Applying for Italian citizenship through the court system means initiating a legal case against the Italian government—specifically, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step is necessary when an application has been denied by an Italian Consulate or municipality, or when excessive delays have made the standard administrative route impossible. That applies also if you have a pre-1948 case (maternal line).
If you’re unsure whether you need to go to court for your Italian citizenship, you can read more about it here: Bypassing the Consulate.
Legal Fees for Court Applications
Because a court case involves more complexity than a standard consular application, legal fees tend to be higher. Unlike agencies that assist with consular applications, law firms handling court proceedings must follow procedural rules, prepare legal arguments, and engage in litigation against the government.
In Italy, legal fees for court cases are regulated by law, specifically the Ministry of Justice Decree no. 55/2014 (Tariffe forensi). These fees are structured in stages, reflecting different phases of a civil court case. The costs vary depending on the number of applicants in a family and the complexity of the case. On average, legal fees for a court-based citizenship application start at approximately €7,000 + VAT and taxes per person. You can also use the Avvocato Andreani fee calculator online for a general estimate of lawyer fees in Italy.
At our firm, we strive to offer reasonable rates based on case complexity. We can provide more cost-effective solutions when:
Your documents are well-prepared and free of major discrepancies.
We can include multiple family members in the same petition.
The case does not involve exceptional legal difficulties.
What Do Our Fees Cover?
Our legal services cover the entire citizenship process, ensuring a thorough and professional approach. This includes:
A clear and transparent Service Agreement.
Drafting and providing a Power of Attorney (Italian/English) with guidance on notarization.
In-depth analysis of your case.
Assistance in gathering evidence to demonstrate previous consular attempts (a legal requirement).
Detailed review of all supporting documents.
Preparation and submission of the court petition.
Proper notification of the case to the defendants (the Italian government).
Liaising with the Court Clerk to ensure smooth case processing.
Representation in hearings, whether in person, remotely, or through written submissions.
Continuous case monitoring for changes in judges, delays, or other procedural issues.
Legal research to stay updated on case law and administrative interpretations.
Regular updates to clients.
Receiving, evaluating, and officially registering the court judgment.
Ensuring the judgment is properly notified to the defendants, reducing the appeal period to 30 days.
Obtaining the Certificato di passaggio in giudicato (finalization of the judgment).
Submitting the final decision to the relevant municipality to register your citizenship.
Coordinating with the municipality to confirm registration and issuing official documents.
Guidance on registering with AIRE (Italian Registry of Residents Abroad).
Assistance with obtaining the necessary documentation to apply for an Italian passport.
Government Fees
As of January 1, 2025, new government fees apply to citizenship applications:
€600 per adult applying through Italian Consulates or municipalities (administrative route).
€600 per person (adults and minors alike) for court petitions.
If you want to know more about these fee changes, you can read our article here (LINK).
Changes in the Law: What to Expect
It’s important to remember that laws governing Italian citizenship can change. Multiple attempts have been made to reform the current system, with proposals seeking to limit citizenship by descent to the second generation. If these reforms pass, they will immediately affect all applications, both in Consulates and in Courts. To stay updated on potential law changes, read our article “Italian Citizenship Law: Follow Ancestry Bill Updates” (LINK).
Our Success Rate
Since 1999, our firm has helped nearly 5,000 clients secure their Italian citizenship, achieving a 99.5% success rate. This track record reflects our team’s deep expertise in immigration and citizenship law. My legal career has been dedicated to this field since the 1990s, and my colleagues also bring decades of experience in handling complex citizenship cases.
To uphold our high success rate, we accept only well-founded cases. This ensures that we respect both your investment—financially and emotionally. We meticulously prepare each application with the utmost care and precision, demonstrating our respect for the court and its role. Our goal is to make the judge’s decision as straightforward as possible, facilitating the approval of your citizenship. Judges have consistently appreciated our approach and have granted our cases for decades.
We and limit the number of cases we accept each year to ensure quality service and dedicated attention to each client. This approach allows us to maximize the chances of success while respecting our clients’ time and resources.
The Reality of Court Applications
Be wary of services offering unrealistically low fees. The court process has become more challenging over the years due to:
Court backlogs that cause delays of up to three years or more.
Increased objections from State Attorneys using unexpected arguments.
Judges referring cases to the Constitutional Court to challenge citizenship laws.
Stricter interpretations that can restrict eligibility.
Your lawyer must have the experience, structure, and resources to support you through this process—even if it takes longer or becomes more complex than initially expected. Some lawyers attract clients with low fees only to abandon them when complications arise. Don’t take that risk.
The Risk of Poor Legal Representation
Many firms and agencies treat Italian citizenship cases—especially those through maternal lines—as straightforward and guaranteed. This is far from reality. We regularly receive calls from clients who have lost contact with their previous lawyers and are now stuck in limbo. Unfortunately, after a certain stage, fixing a poorly handled case is nearly impossible.
Inexperienced lawyers may:
Ignore crucial case details that can determine success or failure.
Prioritize high volume over quality, leading to rushed and careless work.
Lack the expertise to handle common document errors and legal objections.
Submit weak petitions that courts reject, leaving clients with little recourse.
A rejected petition is costly and difficult to appeal. Many unsuccessful applicants share their frustrations online, highlighting the risks of working with unqualified professionals. Choosing a competent lawyer from the start is essential to securing Italian citizenship.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing Italian citizenship in court is not just another application—it’s a full-fledged legal trial in a foreign judicial system. Unlike common law countries, Italy’s legal system does not rely on precedents, meaning past successes do not guarantee future outcomes.
When deciding whether to proceed, consider more than just cost and time. The quality of legal assistance is paramount. Your lawyer should meticulously review your documents, prepare a strong application, and competently argue your case in court to achieve a successful outcome.
Need Help?
If you’re considering applying for Italian citizenship through the courts, I can personally review your documents, discuss your options, and provide a tailored legal strategy. Request a Private Consultation—the consultation fee will be deducted from your final legal costs if you proceed with us.
I look forward to assisting you! 😃 🇮🇹