A Quick Guide on Acquiring Italian Citizenship for Indians

In the current era of globalisation, people often travel and relocate for work or other purposes. As a result, they might feel the need to have citizenship in other countries. Therefore, an Indian working or residing in Italy can apply for Italian citizenship if they wish to settle there. But, for that, they need to undergo multiple steps.

Are you wondering how to apply for citizenship in Italy for Indians? Then, read till the end of this article.

The eligibility to gain Italian citizenship differs according to the applicant's status. Children born in Italy with at least one Italian parent will be considered Italian by birth. However, if born to a non-Italian parent, they can possess Italian citizenship after turning 18. In general, the eligibility of getting Italian citizenship for Indians are listed below.

• A non-Italian individual living with an Italian residence for five years is eligible for citizenship. However, a non-EU resident like an Indian will have to stay there for at least 10 years. 
• They must have lived in Italy for at least 183 days a year. 
• Furthermore, they must not have spent more than 10 months outside Italy in the last five years.
• They must be working and receiving an income of at least €8,264 while residing in Italy.
• The applicant must pay taxes and prove his or her income with an annual tax return.
• They must pass the Italian language test at the B1 level.
• Finally, they should comply with Italian law and be clean of any criminal records.

There is no online mode of application for Italian citizenship as of now. However, the following steps can be helpful if an Indian looks for this citizenship after becoming eligible. 

Step 1: Travel to Italy and establish your residency. If you arrive from a non-EU country like India, your arrival period will start after your passport is stamped in Italy. However, first, you will have to legally establish your residency with a proper home and job. 

Step 2: Get a local police verification after completing the required residency period. They will verify if you stay in the home where you have “declared your residency”. About 45 days are allowed for this verification. 

Step 3: Apply for citizenship after the approval of the local police. Then, visit the citizenship office in Italy, located in the City Hall. 

Step 4: Submit all the documents supporting the application for Italian citizenship. The clerk will review all these documents and collaborate with the consulates abroad to confirm their authenticity. 

Step 5: Apply for the specific residency permit based on the dual citizenship application. This is required as generating citizenship can take up to 90 days or more. This permit allows you to stay in Italy after the 90 days are over. 

Step 6: Once you receive approval for your citizenship, apply for a passport directly from Italy. You can also register with the AIRE registry (registry of Italian citizens residing abroad)

While applying for Italian citizenship, you must possess the following documents. You will have to submit these to the citizenship office while submitting your citizenship request. 

• Birth certificate
• Residence certificate (if applicable)
• Certificate of Italian citizenship of mother or father (if applicable)
• Confirmation of no criminal record
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

The Italian government charges processing fees in exchange for citizenship in Italy for Indians. The applicants need to pay a fee of €300. Once your citizenship is approved, you might have to pay about €135 for getting an Italian passport.

An entire family can apply for Italian citizenship. If they use an Italian consulate while applying for citizenship, every family member must be more than 18 years of age. Only one set of documents will be required if the entire family applies through a single consulate. Moreover, if they try to get citizenship from a municipality in Italy, each family member needs to be physically present in Italy. Children can apply for citizenship after turning 18 years of age.

The children born in Italy to Italian parents will be considered Italian by birth. The parents can be Indians by birth possessing Italian citizenship by naturalisation. Either of the parents can be Italian to get Italian citizenship for the child. First, however, they need to prove the registered birth of the baby in Italy.

1. Errors in the form

 Most rejection cases generate from mistakes in the citizenship form. The misspelling and discrepancies in other personal details might reject your application. Thus, cross-check all the details and avoid submitting the form unless you are 100% sure.

2. Incorrect formats

Some dates and other formats should be maintained in the application form. Many applicants write short forms of specific data, leading to data discrepancy. Thus, correctly filling out the form is a mandate.

3. Document discrepancy

If the submitted documents fail to prove your eligibility, your citizenship application might get rejected. Applicants, therefore, need to get the proper documents and avoid submitting unclear copies of the actual documents.

4. Criminal history

Having a severe criminal history often rejects a citizenship application. Thus, understanding and complying with Italian law is necessary for applicants seeking Italian citizenship.