Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) draws thousands of Americans every year, and many consulates and the residency-based route require an apostilled FBI background check. We apostille it in 7 to 10 business days, even if you are already in Italy.
Italian citizenship by descent is based on your unbroken line of Italian ancestry. Depending on your consulate and whether you pursue the residency-based (sometimes called 1948 or in-Italy) route, you may be required to provide an FBI background check apostilled by the U.S. Department of State as part of the application or the accompanying visa. Because the FBI check is federal, only the Department of State can apostille it. Always confirm your specific consulate's checklist.
After the apostille, Italy requires a sworn or certified Italian translation (traduzione giurata) of your FBI background check. Get the apostille first, then translate the complete document, including the apostille certificate where required. Our fast turnaround leaves you time to complete the translation before your appointment.
Upload it to our apostille order form. We apostille it and return it in 7 to 10 business days.
Get fingerprinted (livescan in Virginia, or an FD-258 card mailed in from anywhere for $95, ideal if you are already in Italy), get your result, then apostille it.
It depends on your consulate and route. Many consulates and the residency-based (1948 or in-Italy) path require an FBI background check apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Confirm your consulate's exact checklist.
No. The FBI background check is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille it. State apostilles are rejected.
Yes. Get fingerprinted on an FD-258 card in Italy, mail it to us, and order our $95 mail-in FBI background check. We email you instructions to access your result, then you apostille it online.
Yes. Italy requires a sworn or certified Italian translation (traduzione giurata) of the apostilled FBI background check. Apostille first, then translate.
7 to 10 business days, federal apostille, return shipping included. Already in Italy? Mail your card in for $95.