Your guide to obtaining Italian citizenship by descent in Canada

Having a second passport makes working and travelling abroad much easier. Many countries, including Italy, allow you to claim citizenship by descent without having to move there first.

This guide helps you figure out if you’re eligible for Italian citizenship by descent as a Canadian—and how to apply.

We’ll also look at how Wise can help you manage your money abroad throughout the application process.

Who can be granted Italian citizenship by descent?

Italian citizenship by descent is granted to people born outside Italy if they have an Italian parent or grandparent¹

Jus Sanguinis and Italy’s citizenship law

Italian citizenship follows jus sanguinis, meaning it’s passed down through Italian parents no matter where you were born.

Eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship by descent in Canada

There are several ways to qualify for Italian citizenship by descent. Here’s an in-depth look at the criteria.

Who qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent in Canada?

You may be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent if:

• One of your parents is an Italian citizen who was born in Italy¹.
• One of your parents was an Italian citizen residing in Italy for at least two consecutive years before your birth or adoption¹.
• One of your grandparents is an Italian citizen who was born in Italy¹.

The same criteria apply to adoptive parents or grandparents.

But you need to prove your parents or grandparents haven’t lost or renounced their Italian citizenship¹.

Application process from Canada

Here’s how to start your Italian citizenship application from Canada.

Step-by-step guide

1. Gather all necessary documents¹.
2. Get an Apostille and a certified translation into Italian for all Canadian civil status documents¹.
3. Book an appointment at the Italian consulate or embassy that serves your province or territory in Canada³.
4. After your appointment, wait for your application decision.

These are some key documents you’ll need — you can find a full list on the Italian consulate’s website.

Where to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent in Canada

To apply for Italian citizenship, you’ll need to visit an Italian consulate or embassy—but only after gathering all the required documents¹.

Contact Information for Italian Consulates in Canada

There are multiple Italian consulates across Canada where you can apply for citizenship. You can find the address and contact information of each of them, plus the provinces and territories in their jurisdiction, in the table below.

Timelines, Fees, and What to Expect

Getting Italian citizenship takes time, and processing varies case by case. Here’s what you should know about the processing time and relevant fees:

How Long Does It Take?

Italian law requires a decision within two years of submission, though processing can be faster³.

Fees to Expect

The citizenship application fee is 600 euros, payable only in Canadian dollars at the equivalent amount⁸. To reflect any changes in the exchange rate, the consulate updates the CAD fee on a quarterly basis³ — currently, it comes out to 904 CAD⁸.

Translated documents may also require an additional fee to legalize the translator’s signature³. The fee is 24 EUR per legalization⁸, roughly equal to 37 CAD.

You can pay fees in person with cash or a Canadian debit card. Credit cards and digital payments aren’t accepted⁸.

How Wise Can Help With Your Application Process

Wise lets you convert currency using the mid-market exchange rate. While consular fees can be paid only in cash or with Canadian debit cards, you can use Wise for any other payments you might need to make in EUR to get the best value for your money.

With a free Wise account, you get:

• Bank details for your foreign currencies, such as an IBAN, without having to open a bank account abroad
• Transfer fees starting at 0.48%⁹
• Send money in over 40 currencies to more than 150 countries
• A multi-currency card to use when travelling

Once you have Italian citizenship, you can live and work in Italy or anywhere in the European Union.

Whether you’re making a move abroad or just going on vacation, Wise can help you seamlessly transfer funds between CAD and EUR, with no hidden markups on the exchange rate!

Common questions about Italian citizenship by descent

Here are some common questions about applying for Italian citizenship.

Can I get Italian citizenship if my grandfather was Italian?

Yes, as long as your grandfather never lost or renounced his citizenship.

How far back can you claim Italian citizenship?

You can claim Italian citizenship as far back as your grandparents.

Is dual citizenship allowed in Canada and Italy?

Yes, both Canada and Italy allow dual citizenship².

Conclusion

Though the process takes time, qualifying for Italian citizenship makes moving abroad easier and lets you work and travel freely across Europe.

For trips to Italy, use smart money tools like Wise to get the best exchange rates and make your journey smooth. Sign up today!

Sources:

1. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto - Recognition of Italian citizenship by descent
2. Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver - Citizenship
3. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto - Frequently Asked Questions - Citizenship
4. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto - Recognition of Italian Citizenship by Descent - Checklist
5. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto - Translation of documents and Apostille
6. Embassy of Italy in Ottawa - The Consular network
7. Embassy of Italy in Ottawa - FAQ
8. Consulate General of Italy in Toronto - Consular Fees
9. Wise - Pricing