The Italian Republic has long been of interest to a significant number of residents of the CIS countries. Many go there to work, but only a few can obtain Italian citizenship. According to analytical studies and international data, Italy in 2021 may take 3-4th place in terms of applications submitted for the protection of people with refugee status. But few of them will be answered positively. Obtaining the right to permanent residence in Italy on your own is not so easy.
Bridge in Venice
Having set a goal and gone through certain procedures, it is quite possible to obtain the right to permanent residence. Many Russians and residents of the post-Soviet space want to obtain Italian citizenship, since some have relatives working there, while others see their future only abroad.
What are the ways and possibilities for obtaining Italian citizenship?
The Italian Republic provides several opportunities to acquire the status of a full member of society:
- Close family ties with citizens of the state.
- Service in Italian government bodies.
- Naturally, or naturalized.
- Marrying a citizen of the country.
One of the most comfortable and convenient ways to apply is when the Italian state invites you to work in special government bodies. The registration process in this situation is much simpler and more accessible, but before agreeing to the proposed job, you must immediately declare your desire to obtain Italian citizenship in the future.
This is what an Italian passport looks like
When there are no relatives abroad and you cannot count on employment in a government structure, you can obtain Italian citizenship in a simple standard way or, as it is also called, through naturalization. Of course, it will take a long time to prepare and collect documents, and the process itself is troublesome, but the result will not be long in coming. True, each situation has its own nuances, so it is better to consult with good specialists in advance.
Another common option is to obtain the right to a citizen’s passport through marriage.
But it will be possible to draw up the necessary documents only after two years of living together and running a household.
Grounds for obtaining Italian citizenship
No country in the world distributes its passports to everyone, and Italy is no exception. To obtain Italian citizenship, grounds are required. It is important to understand that getting an Italian passport is not easy, but it is not impossible. If a person has chosen Italy for immigration, he needs to find a suitable basis and begin to realize his dream. Let's look at each basis:
Citizenship by birth
The easiest way, of course, is to become an Italian citizen by birth. Children whose parents include at least one citizen of the country have the right to purchase an Italian passport automatically. If a person has direct relatives in the ascending line - Italians and can prove this fact, but has citizenship of another country, you can get a passport at a preferential rate. Children born in Italy to foreign parents are entitled to citizenship after three years of residence in the country. However, parents cannot apply for a passport for a child immediately after the expiration of the three-year period. He must do this himself after reaching the age of 18.
Naturalization
This is the main method of acquiring Italian citizenship for persons who do not have rights to a passport by birth. The essence of the method is that you need to arrive in Italy legally, obtain a long-term permit to stay in the country, live in it for a specified number of years and then apply for Italian citizenship.
Most often, this method is used when living in Italy in connection with official employment, obtaining education at Italian universities and for other reasons. To realize the dream of Italian citizenship in this way, family ties with Italians are not required, which means it is suitable for any foreigner.
Finding a job in Italy is not easy for a migrant. They first look for Italians for vacancies, then EU citizens, and only then can they invite a foreigner. Nevertheless, this path is open to highly qualified specialists and people willing to do hard work with low, by local standards, pay. The low Italian salary exceeds the income of a university professor in most CIS cities.
Studying at Italian universities allows you not only to obtain a diploma recognized in developed countries, but also to legally stay in the country for a long period of time. After completing your education, you can get a job and eventually become naturalized in the country.
If you undergo naturalization on a general basis, this path takes 10 years. You will have to go through the following steps:
Applying for a national visa
The Schengen visa and visa-free regime available to Ukrainians, Moldovans and Georgians allows them to stay in the country 90/180. That is, every three months you need to leave Italy and live outside the EU for the next 90 days. To obtain a national visa, you need to contact the Italian consulate in your country and provide the following documents:
- completed visa application form;
- passport,
- photos;
- documents confirming the existence of grounds for long-term stay in Italy;
- papers confirming that you have a place to live in the country and have income that allows you not to apply for government help;
- certificate of good conduct;
- a certificate of absence of diseases dangerous to others.
Other documents may also be needed. All papers must have a legalized translation.
Applying for a residence permit in Italy
A residence permit is a temporary permit to stay in the country. Issued usually for 1 year. May be extended if there are grounds for this. After arriving in Italy with a national visa, you must immediately contact the local migration authorities to obtain a residence permit. Once the document has been received, you can legally stay in Italy and engage in the activities that are permitted by the document.
Registration of permanent residence in Italy
Having lived in the country for 5 years under a residence permit, you can apply for a long-term residence permit. Permanent residence allows you to enjoy almost the same rights as Italians. The exception is participation in elections and employment in most government bodies.
Registration of citizenship of the country
Having lived in Italy for a specified number of years, a migrant can apply to be granted citizenship. In general, you need to live legally in Italy for at least 10 years, practically without leaving the country. However, for some categories of applicants for Italian citizenship, this period is reduced.
Marriage
By marrying an Italian citizen, you can obtain the right to long-term residence in the country. The law even accommodates partners of Italians and allows them to obtain citizenship on preferential terms. Spouses of Italian citizens will be able to obtain citizenship of the country in 2 years. However, the law also sets conditions. All this time, the spouses must live together and run a joint household. The point is that the Italian state does not like fictitious marriages concluded in order to obtain a passport. If the fictitiousness of the marriage relationship is revealed, the foreign partner will have to leave Italy and entry into the EU will be prohibited for several years. On the contrary, the birth of a child during this time will confirm that the relationship is formalized specifically for creating a family. Usually, foreign parents in such a couple are assigned citizenship without any problems.
Military service
Unlike most countries in the world, foreign citizenship is not an obstacle to enlisting in the Italian army. Naturally, a foreigner must meet the requirements for recruits. Basically, the requirements are put forward to health, level of education and physical fitness, the ability to understand orders and provide reports in Italian. 5 years of service in the Italian army allows you to apply for citizenship of the state that the soldier defended. If the dismissal occurred earlier than this period, you can apply for citizenship in the general manner, but much depends on the formulation of the reasons for the dismissal. Persons discharged from the army on discreditable grounds will find it difficult to obtain Italian citizenship.
Investments in the economy
The Italian government, unlike some other EU members, does not sell passports. There are no programs providing for accelerated naturalization for investments in the country's economy. However, it is possible to legally open a business in this country. If you hire Italians and earn enough to support your family, you will be able to obtain a residence permit and subsequently naturalize on the same grounds as foreigners.
Buying a property
If a person legally acquired Italian real estate, this does not mean that the state is obliged to grant citizenship. Moreover, the fact of owning real estate does not even mean the mandatory issuance of a residence permit. “Golden visas”, popular among wealthy residents of the CIS, for investments in real estate or the economy, do not exist in Italy. However, owning a home in some way makes it easier to obtain a national visa. To obtain it, you need to prove that you have a place to live. A certificate of ownership of a house or apartment clearly confirms this fact. Those who cannot purchase housing have to submit a long-term rental agreement for residential premises.
Refugee status
Italy is the gateway to the EU for refugees from the Middle East and Africa. On ships and boats they reach the Italian islands and land illegally on the shore. By surrendering to migration authorities, such migrants claim that they are claiming refugee status. This status allows you to enjoy many benefits and benefits while living comfortably and without even working. Having received refugee status, you can apply for Italian citizenship after five years of residence in the country. Naturally, some migrants from post-Soviet states would not refuse to receive such status. Theoretically, such a possibility exists. When crossing the border, the immigrant declares his desire to become a refugee. He further proves that death or unjust oppression and bullying awaits him in his homeland. Due to the influx of refugees, many people from countries engulfed in large-scale wars cannot prove this. It will be extremely difficult for residents of the CIS countries to obtain this status. If an applicant for refugee status is denied, the migrant will be sent back to the country from which he arrived.
other methods
There are also rare ways to acquire Italian citizenship. The following may apply for citizenship of this state:
- Persons born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This state has not existed since 1918. However, its territory covered part of the territory of western Ukraine.
- Residents of the regions of Dalmatia, Istria, Rijeka, currently part of Croatia.
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Process of obtaining Italian citizenship
To become a citizen of Italy, you need to go through a very thorny path. If a person is serious enough, he should know that before receiving a European passport, he will have to live in Italy practically without a break for about ten years. During this time, a person who wants to be an equal citizen will have to draw up a large number of various documents. To obtain citizenship, a foreigner, in addition to the fact of official residence and registration in Italy for at least 10 years (counted to the nearest day, so as not to be less), must demonstrate income, payment of taxes and deductions, no criminal record, and also collect many different papers.
The entire process of obtaining Italian citizenship consists of several stages:
- The first stage is obtaining a visa to Italy. Russian citizens and other residents of the CIS countries need a Schengen visa to get to Italy. To submit documents, you need to contact special centers that issue visas, which are located in Italy or in all countries where it has representative offices. There are several such centers in Russia. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, almost every country has one or more Italian representatives. If the visa is of tourist significance, it is issued for a short period: for several months or for two to three years. If the visa is intended for a working visit or for creating various business projects on the territory of another state, then it can be issued with a more flexible period of stay in the country.
- The second stage is obtaining the right to temporary residence in Italy. Such permission can only be obtained when a visa has been issued. Already on the territory of the state, the emigrant must immediately apply for a residence permit. With a document for a residence permit, you must live in a republican state for more than five years.
- The third stage is registration of citizenship. Italian citizenship can only be obtained after ten years after following all official procedures. After a person has lived with a document for a temporary residence permit for five years and has not left the country for more than six months, he has the opportunity to apply for the right to obtain a permanent residence permit. A foreigner who legally resides in Italy and has a “terminal” residence permit, in any case, has all the corresponding privileges even before receiving an indefinite one. And after another 5 years he can apply for citizenship.
Benefits of Italian citizenship
Having Italian citizenship opens up new horizons for its owner. Among the advantages of going through a long and bureaucratically complex procedure are the following:
- residence with the right to work in the territory of a highly developed state;
- rights the same as for the indigenous population (receiving all kinds of benefits and benefits, as well as an increased state pension, the opportunity to receive free (state) housing, the right to participate in elections and be elected, etc.);
- the possibility of staying and living with the right to work and do business in EU countries;
- visa-free visits to the USA, Canada and many other countries (in total, 171 countries are open to Italians, and only 95 to Russian citizens).
Before you decide to emigrate from Russia to Italy, stay permanently and acquire a new citizenship, it is recommended to visit the country you are moving to as a tourist: see with your own eyes the pros and cons of life in it, and then make an informed decision. During a tourist trip, you need to have time to go not only to Rome and the Vatican, but also to visit provinces where you can really find work and affordable housing. It will also be possible to evaluate the climatic conditions prevailing here - due to the large extent from north to south, the climate in different parts of the state is very different. A preliminary trip can be successful for those who want to move on the basis of employment, but do not yet have a specific employer.
Prices for food, public transport, and rental housing may seem high for Russians. However, you should not compare local prices with Russian ones - wages here are much higher and allow you to live at a decent level.
The same goes for taxes. Income tax here constitutes perhaps the most significant part of the state treasury.
Despite the disadvantages discussed above, many Russians are trying to acquire a second citizenship, which opens up completely new opportunities for them.
How can you simplify the process of obtaining permanent residence in Italy?
Many people wonder how to obtain Italian citizenship in the shortest possible time and with the most loyal attitude of the foreign government.
There are several factors that provide privileges in acquiring residence permit status in the Italian Republic:
- Kinship ties or family reunion. Only very close relatives can exercise this right: fathers and children, spouses. Relatives from other family lines do not have this right. But in such a situation, one of the close family members must have official status in the state where the family is moving.
- Purchase of real estate. If you purchased a villa or house in Italy, this gives you the right to certain concessions when applying for Italian citizenship.
- There is a business in Italy or a new one is being created, a company or company is being acquired.
The ten-year waiting period law can also be reduced in the following situations:
- If the foreigner was born within the country and has lived within its borders for three years, but foreign children born in Italy can only apply for citizenship upon reaching 18 years of age;
- For European citizens whose states are members of the European Union, the established period of permanent residence in the state is reduced to four years;
- For a person with refugee status, people who do not have another citizenship, as well as adopted children whose parents are official residents of Italy, a period of up to five years is established;
- There is no deadline for immigrants who were employed by government agencies and worked for at least five years, even while in another country, but this only applies to residents of European countries. Other legally working immigrants can only request citizenship after achieving 10 years of residence in Italy with all associated documentary and fiscal conditions.
Italian passport
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The Italian passport is one of the top 10 most powerful passports in the world, opening up enormous advantages and prospects for its owner - an EU citizen. That is why the number of applicants for Italian citizenship increases noticeably every year.
The Italian biometric passport is an electronic document that, since October 26, 2006, replaces all previous models. According to EU standards, it is equipped with the latest technology, guaranteeing a high degree of security and protection against counterfeiting. The Italian passport, along with the national identity card, grants its holder the right to free movement and choice of residence in any country of the European Union and the European Economic Area.
What does an Italian passport look like?
Italian passports share the same design as EU passports: they are burgundy in color with the front cover featuring the coat of arms of Italy in the center. Above the coat of arms are the phrases “Unione Europea” (European Union) and “Repubblica Italiana” (Italian Republic), and below it are “Passaporto” (passport). The biometrics symbol appears directly below "Passaporto" in the center. The Italian passport contains 48 pages.
Passport validity period:
For children under 3 years old 3 years
For children 3-18 years old 5 years
For adults 10 years old
How to get an Italian passport
The Italian passport is issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs through:
- state police of provincial branches in Italy;
- Italian consulates and embassies abroad.
Since the introduction of biometric passports in 2006, the applicant must be present in person at a police station to be fingerprinted; Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this procedure, but must also attend in person.
It is extremely difficult for citizens of Ukraine, Russia and other CIS countries to obtain Italian citizenship. Those who cannot or do not want to naturalize and wait as long as 10 years are looking for more profitable and simplified options for immigration to Italy or another European country. Recently, the most popular way to acquire EU citizenship has become Bulgarian citizenship. Bulgarian migration legislation is good-natured towards citizens of the former socialist space, allowing them to obtain their citizenship much faster, unlike other EU states.
It should be remembered that the procedure for obtaining citizenship of any EU country largely depends on the literacy of document preparation. It is possible to avoid mistakes that could cost you citizenship through the intervention of competent specialists.
International Business Company is your professional and reliable support in matters of acquiring European citizenship. Contact us right now!
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What happens to existing citizenship if you get a new one in Italy
The Italian Republic allows you to have another passport from another country. You can only lose your first citizenship if the home country of the new member of Italian society does not support dual citizenship. Or in the case when the second citizenship was obtained in the standard way.
This method involves renouncing your existing status in another country. In other situations, dual citizenship is completely legal and not prohibited. Thus, in 2021 it is completely legal to have two citizenships: Russia and Italy.
Give birth to a child in Italy and obtain citizenship
Please tell me how to do this? In this case, it is impossible to issue a Russian birth certificate for your son, since the law does not provide for double registration of civil status acts (birth, death, marriage, etc.), and you have already registered the birth of your child in the Italian registry office.
Over many years of work, we are well aware of all the doubts and anxieties of people who have decided to immigrate to Italy. We rely in our work on many years of experience and daily practice of immigration processes, therefore we treat each client and his situation individually, providing support at the client’s request at any stage of the path to Italian citizenship.
Obtaining citizenship by birth of a child in Italy
Italian citizenship by birth of a child has not yet been considered by the parliament of this country. Although some deputies have already made proposals to change this law several years ago. And if these changes were adopted, then childbirth in Italy would give the right to citizenship to a child if his parents had been in the country for at least five years. Also, under the terms of the bill, the child’s parents had to undergo special testing for knowledge of the Italian language. And it is mandatory to take an oath to the Italian Constitution. But the conservative Lega Nord party (its second name is the Northern League) blocked a bill on obtaining Italian citizenship for a child born in the country. Then they motivated this by the fact that the flow of women into the country in the ninth month would increase. Who will cross the country's border illegally, with only one purpose - to give birth to a child in Italy.
And today, even the current President of Italy believes that a child born in this country should not be denied Italian citizenship. And who knows, maybe soon the parliament of this wonderful country will listen to the opinion of its president and the necessary changes will be made to the citizenship law.
In any case, up-to-date information about any changes in Italian legislation regarding obtaining Italian citizenship for residents of Russia and their children will appear on our website in a timely manner.
Double citizenship
According to the legislation of the country, the acquisition of citizenship of another country is not a reason for the revocation of Italian citizenship. The exception is when a citizen himself submits a request to renounce his status or when dual citizenship is prohibited in another country. According to the convention signed in Strasbourg in 1963, as of June 4, 2010, there is no longer an automatic loss of Italian citizenship due to naturalization in one of the countries signatory to this convention. There is no agreement on dual citizenship between Russia and Italy, therefore a Russian who has received Italian citizenship when arriving in the Russian Federation is under the jurisdiction of our country. In Italy or other EU countries, he can enjoy the rights of an Italian passport holder.
Italian law allows for more than one citizenship
Children born in Italy receive citizenship
The Italian Parliament has given the first green light to the "Ius soli soft" reform, which will allow the children of immigrants born or living in Italy for a long period of time to obtain citizenship if certain conditions are met. The Constitutional Affairs Committee gave the go-ahead for the adoption of the main text drawn up by the Democratic Party deputy, Marilena Fabbri.
B. Law No. 124 of March 8, 2006
provides for the recognition of Italian citizenship for Italians living in Istria, Fiume and Dalmatia from 1940 to 1947, whose property was confiscated and transferred to the Republic of Yugoslavia by the Treaties concluded in Paris of February 10, 1947 and in Osimo of November 10, 1975, as well as for their descendants. Applications must be submitted to the diplomatic and consular authorities if the applicant resides abroad, or to the municipal authorities of the city of residence in Italy.
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