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Italian citizenship made simple. Jure sanguinis, 1948 cases and Italian passport support by a binational legal team in Miami. Free Eligibility Check.
No Limits. No Borders. Just CTZN.
Italian Citizenship by Descent
U.S.-based and Italy-based legal experts helping you understand and secure recognition of your Italian citizenship rights.
About Us
Why Thousands of Italo-Americans Trust THE CTZN
Dual Citizenship is not just paperwork it’s about family, roots, and identity. We’re here to honor that.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose THE CTZN
Italian Citizenship isn’t just a legal process it’s an emotional journey. It’s about reclaiming your roots, reconnecting with your heritage, and unlocking new opportunities for your family’s future.
At THE CTZN, we understand that behind every application there’s a story: of grandparents who crossed the ocean, of names changed at Ellis Island, of documents long forgotten in dusty archives. We’re not just a consulting agency we’re your bridge between past and future. With over 8 years of experience and 100% success rate in even the most complex 1948 court cases, we’ve helped many Italo-Americans gain recognition with honesty, clarity, and unmatched precision.
U.S.Based Legal Experts
We speak your language and we know both legal systems.- Transparent & Flat-Fee Process
No hourly fees, no hidden costs. Everything is explained upfront.
- 100% Success in 1948 Cases
Even complex “maternal line” claims have been approved. - Focused on YOU
We don’t just take cases we take care of people. Personalized attention from day one.
We Handle It All for You
From Eligibility to Passport
Our team is dedicated to carefully listening to your concerns, ensuring a deep understanding of your unique situation.
Every case is unique but with THE CTZN, the path is clear.
01
Free Eligibility Check
Tell us about your Italian ancestor and family line. We’ll confirm if you qualify no commitment, no cost.
02
Document Gathering
We guide you in collecting, translating and legalizing every certificate. We know exactly what’s needed and where to get it.
03
Application Filing
Whether your path is through consulate, comune or court, we prepare your full documentation package and provide complete legal support throughout the process.
04
Recognition & Passport
You’re recognized as an Italian citizen and we assist you in getting your Italian passport fast.
2025 Law Updates
What You Need to Know
New rules, new requirements. We’ve made it simple to understand if and how they affect your case.
📘 Download our Free Guide
“The 2025 Guide to Italian Citizenship by Descent”
→ 10 pages of simplified insights, new rules, required documents, case examples, and more.
Get the facts. Avoid confusion.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About The CTZN
Emily R.
New York
I had been putting off my Italian citizenship journey for years because the process seemed overwhelming. The ctzn team broke everything down step by step and guided me with so much patience. What stood out the most was how personal the experience felt, they truly cared about my family story. Today, I officially hold dual citizenship, and I couldn’t have done it without them.
Marco D.
Miami
The passport process was faster than I expected. The ctzn handled all the little details, from scheduling my consulate appointment to making sure every form was correctly filled out. All I had to do was show up on the day of my appointment. Stress-free and efficient, exactly what I needed.
Sofia L.
Chicago
My grandparents came from a tiny village in Italy, and I thought I’d never be able to track down their documents. The ctzn not only found their birth and marriage records but also provided official copies straight from the comune. It was incredible to see pieces of my family’s history arrive in my inbox.
David M.
Los Angeles
I was worried about getting my U.S. documents accepted by Italian authorities because of the strict translation rules. The ctzn took care of everything, certified translations, legalization, and making sure every detail was accurate. Their professionalism gave me so much peace of mind.
Giulia F.
Boston
From day one, The ctzn felt like more than just a service provider, they were true partners in this journey. They handled my case from start to finish: vital records, translations, citizenship recognition, and even getting my passport once everything was approved. I never felt lost or alone in the process. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to finally claim their Italian roots.
Anthony S.
San Francisco
I’d heard horror stories about consulate delays and missing paperwork. With The ctzn, everything went smoothly. They knew exactly what each consulate required and double-checked my file so there were no surprises. My appointment was stress-free, and even though the final approval takes time, I walked out confident that everything was in order.
Real answers, real people.
CTZN doesn’t just guide your case. We walk with you from the first call to your Italian passport no surprises, no false promises.
Why Italian Citizenship
Unlock the Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship
Italy’s heritage is in your blood, and dual citizenship can unlock opportunities that go far beyond travel.
At THE CTZN, we firmly believe citizenship is your ancestral right and future advantage.
Live, Work & Study Across the EU
As an Italian passport holder, you can reside, work or study anywhere in the 27 EU countries visa-free.
Access to Public Healthcare & Education
If you reside in Italy, you’ll leverage world-class public services subsidized healthcare and low-cost tuition.
Real Estate & Investment Perks
Purchasing property in Italy becomes easier and more cost-effective. Citizens also enjoy smoother import and tax processes.
Maintain U.S. Citizenship
Italy fully recognizes dual nationality. You can become an Italian citizen without having to renounce your original citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full rights, benefits, and obligations of both countries simultaneously.
Travel Freedom with One of the World’s Strongest Passports
An Italian passport offers visa-free access to over 170 countries globally, including advantages within the Schengen zone.
Cultural Identity & Belonging
Reconnect with your heritage on a legal level, honoring family traditions, language, culture, and roots across generations.
Italian citizenship is more than legal status, it’s freedom.
For those seeking security, opportunity, or a deeper connection to their heritage, this citizenship is a tangible legacy.
From educational access and EU mobility to healthcare and real estate, the benefits are wide-ranging, and built to last.
One Step at a Time
All the Help You Need to Get Your Italian Citizenship
Whether you’re just getting started or already have some documents ready, The CTZN offers tailored, step-by-step services to help you achieve your Italian citizenship with clarity, speed, and full legal compliance. From verifying your eligibility to handling court petitions, we support you at every stage with a flat-fee, transparent approach.
Free Eligibility Check
Find out if you’re eligible for Italian citizenship through ancestry or marriage no obligation, no cost.
Document Retrieval & Apostille
We source all necessary birth, marriage and naturalization records in the US or Italy translated and legalized.
Certified Translations & Review
Professional legal translations and expert document review for all requirements of the Italian consulates and courts.
Full Application Support
We prepare and organize your complete documentation package for submission at the Italian consulate or municipality with full legal guidance until recognition.
1948 Rule Legal Petition (Court)
Specialized support for women-lineage cases via Italian court. We partner with top legal teams for recognition success.
Citizenship by Residency or Marriage
Help with citizenship applications based on residency or marriage to an Italian citizen clear, guided process.
À La Carte & DIY Support
Already started the process? Choose only the services you need document review, translations, or legal filing in court.
Ongoing Support & AIRE Registration
Post-recognition help with AIRE, passport applications, translations for comune, and more we’ve got your back.
Minor Registration for Citizenship
We handles the entire process to have your children officially recognized as Italian citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Any Questions?
Do I qualify if my great-grandfather was born in Italy?
Under Law 74/2025, people born abroad who also hold another nationality are not considered Italian citizens by birth. Recognition is still possible only if you fall under one of these exceptions:
• you had a consular/municipal appointment or filed a court case by March 27, 2025; or
• a parent or grandparent held exclusively Italian citizenship; or
• an italian parent born abroad, legally resided in Italy for at least 2 continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before your birth.
We’ll review your line under these new conditions.
Can I apply through my maternal line?
Yes. Maternal-line applications remain valid. If the child was born before Jan 1, 1948, recognition is through an Italian court; otherwise it can be administrative. However, the 2025 reform still applies, so you must also meet the new exceptions (appointment/court by Mar 27, 2025, or parent/grandparent exclusively Italian, or parent’s 2-year residence in Italy before your birth).
How many generations back can I go to claim citizenship?
It is no longer unlimited. Recognition through descent now generally requires a parent or grandparent who held exclusively Italian citizenship, or a parent who lived in Italy 2 continuous years before your birth (plus transitional cases booked/filed by Mar 27, 2025).
Can adopted children apply for citizenship by descent?
Not via jure sanguinis. If a minor is adopted by an Italian citizen and the adoption is recognized in Italy, the child acquires Italian citizenship by adoption (Art. 3, Law 91/1992). Adults adopted at 18+ may apply by naturalization after the required residence period.
What documents do I need to apply for Italian citizenship?
Certified long-form vital records and proof of (non)-naturalization, under Law 74/2025 you may also need evidence for the new exceptions, such as:
• proof that your parent or grandparent held only Italian citizenship; or
• proof your parent lived legally in Italy for 2 continuous years before your birth; or
• proof of an appointment or court filing by Mar 27, 2025. All non-Italian documents require translation into Italian and apostille.
Can I apply from the United States or do I need to go to Italy?
You can apply at your competent Italian consulate, via residency in Italy, or through court. All paths are now subject to the 2025 reform and its exceptions.
Do documents need to be translated and legalized?
Yes, all non-Italian documents must be translated into Italian and apostilled in the issuing country. Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the #1 reason for delays or rejections.
How long does it take to get Italian citizenship by descent?
Timeframes now vary widely as offices implement the 2025 reform. Processing depends on your route (consulate, residency, court), document readiness, and verification of the new exceptions.
Can I apply faster by moving to Italy?
Establishing legal residency in Italy allows you to apply directly with the local municipality. This can bypass long consular waitlists, but requires you to live legally and continuously in Italy for the necessary period. The recognition process is still subject to the new rules of Law 74/2025.
Residency in Italy may move faster than consulates, but it does not bypass the 2025 reform. You must still qualify under the new exceptions (parent/grandparent exclusively Italian, or parent’s 2-year residence in Italy before your birth, or transitional filings/appointments).
How long does a 1948 case take?
Typically 12, 24 months, but actual timing depends on the court’s docket and the ongoing implementation of the 2025 reform.
Do I need a lawyer for a 1948 case?
Yes. Since this is a judicial process in Italy, you’ll need legal representation. THE CTZN partners with Italian lawyers who specialize in these cases and offer transparent flat-fee pricing.
What is a 1948 case and who qualifies?
If your Italian ancestor is a woman and her child was born before Jan 1, 1948, recognition goes through the courts. This pathway remains available, but your case must also satisfy the 2025 reform (transitional filings/appointments, or the parent/grandparent exclusively Italian / parent’s 2-year residence exceptions).
Is dual citizenship legal in the U.S.?
Yes. U.S. citizens can hold Italian citizenship without losing their U.S. nationality. Both countries allow dual citizenship.
Can I include my children in my application?
Minor children are not added automatically. Under Art. 4(1-bis) as amended in 2025, they acquire citizenship only if the parents/guardian file a declaration and one of the following applies:
(a) after the declaration, the child legally resides in Italy for at least 2 continuous years; or
(b) the declaration is filed within 1 year of the child’s birth (or of the later establishment of filiation/adoption).
What is “benefit of law?”
For minors who are underage as of May 27, 2025 (the date of entry into force of the conversion law) and who are children of parents who acquired Italian citizenship by birth, the declaration of intent (pursuant to letter b) may be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2026, Rome time.
What about my spouse or partner?
Spouses of Italian citizens may apply for citizenship through marriage after three years of marriage (or 18 months if the couple has children). Applicants must pass an Italian language exam (level B1 or higher) and submit criminal record certificates from their country of origin and any country where they have resided. The application is subject to thorough background checks before approval.
Can I pass citizenship to future generations?
Transmission is no longer automatic for children born abroad with another nationality. Going forward, recognition requires meeting the 2025 exceptions (e.g., parent/grandparent exclusively Italian, or parent’s 2-year residence in Italy before birth) and, for minors, the declaration + residency/one-year old rule.
Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I become Italian?
No. Dual citizenship is allowed and protected under U.S. law. You will not lose your U.S. citizenship by acquiring Italian nationality.
Is Italian dual citizenship worth it?
Absolutely. You gain the right to live and work in the EU, access to public healthcare and education in Italy, and it also reconnects you to your heritage.
What are the pros and cons of dual citizenship?
Pros: EU mobility, better job opportunities, heritage access, healthcare, and education. Cons: tax complexity in some very specific cases, civic duties in both countries.
Do I need to speak Italian to apply?
Not for jure sanguinis cases. However, for naturalization through residency or marriage, you must pass a B1 Italian language test.
Is a background check required?
Only for recognition through marriage. THE CTZN guides you in obtaining it correctly.
How do I get started with the process?
Start by confirming your eligibility under Law 74/2025. If you meet a new exception (transitional filing/appointment by Mar 27, 2025; parent or grandparent with only Italian citizenship; parent’s 2-year residence in Italy before your birth), we’ll build your document set and choose the best route for you (consulate, residency, or court).
FREE Eligibility Check
Book Your Consultation Now
Take the first step toward your Italian citizenship. Fill out the form below and our expert team will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every stage of the process from document collection to final approval.
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