Obtaining Italian citizenship by descent is a dream for many people with family roots in Italy. However, although the procedure may appear more accessible than other migration pathways, it involves a series of costs that should be understood and planned for in advance. In this article, we analyze in detail all the expenses associated with the process, from consular fees to translations and legal advisory, so you can make decisions with full information at hand. At Orience, we help you calculate your budget and avoid surprises at every stage.
What does applying for Italian citizenship by descent involve?
Italian citizenship jure sanguinis allows individuals with Italian ancestry (generally up to great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents, depending on the case) to apply for nationality by recognizing the family link without the need to reside in Italy or renounce their current citizenship.
Official costs: consular fees
The first significant expense involves the mandatory fees required by the Italian consulate. As of 2025, these are the main amounts:
- Application fee: €300 per application file, non-refundable even if the request is denied.
- Legalization of foreign documents: depending on the country, the Hague Apostille may be required (between €10 and €50 per document).
- Certificates issued in Italy: these are usually free, although some municipalities may charge small administrative or shipping fees.
Translations and legalizations
All documents in a language other than Italian must be translated by a sworn translator and, in many cases, legalized at the consulate. This includes:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates of the Italian ancestor and their descendants up to the applicant.
- Certificates of non-naturalization issued by the country of residence of the Italian ancestor.
The cost of each sworn translation ranges between €40 and €80 per page. If we consider between 8 and 12 documents per application, the total may range from €400 to €900 for translations alone.
Hidden costs that many people do not anticipate
- Corrections and amendments: errors in names or dates may require judicial or administrative procedures (€150 to €500).
- Travel: many consulates have waiting lists lasting years. Some applicants choose to complete the process directly in Italy, which involves travel, accommodation, and local translation costs.
- Time invested: although not a financial cost, delays, administrative procedures, and document collection require time and patience. Outsourcing this work with Orience can save you months.
Is professional assistance advisable?
Many applicants face rejections due to documentation errors or a lack of understanding of the specific requirements of each consulate. At Orience, we have designed a specialized service that includes:
- Free eligibility assessment
- Translation and legalization of documents with preferential rates
- Management of certifications in Italy and in your country
- Consular assistance or representation in Italy if you prefer to complete the process there
- Continuous monitoring and updates on your application file
The cost of this service varies depending on the case, but our clients usually save between 20% and 40% compared to the accumulated cost of managing the process independently. In addition, with our transparent model, you will know the final budget from the beginning.
Estimated total budget
As a general guideline, these are the approximate costs for an average applicant:
- Consular fees: €300
- Translations and apostilles: €600
- Legalization or correction of errors: €200
- Travel or accommodation (if applicable): €500
- Professional assistance (optional): from €1,000
Estimated total: between €1,100 and €2,600, depending on the level of support required and whether issues arise during the process.
Is the investment worth it?
Italian citizenship gives you access to the European Union, freedom of movement, professional and fiscal opportunities, public education, and the possibility of automatically passing it on to your children. Additionally, Italy allows dual nationality, so you do not need to renounce your current passport.
At Orience, we do more than process your citizenship: we optimize your investment, accelerate timelines, and resolve difficulties so your effort leads to tangible results. If you have Italian ancestry, this may be the perfect time to act.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if one of the original documents has been lost?
In many cases it is possible to request a certified copy or duplicate record from the country of origin. At Orience we help locate historical records in civil or parish archives if necessary.
Is it faster to complete the process in Italy than at the consulate?
It depends on the municipality, but many applicants choose this option to avoid consular waiting lists. Orience collaborates with Italian municipalities that manage applications quickly and transparently.
Can I include my children in the application?
Minor children obtain citizenship automatically once the parent’s process is completed. For adult children, they must submit a separate application.
Is there a risk of losing citizenship if I do not live in Italy?
No. Italian citizenship by descent does not require residence or periodic renewal. It is lifelong and hereditary.
Can I finance the cost of the process?
Yes. Orience offers flexible payment plans and a fixed budget to facilitate access to the process without creating an excessive initial financial burden.
Conclusion
Applying for Italian citizenship by descent is more than an administrative procedure: it is an investment in your future and your family’s future. Understanding the real costs will allow you to plan better and move forward with confidence. With the expert support of Orience, you can turn your right into reality without unnecessary expenses or unexpected obstacles.