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The process of obtaining Italian citizenship, especially as a native of a non-EU country like the UAE, can be lengthy, often taking years. In the time it takes, you will have to obtain a permit to stay in Italy to stay there. Hence, it is advisable to consult independent professionals like Garant Immigration, who have years of experience helping multiple other people navigate the bureaucracy of the Italian immigration system.
However, just so you understand how the process works, we have written this blog post to discuss this permit, its eligibility factors, and how to obtain it.
What is an Italian Permit of Stay for Awaiting Citizenship?
Italy has always been largely a homogenous society, with Italians making up 98% of the population as recently as 2002. However, following modern realities, ethnic Italians comprise about 91% of the population. As is the norm in most European countries, the Italian government has opened up pathways for immigrants to move to Italy and obtain Italian citizenship.
But, as one would expect, it isn’t usually issued immediately. So, in the meantime, the Italian Permit of Stay for Awaiting Citizenship allows immigrants to stay and enjoy la dolce vita. At the same time, they meet the requirements for earning the coveted citizenship d’Italiano.
Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining the Permit
Let’s review the eligibility requirements for the “permesso di soggiorno per attesa cittadinanza” or Italian permit of stay for awaiting citizenship.
First things first, you need to establish a basis for your claim. Perhaps you have Italian ancestors. Italians emigrated all over Europe and the Americas, leading to generations of Italians born in the diaspora needing to apply for Italian citizenship. Another basis could be that you’re married to an Italian citizen.
Alternatively, you must have lived legally in Italy for about 5 years (for EU citizens) and 10 years (for non-EU citizens). Only after you have lodged your citizenship application and your status is deemed eligible can you obtain the Permit of Stay for Awaiting Citizenship. So, of course, you must first obtain a residence permit, following a talent visa or any other kind of immigration visa.
Documents Required for the Permit Application
These documents are presently required as part of the Italian Permit of Stay application. However, remember that these requirements often change, and you need to keep abreast of the latest requirements as they change.
- Your passport: First, you will need a valid passport issued by your current country of citizenship as basic proof of your identity and history.
- Citizenship application: Next, you’ll need evidence that your citizenship application is already in the pipeline. This could be a confirmation email or receipt from the authorities
- Proof of financial wherewithal: It’s crucial to prove financial independence and capability. Essentially, you’ll need bank statements or proof of a steady income.
- Proof of residence: Of course, you need to show proof that you have acquired a suitable place of residence.
- Proof of health insurance: You will also need to show proof of health insurance coverage, which you should already have had for a long time if you’ve lived in Italy for 10 years.
Understanding the Application Process
The journey towards securing your Italian Permit of Stay isn’t fundamentally any different from what is required for other similar immigration applications. They include:
- You need to visit your local immigration office, where you’ll turn in your meticulously gathered paperwork, as discussed earlier.
- An appointment will be booked for you to pick up your stay permit kit; inside, you’ll find a series of key forms to your application.
- Once you’ve filled these forms, you’ll submit them at the post office, not the immigration office you picked them up from. It’s just another quirk of Italian bureaucracy; it shouldn’t be any big issue.
- When the forms are submitted to the post office, you will be given a receipt that allows you to legally stay in Italy while your permit application is under review.
Duration and Renewal of the Permit
Well, we must mention that the stay permit does not allow you to stay in Italy indefinitely. It typically expires exactly one year from the day it is issued, as it is believed that the review of your citizenship application should have been completed by then.
However, if it isn’t, you can renew your stay permit, and thankfully, the process is pretty straightforward. You only need to ensure you don’t leave it until the last minute. You should begin the renewal process 60 days before your permit expires. As long as your citizenship application is being processed (not rejected), you can continue to renew your permit annually.
Rights and Responsibilities of Permit Holders
As we have said earlier, while the Permit of Stay grants you more rights than immigrant visas, it isn’t permanent and doesn’t guarantee citizenship or grant you the same rights as Italian citizens. But the permit does allow you unfettered access to the Italian healthcare system. It also allows you to travel to the Schengen area without restrictions.
However, you must still conduct yourself carefully and with maximum respect for Italian society and its legal and cultural systems. Relatively minor infractions like bar brawls and DUIs can have negative effects on your citizenship application, and you don’t want that, do you?
Also, avoid getting mixed up in sketchy and ethically ambiguous political positions or actions. Additionally, you must adhere religiously to the system of taxes in Italy. After all, these taxes fund the government programs and agencies facilitating your Italian citizenship application.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining Italian citizenship is understandably quite laborious. The great thing about it is that, with every move and document submitted, you are a step closer to securing the Italian Permit of Stay for Awaiting Citizenship and, eventually, citizenship d’Italiano.
All you have to do is remain patient and determined and retain an unwavering commitment to the process. In the end, you’ll find that the process itself would have taught you more about Italian society than you’d expected. Remember, every step and form brings you closer to the day when you can truly say, “Ciao, Italia! Sono a casa”.
