4 Italian Citizenship Red Flags
If you’re starting your journey toward Italian citizenship, choosing the right agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A trustworthy professional can make the process smooth and stress-free, while the wrong one can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
To help protect you (and your wallet), here are the top red flags to watch out for when selecting an Italian citizenship agency or lawyer:
1. Doesn’t confirm eligibility.
We will continue to repeat ourselves until we die of exhaustion..
Just because we come from Italian blood, it does not mean we’re eligible for Italian citizenship.
There are many different laws and details that need to be taken into account in order to determine leigibility. Especially now that the eligibility requirements have changed as of March of 2025. Even if you are first generation, your eligibility must be professionally determined.
If an agency provides you with a quote without verifying you are actually eligible for the process (and provide supporting documentation to support their claim), it’s a scam. They don’t care if the final outcome proves to be unsuccessful as their intention is solely to close “the deal.” Once the folder is inevitably rejected, they will act confused and pretend they have no idea why.
2. Goes through the consulate.
You do not need the services of an agency or lawyer to go through the consulate.
The consulate is considered the public service provided to us by the Italian government. If you’re able to land an appointment, you’ll then work one-on-one with the representative assigned to your case. It is considered the most time consuming avenue of acquiring citizenship (5-6 years), but it’s also the most economical option as the only investment would be paper processing fees.
Agencies and lawyers that go through the consulate typically charge $11,000+ for one person, and do not have the authority or capability to speed up the process or skip lines. You, as the client, will still be responsible to make your consular appointment.
For those who prefer to bypass the consulate, Italy360Pro specializes in going through the courts system in Italy. Quotes are provided on a case-by-case basis and timelines may fall between 8-24 months depending on the jurisdiction and judge assigned to your case.
3. Promises you a successful outcome.
The final verdict is always up to the judge assigned to your case (if you’re going through the courts), or the consulate representative reviewing your folder.
Even the healthiest of folders have the probability of rejection depending on how the judge or representative interprets the law. Phrases like, “100%,” or, “There’s no chance it’ll get rejected, don’t worry,” are just two examples of providing a client with false hope. Even if you have healthy folder, there is always a risk that must be considered before making any final investments.
4. Requires payment in full or majority upfront.
The Italian citizenship industry is extremely temperamental. As we all experienced this past year, laws can change rapidly. So payments made to any professional should be done in increments as each milestone is reached. Not the majority or all upfront.
At Italy360Pro, we divide each quote into three separate payments which will then be spread out over the period of time it takes to arrive to the court date. This structure aims to provide financial flexibility and a manageable payment process while ensuring trust with our clients.
We’re happy you read this far to stay informed and protect your journey toward Italian citizenship. With the right guidance and a trusted professional by your side, your path to reclaiming your heritage can be smooth and genuinely rewarding. As always, here at Italy360Pro, we’re here to help you make confident, well-informed decisions every step of the way.
