When it comes to getting Italian citizenship, Jure Sanguinis or citizenship by descent is one of the most popular routes. The option is available to the aspirants with family roots in the country, and they have to prove their lineage to the Italian government. It is possible only with some essential documents that you have to provide along with your application. Although it sounds simple, the process of gathering the paperwork is quite tricky because you will need a long list of documents. Moreover, things can get even more challenging if you have to hunt them down for establishing your Italian descent. Some legal advice can make the process simpler, so here is a guide that can help.

Genealogical research can help

Experts recommend that you should start with genealogical research, particularly if you do not know much about your ancestors in the country. Start by determining where they lived because it will help you narrow down the commune where you can find their records.  There isn't a centralized record-keeping system in the country, rather each province maintains its own system. Researching your lineage will simplify the search for documents because you will know the province that has the records of your family. The older the lineage is, the more you will have to research because it often gets hard to retrieve old documents. Looking for cues like dates of major life events helps if you don't have a clear idea of the birth dates of your ancestors.

Know how to go ahead with requests

Once you know where to find the documents, you should go ahead with processing requests to retrieve them. Gathering the paperwork is one of the most critical aspects of applying for Italian Citizenship by Descent, so you need to be extra careful while requesting them from the authorities. As a rule of thumb, they must be written in Italian because it is the only official language here, and the officers will not entertain any requests and documents not written in it. Moreover, there is a risk that your request would be rejected immediately if not written in the official language.

Understand the associated costs

There is an advantage of gathering your ancestral records from within Italy as there are typically no costs of the process. But you can speed up the process and make things a tad easier by sending a self-addressed envelope and paid stamps with the request for the documents. The clerks will send back the requested documents easily if you look after these details. Also, make sure that you understand the translation requirements and associated costs specific to the municipality where you are requesting the documents. Staying ahead of these requirements reduces the hassles of the process. 

The best place to start with a citizenship application is by arranging the supporting documents well in time. Having the right documents when you apply gives you a head start and increases the chances of approval as well. Even as getting to know your lineage and collecting evidence to validate it may take some effort, it is worthwhile.