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Citizenship

7 most common mistakes when applying for Italian citizenship

Applying for Italian citizenship is an expensive, time-consuming and complicated process. Here are some of the most common pitfalls.

7 most common mistakes when applying for Italian citizenship
7 most common mistakes when applying for Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship is no walk in the park, and although some routes are faster or less complex than others, the process is generally quite bureaucratic. 

Italian law states that all citizenship applications must be approved or denied within two years, but waiting times are often longer, especially in countries with a large number of citizenship applications, such as Brazil, for example.

When applying for Italian citizenship, it's important to avoid mistakes that could hinder or even prevent your application from being approved. Paying close attention to the details of the process is crucial.

We have listed the 7 most common mistakes when applying for Italian citizenship, from lack of documentation to incorrectly filling out forms.

Knowing these mistakes can help you prepare properly for the Italian citizenship recognition process. Check them out below:

1. Not having complete documentation

The lack of correct or insufficient documents can delay or prevent the Italian citizenship recognition process. Make sure you have all the necessary documents before starting the process. See the full list here.

2. Not filling out forms correctly

Applying for Italian citizenship involves filling out several forms, and it's important to do it correctly. Any error or omission may lead to the rejection of the request. Carefully check the information before sending or delivering documentation.

3. Poorly translated documentation

If the documents are not in Italian, they will need to be translated. It is important to make sure that the translation is done by a sworn translator and that all documents are translated correctly.

Remember: the most important part for the officer is the translation of the original. After all, whoever will host your practice does not speak or understand the Portuguese language.

4. Not having a naturalization certificate

If the Italian ancestor became a naturalized citizen of another country, it is necessary to obtain the naturalization documentation.

5. Not meeting residence time requirements

To apply for Italian citizenship on Italian soil, it is necessary to meet the requirements regarding the length of residence in Italy.

For the Italian Public Prosecutor's Office, pretending to live in Italy for 2 months, for example, is a crime. The bill may arrive one day for those looking for the trick.

6. Not following the consulate’s instructions

If the process will be carried out in Brazil, the applicant needs to follow all the guidelines and requirements of the consulate to ensure that their application is processed correctly.

It is worth noting that each consulate has its own rules and procedures for applying for citizenship.

7. Discrepancies in certificates

It is important to ensure that all certificates are in order before applying for Italian citizenship, as any error or problem with the certificates can delay, or even prevent approval of recognition.

Incorrect data on the certificate, such as name, date of birth, place of birth, for example, can cause a huge headache for the applicant.

The lack of relevant information on the certificate, such as the names of parents or grandparents, is another problem that must be corrected through rectification.

Illegible or damaged certificates can also make it difficult to read, or the process of recognizing Italian citizenship.

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