How Much Does Italian Citizenship Cost?
Lawyer and Service Fees Explained
Every cost of citizenship by descent in 2026: what Italy charges, what lawyers and services charge for, and what you can do yourself.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Short answer (as of November 2026)
Italian citizenship by descent costs three kinds of money: Italian government fees (€600 per adult at a consulate, €600 per claimant in court), document costs (records, apostilles, translations), and any help you pay for. With Citizenship Italia, typical totals are $2,700–$3,100 for a consulate case and $6,000–$7,800 for a court case, plus government fees.
- Government fees are the same whoever helps you; they were set by Italy's 2025 Budget Law
- A lawyer is required for court cases (including 1948 cases), not for consulate applications
- Documents and translations are the biggest variable: they grow with every generation in your line
- Check eligibility under the 2025 rules before paying for anything
1. Italian government fees
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate application | €600 per adult applicant | Paid to the consulate |
| Court case (contributo unificato) | €600 per claimant | Paid to the Italian court |
| Application in Italy (comune) | Up to €600 | Set by each municipality |
| Reacquisition by declaration | €250 | Former citizens, until Dec 31, 2027 |
| Minor children’s declaration | No fee since Jan 1, 2026 | Children of citizens by birth |
2. Document costs
- Records: birth, marriage and death records for each generation, plus naturalization records or a Certificate of Non-Existence. Offices set their own fees.
- Apostilles: each state's Secretary of State (or the U.S. Department of State for federal records) charges per document.
- Translations: every U.S. record must be translated into Italian. We charge $80 per document of up to 4 pages.
- Corrections: if names or dates conflict across records, a U.S. court amendment can cost about $4,500–$7,000.
3. Help: DIY, services and lawyers
| Option | What you pay for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Only government and document costs | Simple consulate cases, with time to manage it |
| Document or citizenship service | Record ordering, translations, file assembly | Consulate cases without the paperwork |
| Italian lawyer | Court petition and representation | Court cases and 1948 cases (required) |
| Full-service provider | Eligibility review, documents and the lawyer in one fee schedule | Families who want one team end to end |
Fees vary widely between providers. Compare the total, not the headline: ask what is included, whether government fees are extra, and whether the lawyer is named and registered with an Italian bar. Our guide on how to choose a service lists the questions to ask.
4. Typical totals with Citizenship Italia
| Route | Typical total for one applicant | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Consulate | $2,700–$3,100 | €600 consular fee |
| Court (ATQ) | $6,000–$7,500 | €600 court fee |
| 1948 case | $6,300–$7,800 | €600 court fee (breakdown) |
Our service fees are $2,500 for a consulate application package and $4,500 for a court case, with $200 for each additional immediate family member. Use the cost estimator to price your family.
Not sure what your case will cost?
We'll confirm the route and itemize every cost after a free review.
Sources
- Law 207/2024 (2025 Budget Law), Normattiva
- Consulate General of Italy in Miami: reacquisition
- Consulate General of Italy in Boston: declaration for minors
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and consulate practice change; check the official sources or ask us before acting.
Questions about costs
Want a quote for your family?
Start with a free eligibility check. We'll tell you which route fits and give you an itemized quote before you commit.
Get my quote →Related guides
Choosing Help
How to Choose an Italian Citizenship Service
Questions to ask, red flags, and provider types compared.