If living and working in a foreign country have always been a dream for you, Italy is one of the best immigration options to explore. People across the globe admire this lovely European country for its food, lifestyle and culture. The added attraction is that the Italian passport is counted among the most powerful ones in the world, as it opens you up to visa-free entry to more than 150 countries. There are several benefits you will be able to access in the EU nations.

If you have your eyes set on living in Italy, it makes sense to go ahead with the application process sooner rather than later. While you may have a visa or permit, applying for Italian citizenship is your best bet if you want to secure the benefits of living here. The process can be lengthy and complicated, but it is rewarding as well. You must also know your options because choosing the right one may expedite the process. Here are the ones you should be aware of.

Option 1: Jure sanguinis

Jure sanguinis literally means “blood law”, which means that you get the opportunity because you are of Italian descent. The best thing about this option is that you can expect approval even if you were born in another part of the world. To get Italian Citizenship by Descent, you need to prove your family connections to the country. It is a complex process as it requires tracking down official paperwork in your family member’s place of origin, so you should let experts handle the process. 

Option 2: Marriage

A relatively easier route to reach Italy is by marrying an Italian citizen because it automatically gives the right to apply for citizenship. However, there are some clauses related to the qualifying periods before you can apply, which depends on whether you are residing in Italy or elsewhere. The period is two years for a couple living in the country and three years for those living in another country. Apart from these formalities, your marriage must remain viable throughout the citizenship procedure.

Option 3: Naturalization

Another option for getting Italian citizenship is by naturalization, which is the most complicated among the three choices. As the name implies, it is open to people who are already living in the country legally with a visa. The norms, however, vary depending on your country of origin. Those not hailing from an EU country can apply only after at least ten years in Italy, while this period of legal residency for EU citizens is four years. Naturalization is an extended route that requires a clear understanding of the law and a seasoned lawyer to handle the process. 

You will have to assess your circumstances carefully to decide the method that works for you, which is pretty straightforward because each option applies to specific situations. Yet, there are some rules and exceptions that may cause hindrances in the process. So it makes sense to collaborate with an expert who has good experience and a strong track record.