Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

La Dolce Vita Italian Citizenship Services

Common Challenges on the Journey to Italian Citizenship and How to Avoid Them

Home > Common Challenges on the Journey to Italian Citizenship and How to Avoid Them

Acquiring Italian citizenship can be a dream come true for many people of Italian descent. However, the journey to attaining it is often filled with complex hurdles, setbacks and issues. Here are some of the most common challenges we see clients face while seeking Italian citizenship and some tips and tricks on how to navigate them:

Lack of Knowledge of Citizenship Laws

Not being familiar with the crucial changes brought by the laws in years such as 1912, 1922, and 1948 can result in missing vital details. For instance, due to unawareness, you might end up applying through the wrong channel or, worse yet, missing your chance altogether. Instead of waiting for multiple years for a consulate appointment only to get hit with a rejection, it’s essential to know these laws and what exactly they might mean for your particular case. This is where La Dolce Vita Citizenship Specialists can step in and guide you through the intricacies of the Italian legal system.

PRO TIP: Deep dive into the history of Italian law and note down any key years when significant changes took place. The above-mentioned years can be used as a really good starting point for your research!

Unfamiliarity with Unwritten Consulate Criteria

Even though you would expect the process to be unified in approach and extremely systemized, the reality is that every consulate has its own set of expectations. For instance, the Boston consulate might insist on addressing every single discrepancy in your documentation, while another might not. Not being familiar with these nuances can lead to significant delays, as the consulate will ask for additional paperwork which you might not have, and that can prolong your journey. Hiring citizenship experts alleviates all of these worries as we are extremely knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the institutions relevant to the Italian citizenship journey.

PRO TIP: Define the consulate you will be applying at, and track down as many resources as possible on their specific criteria. Connecting on social media and hearing about other people’s experiences can’t hurt either!

Long Waiting Times

By law, consulates must respond to citizenship applications within two years. However, you must keep in mind that some consulates may not even have an available appointment for three to four years. So, it’s always wise to book your appointment early, and then get to gathering the necessary documents. 

PRO TIP: Double-check the release schedule for citizenship appointments and make sure your first step is to figure out where your consulate falls on the waiting time spectrum!

Incomplete Documentation

Missing vital details can completely derail your application. An example we see the most frequently is if an ancestor had a previous marriage before the one that your direct lineage comes from. The consulate would need proof of the first marriage or evidence of its dissolution or the spouse’s death to confirm the legitimacy of the subsequent marriage. 

Similarly, presenting a “divorce certificate” instead of the required “final judgment” from the court can pose problems. Every court’s requirements differ, making it essential to know what specific documents are necessary and why. 

This is why our Application Form is so incredibly detailed – to gather as much information and insight as possible right from the start, in order to make your journey an enjoyable one instead of a stressful one.

PRO TIP: Grab a piece of paper and write down every life event involving both your ancestors and yourself. This might give you a better picture of the necessary documentation. Next step, check and compare with your consulate’s list of requirements. 

Overlooking Specific Requirements

Some consulates have unique criteria for the translation of judicial documents. They might, for example, require certified translations to have  an additional apostille to be considered acceptable. Althoughthe professional translation of necessary documents is included in our services here at La Dolce Vita, we will also be able to advise you when a certified translation by an external translator is necessary. You can count on our expert Citizenship Specialists to get the requirements right the first time around, cutting your waiting time and eliminating unnecessary back and forth.

PRO TIP: Contact us and our Citizenship Specialists will make sure to help you paint the full picture.

Discrepancies

Name discrepancies are extremely common and can be problematic. For instance, an ancestor named “Luigi” in Italy might have documents as “Louis” in another country. These discrepancies must be formally addressed, either through a legal name change or other means, depending on the consulate and Italian municipality (Comune) requirements. Now, it is important to approach this issue on a case-by-case basis. For example, if the issue is with a grandparent or a great-grandparent, such a simple Americanization would be accepted by the majority of consulates. But in first-generation cases, it needs to be formally addressed. As this issue is very common, our Citizenship Specialists are trained to resolve them quickly and efficiently.

PRO TIP: Don’t rely on your knowledge alone. As with any other unwritten criteria connecting with a community of applicants will help tremendously. 

Neglecting Residency Requirements

It is essential to apply at the right consulate based on your legal residence. In areas split between two consulates, like parts of Virginia for example, mistakes can and do happen. This leads to unnecessary complications, stress, delays and subsequently tarnishes your experience with the whole process. Hiring professionals eliminates this hurdle quickly and effectively.

PRO TIP: Stay informed on your consulate’s requirements and always double-check whether your documents have the proper residence registered. If you move in the middle of the retrieval process, make sure your new residency falls under the same consulate’s jurisdiction.

Issues Acquiring Italian Documents

While many Italian municipalities (Comune) are fairly responsive, some can take up to two years to get back to you and provide necessary documents. This unresponsiveness sometimes can’t be solved even with personal visits to the Comune due to language barriers or missing information. Therefore, we always do thorough initial online research through the archives before formally requesting the documents and, when necessary, liaise with the Comune directly in order to get your documentation as soon as possible.

PRO TIP: Wish to improve your Italian? Free up your evening, turn on “La Dolce Vita”, an Italian classic, and switch off the subtitles (or keep the Italian ones). You’ve got this!

Lack of Information on Ancestors

Missing vital details like dates of naturalization, marriage/divorce details, or accurate birth dates can pose challenges. For example, your online research might have yielded multiple individuals with similar names, creating confusion and leading you down the wrong path, subsequently wasting your time and prolonging your journey. Experts who conduct daily genealogical research will always be able to quickly distinguish between namesakes and know where to find accurate information. This is exactly where our expertise at La Dolce Vita plays a vital role, saving you time and keeping you on the right path. 

While the path to acquiring Italian citizenship can seem daunting, with the right guidance and expertise, many of these challenges can be efficiently navigated or even avoided altogether. 

Whether you want to understand specific consular requirements or precisely trace your genealogy, getting professional help can make a world of difference in your journey to Italian citizenship. So, don’t wait to get stuck in your citizenship journey, contact La Dolce Vita now to get started on the right track!

More Posts

Share:

Send us a Message