Am I eligible for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)?

You may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent if you have an Italian ancestor and no one in your direct line ever renounced their Italian citizenship before the birth of the next person in the family line. Eligibility depends on dates, naturalization records, and specific consulate rules.

How long does the Italian citizenship process take in the United States?

In the United States, recognition of Italian citizenship through a consulate can take several months to over a year, depending on document readiness and appointment availability. Preparing certified records, translations, and apostilles in advance significantly reduces delays.

What documents do I need for an Italian citizenship appointment?

Most applicants must provide certified birth, marriage, death, and naturalization records for themselves and each ancestor in the direct line. Consulates also require translations, apostilles, and a completed citizenship application.

Can I live and work anywhere in the EU with Italian citizenship?

Yes. Italian citizenship grants the right to live, work, study, and travel freely in all EU and EEA member states.

Do you assist with Italian visa applications through the San Francisco Consulate?

Yes. We assist with Italian work visas, elective residence visas, student visas, family reunification visas, and other categories processed through the Italian Consulate in San Francisco.

Client Success Stories

California

L. Wise, San Rafael, CA

“The journey to dual citizenship for most is an emotional path. It stirs a tremendous sense of legacy and ancestry. If you are of Italian descent, it is a time of both excitement and great trepidation as the path is not always clear. It is truly a personal quest that is not without many twists and turns. To navigate this alone would have been unthinkable and for me and my family, it may not have happened.

When I asked a family friend, Lido Cantarutti if he knew anyone who could assist he immediately said, “Call Louise. She will tell you if it’s possible as quickly as she can and she is the best.”

Louise is an expert at both navigating the many requirements, and in using recognized, reputable translators for documents. With all the companies that claim to be “experts”, why would you sign on with an impersonal entity when you could have a personal concierge to walk you through every step?

Louise is practical, realistic and knowledgeable. She will let you do as little or as much as you choose to do. As a working professional, I knew this investment was invaluable. Louise did not disappoint.”

Michael B. Los Gatos, CA

“Ciao da Roma!

Louise, I am happy to provide a testimonial. You retain the fundamental knowledge of the confusing Italian process for dual citizenship. Your work is always professional, timely, and efficient. As you know, I have referred you to many of my friends and relatives, and they, just like me, found you to be kind and thoughtful in your approach in gathering the relative documents. Your organized and committed approach to achieving dual citizenship makes you a pleasure to work with.

Best wishes for continued success!”

Eileen D. Burlingame, CA and Jessica M. San Mateo, CA

“I can highly recommend Citizen D’Italia. I was having so many challenges trying to do this on my own. I couldn’t locate several documents and I was frustrated with my progress. Once I turned it over to Citizen D’Italia, they picked up where I left off and made it all happen! Thanks to Louise and her team, we walked into our appointment confident that everything was in order. Thanks for all of your guidance throughout this process.”

Shara M. Los Angeles, CA

“Thank you so much for making me aware of the process of Italian citizenship. I never thought in a million years that I could become a dual citizen until I met you. The feeling when I received my recognition letter was fantastic. You have been so wonderful to work with – so knowledgeable about the entire process – from booking my appointment to the nuances of compiling the final package. I always recommend Citizen D’Italia to anyone thinking about becoming a dual citizen.”

Marisa R. Los Gatos, CA

“Thanks so much for all you did to facilitate our Italian Citizenship. We enjoyed working with you and we literally could not have done it without you! Between me, my husband and our two daughters it would have been a lot to tackle, but with you directing us it was much easier. We felt supported every step of the way and when we went for our appointment at the consulate we felt very prepared. As a result of all your help, we “passed” with flying colors and can now be proud to say we are of dual citizenship! Thanks again for your help and enthusiasm in this venture.”

Texas

Annie U. Nacadoches, TX

“Citizen D’Italia has helped me to realize my dream of Italian Citizenship. The emotional response to holding an Italian Passport was overwhelming! Louise navigates the landmine of dual citizenship with professionalism and aplomb. I am a happy customer and recommend her to all my fellow Italians who are interested in pursuing dual citizenship.”

OHIO

Tom P. Strongsville, OH

“I was interested in pursuing dual citizenship for years, but the process always looked so intimidating. In 2019 a close friend referred me to Louise and Citizen D’Italia, and my pursuit became my 65th birthday present to myself.

Shortly after Louise and I began our journey together, the COVID Pandemic shut down the offices here and in Italy from which we needed the verified documents to make my dream a reality. However, Louise was undaunted in her efforts, and developed several effective ways to work around the document gridlock that the Pandemic created.

Thanks to Louise’s determination, and consistent focus on getting the job done, I am proud to say that my Italian citizenship process has been successfully completed. Grazie mille to Louise and Citizen D’Italia!”

United Kingdom

Charles, B. London UK

“Louise successfully organized all the paper work for my application for Italian citizenship by birth right which subsequently led to me obtaining an Italian Passport. My application had to be processed through the London Consulate and this was the first time Louise had to deal with London.

Louise was able to navigate all the hurdles of the London Consulate which was not an easy task as the Consulate has confusing and imprecise rules and regulations, far more difficult than other consulates in the USA and elsewhere. I cannot thank Louise enough and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone attempting to apply for Italian Citizenship.”