable and immovable property in the country.

The resulting citizenship allows you to receive numerous social benefits, count on a European pension, and buy travel packages for trips abroad at low prices.

Lake Garda, Italy

Advantages and disadvantages of Italian citizenship

Italy, like any country, has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of getting an Italian passport:

1. Italy is a member of the European Union. Obtaining citizenship means free movement throughout almost all of Europe and visa-free travel in many countries on other continents.

1. Italy is the second healthiest nation in the world and the sixth most effective health care system.

1. A European diploma obtained in Italy opens doors throughout Europe. Another advantage is the availability of education (preschool and secondary education is free even for foreign citizens). Higher education involves the payment of a scholarship, exchange studies in other EU countries, and students are not expelled for failing exams, but are sent to complete their studies.

1. Good business opportunities. Italy is in 3rd place in the economic list of EU countries. Business taxes are low by European standards, and the state itself is accommodating to foreign investors.

1. Climatic conditions. Winter can hardly be called severe, but in mountainous areas the thermometer can drop to -20 in January, and snowfalls are not uncommon in most areas. The proximity to the sea is also a plus.

1. High quality of life. The kindness of local residents, cultural and historical attractions, quality goods in stores, Italian cuisine, recognized as one of the best in the world.

Italy also has disadvantages:

1. Expensive standard of living. It all depends on the area of ​​residence, but for Russian immigrants life in any city will seem more expensive than in Russia. It will be difficult to purchase real estate due to high housing prices.

1. Salaries and taxes. The low level of wages for the average worker, coupled with high taxation (not counting business, which the authorities are trying to accommodate), has a negative impact on attracting immigrants from other countries. Finding a job for a foreigner will be quite difficult.

Important! Even taking into account taxes, salaries in Italy are higher than in Russia.

1. High crime rate. It's not just about Italian pickpockets. There are other ways to take possession of someone else's property: robbery, fraud, especially in tourist cities. At the same time, the level of violent crimes is lower than in the CIS.

1. Differences in mentality. Everyone knows about the good nature of Italians and the coldness of Russians. There are also differences in other aspects of life: food culture, communication, attitudes towards family connections.
2. Bureaucratic apparatus. This will not frighten Russians and residents of the CIS countries, which also have a high level of bureaucracy.