Why the Italian Passport is One of the Most Desired in the World
The Italian passport opens doors worldwide: discover the advantages of one of the most powerful and prestigious travel documents globally.
Are you a foreigner who wants to obtain Italian citizenship? Are you among the many foreigners wanting to know how to apply for an Italian passport? You are in the right place! With this guide, we will explain, step by step, everything you need to know about the topic.
First of all, it is important to underline that Italian citizenship and the Italian passport are two related concepts.
That means a foreigner can obtain an Italian passport only to the extent that they become an Italian citizen.
Let’s recap the incredible benefits of Italian citizenship, which the Italian passport is a part of:
- Italian Passport: Thanks to Italian citizenship, it is possible to obtain an Italian passport, recognized as one of the most prestigious globally, simplifying international travel and guaranteeing greater security.
- Civil Rights: Italian citizenship grants access to active and passive suffrage. This means having an important role in daily political decisions. Additionally, it is feasible to run for public office, actively and personally contributing to community needs.
- Consular Protection: In times of need, those with Italian citizenship can request assistance and protection at the Italian embassy or consulate in the country they are in.
- Freedom of Movement within the EU: Italian citizenship allows free travel, study, and work within the European Union without any permits or authorizations. This enables active involvement in the professional life of the Union, guaranteeing equal opportunities among all European citizens.
- Public Services: Italian citizenship grants access to many public services, including free healthcare through the National Health Service, public education, and social services. Moreover, there are social security systems and other benefits like pensions and support provided in case of unemployment or work-related illness.
Furthermore, those with Italian citizenship, also being citizens of the European Union, enjoy the right to freedom of movement within European territory without needing a visa.
For more information on the European passport, we invite you to read our article on the subject: European Passport Article
How to Obtain Italian Citizenship and Therefore the Italian Passport
Italian citizenship can be obtained in various ways:
- Jus Sanguinis: Having an Italian ancestor who did not renounce Italian citizenship by naturalizing in the country to which they emigrated.
- Residence: Living, working, and paying taxes in Italy for 10 years allows one to become an Italian citizen.
- Marriage or Civil Union: After two years of marriage or civil union with an Italian citizen, one can obtain Italian citizenship.
- Adoption: Foreign children adopted obtain Italian citizenship from birth.
- Recognition or Judicial Declaration of Parentage: If an Italian citizen recognizes a minor child after birth. If the child is an adult, they can maintain their original citizenship but have the option to choose Italian citizenship within one year from the recognition or confirmation of the effectiveness of the foreign provision.
- Right of Birth: If a person is born in Italy and does not possess another citizenship at birth, they have the right to request Italian citizenship. Also, children born to at least one Italian parent, regardless of the place of birth, obtain Italian citizenship from birth.
What Are the Benefits of the Italian Passport After Obtaining Italian Citizenship?
It is essential to know that the Italian passport is not an end in itself but a key that opens many doors!
With access to around 193 countries without needing a visa or other documents, bureaucratic complications are significantly reduced.
Here are the main benefits derived from possessing the Italian passport, hence Italian citizenship:
- Freedom of Movement within the EU: Article 45 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that “Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. Freedom of movement and residence may be granted, in accordance with the Treaties, to nationals of third countries legally residing in the territory of a Member State.”
- Education and Healthcare within the EU: Italian passport holders can access education, healthcare, and other social services similarly to the citizens of the country they are in. For example, if an Italian decides to study in another EU country, they will be entitled to participate in the local education system with the same rights as resident students. The same applies to healthcare: if an Italian gets sick during a trip or temporary stay in another EU country, they can use the local healthcare services under the same conditions applied to the host country’s residents. This principle of equality promotes the mobility of citizens within the European Union and fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among member states.
- Visa-free Access or Visa on Arrival: Holding an Italian passport offers numerous advantages to its holders during travels abroad. One of these is the exemption from the visa requirement or the ability to obtain a visa upon arrival in many countries around the world. This means that with Italian citizenship, you can travel more easily to various destinations, avoiding lengthy procedures to obtain a visa before departure. Visa exemption or visa on arrival significantly simplifies preparations for an international trip, reducing the time and effort needed to obtain the required documentation. This makes travel more practical, especially for those who love adventure or need to move frequently for work or personal reasons. This facilitation of international travel also promotes cultural exchange, tourism, and international business, allowing greater interaction among individuals from different parts of the world. Additionally, it strengthens the reputation and appeal of the Italian passport, consolidating the country’s position globally.
- Dual Citizenship: Italy’s policy allowing dual or multiple citizenship offers a range of privileges, both for those who choose to adopt it and for the country itself. This flexibility allows individuals to maintain their identity and ties to their country of origin while benefiting from the rights and opportunities offered by Italian citizenship.
- Consular Assistance Abroad: The presence of Italian embassies and consulates worldwide plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and support of Italian citizens abroad. In emergencies, incidents, or problematic situations during travels, Italians can rely on Italian diplomatic representations for assistance and advice. Embassies and consulates provide a wide range of services, including consular assistance in case of loss or theft of documents, assistance during emergencies, legal advice, and support for health issues. Additionally, they provide valuable information on local services, laws, and regulations of the country where one is located, as well as travel advisories or danger warnings.
What Documents Are Required to Obtain the Italian Passport?
Once you have obtained Italian citizenship, here are the documents needed to obtain the Italian passport:
- Certificate of Italian citizenship (or other proof of Italian citizenship).
- Authenticated copy of the birth certificate (with translation into Italian).
- Previous passport, if applicable.
- Authenticated copy of the marriage certificate (with translation into Italian), if applicable.
- Documentation proving your Italian descent, if applicable.
- Proof of residence or legal stay in Italy.
- Valid travel document with visa, or other identity document (such as a national identity card).
- Criminal record check regarding Italy and any other country you have resided in before the age of 14.
- Italian passport application form submitted at the local police station or the nearest Italian embassy in your country of origin.
- Two passport-sized photographs on a white background.
- Consent letter if applying for a minor.
- Certificate of Italian language proficiency at level B1 or higher.
- Receipt of payment of the passport application fee.
It should be noted that documents must be translated from original versions, which may sometimes require an apostille. This is an attestation confirming the authenticity of a document for international use, necessary if the country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention.
What is the Procedure for Applying for an Italian Passport?
The passport can be applied for at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country of residence. If you live in Italy, you can apply at the Police Headquarters. The duration of the application process for the Italian passport can vary, with a maximum waiting period of up to two or three years, during which six months may be spent evaluating the right to Italian citizenship.
Once the application is approved, it is possible to request the Italian passport and receive it within 1-6 weeks.
What Are the Steps to Follow to Apply for the Italian Passport?
- Book an appointment: at the Italian Consulate or Police Headquarters.
- Complete an application form: available at local municipalities or downloadable online.
- Submit the required documents: according to your eligibility category.
- Payment: The standard fee for an adult passport application is 116 euros and 42 euros for minors under 18. The fee for the expedited process is 50 euros.
- Interview: If required, attend an interview at the local municipality or consulate.
- Wait: The processing time can vary from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the application category.
- Collection: Once the passport is ready, you will receive a notification, usually by phone call, SMS, or email. The passport must be collected in person. Be sure to bring the payment receipt and an identity document, such as an ID card or driver’s license, when you go to collect the passport.
Conclusions
Now that we have illustrated the procedure to follow, with its various steps, and all the advantages that derive from possessing Italian citizenship, therefore also the Italian passport, we hope your ideas are clearer!
In any case, you can always contact one of our Italian lawyers specializing in Italian citizenship for any other clarifications.
Do not hesitate to ask for a consultation; we are always at your complete disposal!
