This article predates a change in the law and is awaiting an update. For a specific case, the Firm should be consulted.
Machine translation awaiting review.
According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, more than one million Italians and Argentines of Italian origin live in Argentina. An impressive number that makes the South American country the second home of Italians in the world. And in recent years, more and more Argentines are applying for Italian citizenship. But who can apply for it?
For some countries, such as Argentina, it is also possible to hold dual nationality. Consequently, one may apply for Italian citizenship without losing Argentine citizenship, and vice versa. This is due to a special law designed specifically for Italian emigrants to South America (LEGGE 18 maggio 1973, n. 282 ). In practice, we can hold Argentine citizenship and benefit from its rights, placing Italian citizenship in a state of dormancy.It should be remembered that in the event of voluntary renunciation of Italian citizenship by one of our ancestors, it will be necessary to follow the classic bureaucratic procedure provided for by national legislation. In addition, we must not have criminal convictions for serious offenses or ongoing trials.
Requirements for Italian citizenship
To apply for Italian citizenship, for all those residing abroad, it is essential to have an Italian ancestor. In fact, the Italian State has granted citizenship to all children of Italian emigrants of male sex since 1912 and, without distinction of sex, since 1948. This principle is called ius sanguinis, or right of blood. There are no generational limits, but the line of descent must not include persons who have renounced Italian citizenship. In other words, if I have an Italian grandfather, I can apply for citizenship as long as neither he nor my father renounced citizenship.For some countries, such as Argentina, it is also possible to hold dual nationality. Consequently, one may apply for Italian citizenship without losing Argentine citizenship, and vice versa. This is due to a special law designed specifically for Italian emigrants to South America (LEGGE 18 maggio 1973, n. 282 ). In practice, we can hold Argentine citizenship and benefit from its rights, placing Italian citizenship in a state of dormancy.It should be remembered that in the event of voluntary renunciation of Italian citizenship by one of our ancestors, it will be necessary to follow the classic bureaucratic procedure provided for by national legislation. In addition, we must not have criminal convictions for serious offenses or ongoing trials.Documents
Let us make an immediate premise: the process of obtaining Italian citizenship is long due to the dense bureaucracy afflicting the system. Waiting times range from one to five years, and each application is examined in detail. Therefore, it is very important to immediately submit all the correct documentation. The application is made exclusively online on the website of the Ministry of the Interior. After registration, an appointment will be scheduled at the Consulate for the submission of documents. But what exactly are they? In a ministerial circular of April 1991, the Italian Government listed the various acts and documents that the applicant must submit.First of all, we need the birth certificate of the emigrated Italian ancestor, translated and apostilled. To obtain it, one must request it from the municipality of birth of the ancestor or use the services of Tramite Italia. Then you must find all the other birth certificates of the various descendants, including our own. In addition to the birth certificates, we must add the marriage certificates and our criminal record certificate. Finally, it is necessary to submit documentation certifying that all ancestors did not renounce Italian citizenship, as well as a certificate of residence.In most cases, all documents must be complete and authenticated by all parties involved. However, with a special law of December 9, 1987, for Argentine documents only the date, signature and seal of the Argentine Authority are required. Finally, we remind you that all documentation must be submitted to the Italian consular authority.
