Congratulations on becoming an Italian citizen and obtaining your passport. What should happen next? Regardless of whether you applied through the court system or an Italian consulate, there are a couple of steps you should focus on.

You applied through the court system

If you applied through the court system, your final judgment declaring you as an Italian citizen needs to be registered with the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction. This step is essential, as it paves the way for your formal recognition as an Italian citizen. Once the consulate has processed your registration, you can consider yourself an Italian citizen, granting you all the rights and privileges that come with it.

Furthermore, this recognition allows you to register with the AIRE (Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad). The AIRE updates the Italian government about vital records, such as births, marriages, and divorces (if applicable) of Italian citizens residing abroad. Registering with the AIRE also enables you to receive important documents from the Italian government, including election-related materials that allow you to vote in local elections in Italy.

How do you register with AIRE? First, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, meaning you are an Italian citizen residing abroad for over 12 months. This means that once you obtain your citizenship you would have to wait for 12 months before registering. Locate the nearest Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Prepare required documents, including your valid Italian passport, proof of foreign residence, and a completed AIRE application form. Submit your application to the consulate in person, where officers will review your submission. Once approved, you'll receive an AIRE registration certificate, confirming your enrollment in the AIRE.

If you have minor children, registering their birth certificates with the AIRE is crucial, as this automatically grants them Italian citizenship without needing a separate application when they reach the age of 18. It ensures that they, too, can enjoy the benefits of being Italian citizens.

You applied through an Italian municipality

For those who applied for Italian citizenship through a municipality in Italy, once your application has been approved, you can apply for an Italian passport at the local police headquarters ("Questura"). Additionally, if your plans include residing in Italy, you can obtain an Italian ID card ("Carta d'Identità"), an electronic identity card issued to any Italian citizen. The ID card serves as official proof of your Italian citizenship, allowing you to access various services available to Italian citizens locally and nationally.

For non-Italian spouses of Italian citizens, establishing residency in an EU member state allows them to obtain a residency permit for spouses. This process facilitates their stay and legal status in the country where the Italian citizen has formally established residency.

Thinking about moving to Italy? Register as a resident

After acquiring Italian citizenship and obtaining an Italian passport, you might consider moving to Italy and living there full-time. If you plan to live in Italy permanently, you should begin registering as a resident within 20 days of your arrival.

Once you have selected the area where you will live, you will go to the registry office (Known as “Anagrafe” of your municipality). This office will be where you complete the registration process. You must bring the following documents: your valid Italian passport, accommodation evidence (such as a rental contract or property ownership), health insurance coverage details, passport-sized photos, and the relevant application form available at the Anagrafe. Because police officers will show up at your residence to check that you live there, it can become tricky if you have just moved to the country and need to find an apartment in 20 days. This is a hurdle that many people have to face, including a competitive real estate market in some cities or regions. If you are considering becoming a resident, plan for this in advance, perhaps travel before your arrival to secure an apartment or go through an agency.

After the police officers visit your home, you will be approved. The timeline of approval varies on the volume of applications, the city or the regions, it can be relatively quick (10 days) or take a few weeks. Once approved, you will receive a Residence Certificate confirming your official residence.

Other formalities as a resident

Codice fiscale

Apart from the administrative aspects, an official residency address in an Italian municipality is vital for many practical purposes. Acquiring a Codice Fiscale is a critical step.

It is used for various official transactions in Italy such as opening a bank account, a phone line, and for employment. You will apply for it at your area's Agenzia delle Entrate office. Bring the necessary documents with you, as well as the application form. The officers will review your application and documents. After processing your application, the officers will provide you with your Codice Fiscale on the spot. It's a unique alphanumeric code assigned to you for tax and administrative purposes.

Health card

You can now apply to a health card, the “Tessera Sanitaria.”  To apply for your health card, identify your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale), the health authority responsible for your area. Visit the ASL office in person, bringing your residency certificate, Codice Fiscale (tax code), and identification document. Complete the Tessera Sanitaria application form available at the ASL office, and choose a family doctor from their list. Provide a passport-sized photograph. After processing and approval, you'll receive a confirmation letter detailing your family doctor and the Tessera Sanitaria. This card identifies you for accessing healthcare services in Italy.

An open door offering many possibilities

Being officially granted Italian citizenship unlocks a plethora of opportunities and benefits. You can travel freely within the EU and reside, study, and work in any EU member state without time restrictions or limitations. The AIRE registration and updating process keeps you connected to Italy, ensuring you stay informed and involved in your homeland. Your Italian citizenship status is permanent and does not require renewal. As a new citizen, you can pass down your citizenship to your children through bloodline (Jure Sanguinis). With the required documents, such as your Italian passport and your children's certificate, you can apply for their Italian passport directly in Italy, through the municipality or a consulate if you live abroad.

At Italian Citizenship Assistance, we are here to provide you with information regarding the steps after securing Italian citizenship.

For further assistance, feel free to contact us at [email protected]