Brexit has brought the question of dual citizenship and the benefits it confers into sharp focus for UK citizens, who wish to live, work or retire to Italy. Whilst residence, travel and work will to continue during the transition period which will follow Brexit; thereafter such activities for British citizens may have to be dealt with differently. Individuals that have a connection to Italy through heritage or marriage or long term residence have the opportunity to apply for dual citizenship. Large numbers of UK citizens have already started the process to maintain the rights of free movement, residence and the ability to work which will be lost when the transition period ends.

However there is a category that bestows Italian citizenship automatically, that may not be widely known which is a far easier route to Italian citizenship for those people to whom it applies. Prior to 23 April 1983, when the law was reformed and the automatic right to citizenship was ended, all foreign women who married an Italian man were automatically granted Italian citizenship (unless they caused danger to public security or committed particularly severe crimes). This right still remains for any woman who was married to an Italian before the previously mentioned date. Any wife who falls into this group can achieve Italian citizenship without having to go through the long process that is currently now in place for dual citizenship through marriage.

There is a procedure that has to be undertaken to achieve Italian citizenship via this route. Anybody who wishes to apply for Italian citizenship using this avenue will have to take the following steps:

Provide supporting documentation which demonstrates their own identity – a birth certificate and a British passport
Evidence of the fact that they were married to an Italian man before the date in question – marriage certificate transcribed in Italy
The foreign documents will have to be legalised and translated into the Italian language
Make and attend an appointment at the Italian Consulate
Legal Law Limited’s immigration team, led by Elze Obrikyte, have a thorough understanding of the Italian Consulate’s expectation when it comes to the face-to-face interview, Elze commented “we make sure that our clients are extremely well briefed before the interview and provide comprehensive guidance as to what may be asked and how it is best to reply. The Consulate officials have a degree of discretion when approving applications which can, of course, be applied in both directions. We are well aware of the most appropriate response to all potential questions that may be put to the applicant and can steer them through the process.”

If this narrow category applies to you, the time taken to achieve Italian citizenship will be considerably reduced. Furthermore, there is no requirement to be able to speak Italian as the language requirement was introduced recently with a currently approved law. Also, although less likely to be an issue, there is no requirement for the applicant to provide a criminal record check.