Securing Italian Citizenship By Descent With A Maternal Lineage

Italy is one of the countries that let people with ancestral connections claim citizenship rights with minimal hassles. Simply speaking, you qualify if your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Italians. But things may differ if your ancestor was a female as you may not qualify for the conventional Jure Sanguinis process in some cases. However, everything isn't lost as you can still secure citizenship by descent with a maternal lineage. You can visit mbersanilaw.com for a complete guide on the 1948 Rule that applies for such cases. Here are some tips to make your citizenship journey smooth, regardless of the gender of your ancestor.

Know whether you qualify for the 1948 Rule

This one is a no-brainer as your eligibility decides the route you should take for securing Italian citizenship. If your female relative gave birth after 1948, you can apply through the Jure Sanguinis process. But the 1948 Rule is your only option if she gave birth before 1948. The reason is that Italian law did not allow females to pass citizenship to their children before the year. The stance was discriminatory, but the 1948 Rule corrects it.

Be ready with your documents

After deciding the apt route, you will have to prepare for the process. Documentation is the mainstay of the 1948 court process as you need evidence to validate your ancestral roots in the country. These include the certificates of birth, death, and marriage of your ascendant. Further, you will require your ID proof and the ancestor's naturalization records from your current residence. These documents have to be translated as the Italian court accepts only Italian as the official language. You will also need to get them legalized with an apostille stamp.

Hire a 1948 specialist lawyer

When it comes to a court process, you need a lawyer to represent you. The same applies to a citizenship application through the 1948 Rule. Ideally, you should hire a 1948 specialist lawyer as they know the gist of the rule. They have relevant experience, so they know everything about the documentation and process. There is hardly a chance of missing out on anything because your specialist lawyer will have all fronts covered.

Give your lawyer a power of attorney

You may not want to travel to Italy for court hearings because it can cost you time and money. The good thing is that you can give your lawyer a power of attorney to represent you in court. Choosing this alternative can fit a second passport into your budget because you can save a fortune on travel and accommodation expenses. The lawyer's fees will be a small price, considering the immense benefits of dual citizenship in the long run. The lawyer can appear in court, provide evidence, and close the proceedings sooner than you think.

Claiming Italian citizenship through a maternal line is not daunting, even as the process goes through court. You only need a thorough understanding of the process and hire a seasoned lawyer to assist you. Follow these simple tips, and you can reach your goal!