In the search for recognition of Italian citizenship, a lot of misinformation circulates and can cause confusion. We unravel 10 common myths and present the reality behind each of them.
Myth 1: To recognize Italian citizenship I need to give up my Brazilian citizenship
Reality: Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to give up Brazilian citizenship to obtain Italian citizenship. Both can coexist, as established by article 12 of the Brazilian Constitution.
Myth 2: Italian citizenship has a generational limit for transmission
Reality: There is no generational limit for the transmission of Italian citizenship. As long as the requirements are met, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and beyond can apply for recognition, according to the law. Italian Law No. 555/1912.
Myth 3: Can I lose any of my citizenships?
Reality: Recognition of Italian citizenship does not affect other citizenships. You can retain all your nationalities, according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Myth 4: Recognition in Italy must be done in the ancestor's comune
Reality: It is not mandatory to carry out the recognition process in the city of origin of the Italian ancestor. The procedure can be carried out in any Comune in Italy, as provided for by Decree of the President of the Republic No. 572/1993. However, if the process was carried out through legal action, the transcription of the birth certificate of the interested party must be carried out in the comune of the ancestor.
Myth 5: Women on the transmission line make you lose your right to Italian citizenship?
Reality: Until 1983, children of Italian women born before 1948 faced restrictions in having their Italian citizenship recognized, due to a legislative loophole.
Only in 1975 and 1983 did the Italian Supreme Court annul this rule as unconstitutional. However, for cases prior to 1948, administrative interpretation maintained restrictions.
Therefore, descendants of women born before this date still need to go through the legal system to obtain Italian citizenship.
Myth 6: I need to correct the name and surname of the Italian and his descendants on all certificates
Reality: It is not always necessary to correct first and last names on all certificates. Accuracy is important, but small deviations can be accepted, following the guidelines of the Italian Civil Code.
Myth 7: I need to have the last name of my Italian ancestor
Reality: Having the same surname as your ancestor is not a requirement. What matters is proving the genealogical link, that is, the blood link.
Myth 8: It is possible to take advantage of documentation from an Italian relative
Reality: Documents from Italian relatives can be used, but it is essential to check that they are valid and up to date, in accordance with the rules of the Italian Public Administration.
Myth 9: My parents will need to recognize your citizenship before me
Reality: It is not mandatory for parents to recognize citizenship before their children. Each person can seek recognition individually, in accordance with Italian Law No. 91/1992.
Myth 10: It is more advantageous to carry out the process in a small municipality
Reality: The size of the Comune does not influence the validity of the process. On the contrary, a small Commune generally suffers from a lack of servers and, in many cases, employees have little experience in matters related to the Italian citizenship.
Additionally, in small towns, there may be a shortage of rental properties. Therefore, the choice should not be based solely on the size of the Comune, but on the experience and efficiency of the process offered.
Photos: Depositphotos
