Italian Dual Citizenship Services Cost: 2026 Guide

Introduction to Italian Citizenship

Are you considering Italian dual citizenship and want to understand the process, costs, and services involved? This comprehensive guide is designed for individuals seeking Italian dual citizenship by descent, providing a clear overview of the costs and fees associated with Italian dual citizenship services cost in 2026, including application fees, document procurement, and service provider charges. Understanding these costs is essential for effective planning and to avoid unexpected financial surprises along the way.

Italian citizenship, also known as Italian dual citizenship, is obtained through the process of claiming Italian citizenship by descent, known as Jure Sanguinis or iure sanguinis. To qualify for Italian dual citizenship, you must have an Italian ancestor who did not renounce their citizenship before their child was born. Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals with Italian-born ancestors to claim citizenship without ever having lived in Italy.

This guide explains the costs and fees associated with Italian dual citizenship services cost in 2026, including application fees, document procurement, and service provider charges. By understanding the process and associated expenses, you can better prepare for your journey to Italian citizenship and avoid unnecessary delays or surprises.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for Italian dual citizenship, an individual must have an Italian ancestor who was born in Italy and did not acquire foreign citizenship or naturalize as a citizen of another country before the birth of their child. Eligibility depends on whether the ancestor’s naturalization occurred before or after their child’s birth, as this timing directly affects the right to claim citizenship. To qualify for Italian dual citizenship, you must have an Italian ancestor who did not renounce their citizenship before their child was born. Italian citizenship by descent allows individuals with Italian-born ancestors to claim citizenship without ever having lived in Italy.

An index search is often conducted to locate naturalization records and confirm the non existence of naturalization, which is crucial for establishing eligibility. During consultations, the documentation needed for the application is assessed, and gathering all required documents is a key part of the process.

The application process for Italian citizenship by descent involves gathering required documents, such as vital records, naturalization records, and proof of residency and identity, and submitting them to the Italian consulate. Properly preparing your documents is essential to avoid delays or rejections, as incomplete paperwork can result in setbacks. Comprehensive services can help prevent application rejections or delays due to missing or unofficial documentation.

The Italian consulate will review the application and verify the individual’s eligibility for Italian citizenship.

If the application is approved, the individual will be recognized as an Italian citizen and can apply for an Italian passport.

Once eligibility is established, understanding the associated costs is the next important step.

Italian Dual Citizenship Cost

The cost of obtaining Italian dual citizenship can vary depending on the individual’s specific case and the services required. Below is a breakdown of the main cost categories to help you plan your budget:

Application Fees

• The mandatory application fee for Italian citizenship is €600 (approximately $643+) per adult as of January 1, 2025.
• The consular application fee for Italian citizenship by descent is currently €300, but this may be subject to change based on updated regulations and exchange rates.

Document Procurement Costs

• US vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates): typically $8–$40 per document.
• Italian vital records: $499–$799 depending on the municipality.
• Italian municipalities may charge up to €300 to issue civil status certificates that are over 100 years old.
• The total costs for obtaining vital records, naturalization records, and apostilles can range from $500 to over $1,000.

Translation and Apostille Fees

• Certified translations of documents into Italian: typically $99 per page.
• Apostilles for legalizing documents: $1–$40 per document.
• Legalizing non-Italian documents: $50–$100 per document.
• The fee for apostille services required for Italian dual citizenship is $299.

Service Provider Fees

• Italian dual citizenship services typically cost between $2,500 and $13,000+ for full-service assistance, depending on lineage complexity and service provider.
• Hiring a specialized company for full-service citizenship management often costs between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on the number of applicants and lineage complexity.
• The typical costs for obtaining Italian dual citizenship range from approximately $1,500 for a DIY approach to $8,000–$15,000+ for a full-service option.
• The total costs for obtaining Italian dual citizenship can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on the complexity of the case and services used.
• If all research and filings are handled personally, total expenses for a DIY approach typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.

It’s recommended to consult with a law firm or Italian dual citizenship service provider to get an estimate of the total cost involved. The exchange rate may also affect the cost of the application fee and other services.

With a clear understanding of the costs, you can now focus on gathering the necessary documents for your application.

Italian Vital Records and Documents

To apply for Italian citizenship by descent, you will need to gather several key documents. The costs for these documents can vary, so here is a breakdown for clarity:

• Vital Records:
  • Italian vital records (birth, marriage certificates): $499–$799 depending on the municipality.
  • US vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates): $8–$40 per document.
  • Italian municipalities may charge up to €300 for civil status certificates over 100 years old.
• Translations:
  • Certified translations into Italian: $99 per page.
• Apostilles and Legalizations:
  • Apostilles: $1–$40 per document.
  • Legalizing non-Italian documents: $50–$100 per document.
  • Apostille services for Italian dual citizenship: $299.
• Other Required Documents:
  • Death records and death certificates may also be required in some cases.

These records must be obtained from the relevant authorities in Italy or from the country where the individual’s Italian ancestor was born. Translations into Italian must be performed by a certified translator to meet legal requirements.

The cost of obtaining these records can vary depending on the country and the specific documents required.

Once you have gathered your documents, the next step is to seek recognition of your Italian citizenship.

Recognition of Italian Citizenship

Recognition of Italian citizenship is the process of verifying an individual’s eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent. This process involves reviewing the individual’s vital records and naturalization records to confirm their Italian ancestry.

If the individual is recognized as an Italian citizen, they can apply for an Italian passport and enjoy the benefits of Italian dual citizenship.

The recognition process can be done through the Italian consulate or through the Italian court system.

After recognition, you can proceed to apply for your Italian passport and enjoy the associated travel benefits.

Italian Passport and Travel Benefits

An Italian passport allows individuals to travel freely within the European Union and to other countries that have a visa-free travel agreement with Italy.

Italian dual citizenship also provides individuals with the opportunity to live and work in Italy and other EU countries.

The Italian passport is a valuable travel document that can provide individuals with greater flexibility and freedom when traveling abroad.

Italian citizens can also take advantage of the country’s healthcare and education systems, as well as its rich culture and history.

As you enjoy these benefits, it’s important to be aware of the tax considerations and obligations that come with dual citizenship.

Tax Considerations and Implications

When pursuing Italian dual citizenship, it is crucial to understand the tax implications that come with holding dual citizenship, especially for U.S. citizens. As an Italian dual citizen, you may be subject to taxation on your worldwide income by both Italy and your country of origin. Italy, like the United States, taxes its citizens on global income, which means dual citizenship can potentially lead to double taxation. However, to help alleviate this, Italy and the U.S. have established a tax treaty that provides mechanisms such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC). These provisions allow dual citizens to exclude certain foreign-earned income from U.S. taxes or claim credits for taxes paid to Italy, reducing the risk of being taxed twice on the same income.

Tax Filing Requirements

It is important for anyone obtaining Italian dual citizenship to consult with a qualified tax professional who understands both Italian and U.S. tax law. This ensures you remain compliant with all tax obligations, including filing annual tax returns in both countries, reporting foreign assets, and paying any taxes due on time. U.S. citizens with Italian dual citizenship must also file specific reports, such as the Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) and Form 8938, to disclose foreign financial assets to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Failing to meet these requirements can result in significant penalties, so understanding your responsibilities as a dual citizen is essential. By staying informed and seeking expert advice, you can navigate the complexities of dual citizenship taxation and enjoy the benefits of being an Italian citizen without unexpected financial surprises.

With tax considerations in mind, many applicants choose to work with professional services to streamline the citizenship process.

Italian Dual Citizenship Services

Italian dual citizenship services can provide individuals with comprehensive assistance and guidance throughout the application process. Many providers offer comprehensive packages that manage the entire process from start to finish, including:

• Document retrieval
• Legal assistance
• Preparation and review of application materials
• Creation of a Citizenship Portfolio containing all required documentation
• Guidance on acquiring necessary documents and making required amendments
• Free initial consultations to assess eligibility and provide guidance

These services can include help with obtaining vital records and naturalization records, as well as translations and certifications. Many users report receiving good support and guidance throughout the application process, and appreciate having assistance with document retrieval and preparation, which can be complex. However, some users have experienced frustration with having to explain their case multiple times to different specialists, but overall, most feel the assistance was valuable in navigating the complexities of obtaining dual citizenship.

It’s recommended to consult with a reputable Italian dual citizenship service provider to get an estimate of the total cost involved and to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

With professional support, you can confidently move forward to the final steps of your citizenship journey.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In summary, obtaining Italian dual citizenship is a rewarding journey that opens doors to living, working, and traveling freely throughout the European Union, as well as reconnecting with your Italian heritage. The process, while detailed and sometimes complex, is manageable with careful planning and the right support. Start by confirming your eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent, gathering all required documents such as vital records, marriage certificates, and naturalization records, and understanding the costs involved—including consular application fees, translation services, and document procurement.

For those seeking guidance, reputable Italian dual citizenship service providers and law firms can offer expert assistance, from a free consultation to handling the entire process, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines. These professionals can help you navigate the intricacies of Italian citizenship law, the recognition of Italian citizenship, and the submission of your application to the Italian consulate or Italian court, depending on your specific case.

As you move forward, remember to stay updated on any changes to Italian citizenship laws, consular fees, and documentation requirements. Pay close attention to the tax considerations associated with dual citizenship, and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance in both Italy and your home country.

The next steps are clear: schedule a free consultation with a trusted service provider, begin gathering your certified copies and required documents, and prepare your application. With determination and the right support, you can successfully obtain Italian dual citizenship and enjoy all the privileges of being an Italian citizen. If you have further questions about the process, costs involved, or your specific case, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for personalized advice. Your journey to Italian dual citizenship—and all the opportunities it brings—starts today.