listen

frequently asked questions

Do you have any

Questions?

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our legal services.

Citizenship

What is ius sanguinis?

Ius sanguinis is the principle by which citizenship is transmitted through descent. If the Italian ancestor did not renounce their citizenship before the birth of the direct descendant, you can apply for recognition of Italian citizenship by ius sanguinis.

I am married to an Italian citizen: after how long can I apply for citizenship and how does the procedure work?

Citizenship by marriage can be applied for after two years of legal residence in Italy from the date of marriage (reduced to one year in the presence of children) or after three years if you reside abroad. We support you during the processing phase, verifying the validity of criminal certificates and language certification (B1 level), managing the electronic submission of the application and monitoring response times from the Prefecture to avoid unjustified delays.

How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship?

Timelines vary based on the chosen path: administrative via the municipality (6-12 months), via the consulate (24-36 months), or judicial for 1948 cases (12-24 months).

What documents are needed for citizenship by descent?

Birth, marriage, and death certificates for all ancestors in the Italian line down to you are required, in addition to your birth certificate and criminal record certificate. All documents must be translated and legalized.

Immigration

The renewal of my residence permit has been blocked for months or I have received a notice of rejection. What can I do?

Bureaucratic delays and denials are unfortunately common. In these cases, we intervene promptly to solicit the Questura or to submit observations and appeals against denial or expulsion orders. Structured legal intervention often makes it possible to unblock procedures stalled due to document errors or inaction by the Public Administration, protecting your right to legally reside on national territory.

I work remotely for a foreign company and would like to move to Rome: can I apply for the Digital Nomad Visa?

Absolutely. The Digital Nomad Visa is one of the newest and most interesting options for those wishing to live in Italy while continuing to work for foreign employers. We assist you in verifying income requirements, arranging the correct health insurance, and in the documentary preparation necessary to prove your professional qualifications. Given the complexity of the regulations, our support prevents formal errors from blocking your application at the Consulate or the Police Headquarters (Questura).

What are the income requirements to apply for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit (formerly Carta di Soggiorno) in 2026?

To obtain the permanent permit (which now features an updated format with a biometric microchip), it is necessary to demonstrate a minimum annual income from lawful sources. For 2026, the updated parameters require approximately €7,000 for the applicant alone. If applying for dependent family members, the threshold increases: approximately €10,500 for one family member and €14,000 for two. We help you verify the stability of your tax position and correctly prepare the “postal kit” to avoid rejections from the Questura.

I have been in Italy for 10 years: can I apply for citizenship by residency even if I had brief interruptions in the continuity of my documents?

Citizenship by residency (naturalization) requires 10 years of uninterrupted legal residency for non-EU citizens. Even brief “gaps” in registered residency or permit renewals can cause the application to be rejected. Our task is to analyze your history: if there have been interruptions, we evaluate whether they are justifiable or if it is necessary to rectify the position before submission, ensuring that you also meet the income requirements for the last 3 years and hold the B1 Italian language certificate.

Family Law

What happens if one of the parents lives abroad or has a different citizenship?

These cases fall under international family law. We regularly manage proceedings with international elements, coordinating with foreign correspondents if necessary. We handle the identification of the correct jurisdiction and the applicable law to manage divorces, child custody, or the division of assets located in different countries, protecting your interests even beyond national borders.

My spouse and I agree on everything: is legal assistance still necessary for the separation?

Yes, even in consensual separations, legal assistance is fundamental. Our firm will support you in drafting agreements and in the assisted negotiation procedure, a faster solution than the court that allows for the swift definition of crucial matters such as child custody, the assignment of the family home, and the amount of maintenance payments, ensuring that every clause is legally sound.

Is it possible to protect one's personal assets before marriage or cohabitation?

Certainly. We assist couples (for marriages, civil unions, or de facto cohabitations) in choosing the most suitable property regime and in drafting specific agreements. These tools are designed to prevent future conflicts and ensure clear protection of personal and family assets, acting in advance with balance and confidentiality.

What are the criteria for the assignment of the family home and how is child support calculated?

The assignment of the home does not depend on the ownership of the property, but on the best interests of the minors: as a rule, the home is assigned to the parent with whom the children primarily reside (custodial parent), to ensure environmental continuity for them. Regarding maintenance, there is no fixed amount: the judge (or the agreement between the parties) evaluates the income of both parents, the standard of living enjoyed during the cohabitation, and the time spent with each parent. Our firm helps you simulate the calculation and structure an agreement that is sustainable and balanced for all parties involved.

Inheritance

I suspect the inheritance includes debts: am I obliged to accept it anyway?

Absolutely not. In the presence of liabilities, we help you carefully evaluate the financial situation to choose the safest path: renunciation of the inheritance or acceptance with the benefit of inventory. This latter option allows you to separate your personal assets from those of the deceased, paying any debts only within the limits of the value of the inherited assets. We will support you through every stage of the evaluation to protect your personal finances.

A loved one has passed away: what is the timeframe for filing the inheritance tax return, and what are the risks if I wait too long?

The inheritance tax return must be submitted to the Revenue Agency within 12 months of the date of death. It is a complex requirement that involves accurate tax calculation and complete documentation. Our firm assists you in meeting this deadline, avoiding financial penalties and ensuring that all bureaucratic steps—from death registration to mandatory notifications—are carried out correctly.

How is the succession managed if the deceased owned assets abroad or if some heirs do not live in Italy?

International successions require specific expertise to coordinate the laws and authorities of different countries. Our firm regularly manages cross-border cases, ensuring that testamentary provisions are correctly interpreted and that the inheritance division complies with international regulations. We handle communication with foreign professionals and entities, simplifying a procedure that would otherwise be extremely burdensome for the heirs.

My father left his entire estate to only one child (or to a stranger) via a will: can I contest it?

Yes, absolutely. Italian law provides for the figure of forced heirs (spouse, children and, in the absence of children, parents), who are entitled by law to a portion of the estate called the “reserved quota” (legittima). The testator cannot freely dispose of all their assets if this infringes upon the rights of the forced heirs. If the will or gifts made during the deceased’s lifetime have reduced your entitled share, we can take legal action (action for reduction) to reinstate your inheritance rights. We will verify the total hereditary assets together (including previous donations) to recover what you are entitled to by law.

Real Estate Law

I am a foreign citizen and would like to purchase a home in Italy: how can you help me avoid bureaucratic risks?

The purchase of a property in Italy by non-residents requires specific verifications. We handle the complete due diligence: we check regularity at the Land Registry and Property Registry, verify the absence of mortgages, and manage relations with the Notary and the Revenue Agency. Furthermore, we assist you in tax management and in the translation or explanation of documents, ensuring that the investment is secure and transparent from the offer through to the final deed.

What can I do if my tenant does not pay the rent or refuses to vacate the property?

In the event of arrears or breach of contract, we intervene to protect your rights as a landlord. We manage the entire phase of litigation and eviction procedures, initially seeking an out-of-court resolution to expedite the process and, if necessary, proceeding through judicial channels. We also handle the recovery of unpaid rent and manage relations with the Revenue Agency for tax aspects related to contract termination.

I signed a purchase proposal, but I discovered defects in the property: can I withdraw from the contract?

The presence of hidden defects or undeclared non-conformities is one of the main sources of real estate disputes. We offer assistance in assessing the severity of the defect and the liability of the seller or builder. We can negotiate a price reduction, request the rectification of defects at the counterparty’s expense or, in the most serious cases, take action for the termination of the preliminary contract and compensation for damages, protecting you from unforeseen financial losses.

I purchased a house a few months ago and serious water leaks have emerged that were not disclosed by the seller: what are my rights?

In these cases, the law protects you against so-called latent defects, which are defects existing prior to the sale but not easily recognizable at the time of purchase. You have two main paths: a reduction in price (actio aestimatoria) or, in more serious cases that make the property unfit for use, the termination of the contract (actio redhibitoria) with a refund of the amount paid. However, be mindful of the deadlines: you must report the defect to the seller within 8 days of discovery, and legal action must be initiated within 1 year of the delivery of the property. We will assist you in drafting the formal notice and in any technical appraisal to quantify the damage.

Corporate Law

Our company is considering expansion into the Latin American (LATAM) market: how can you support us in this transaction?

Cross-border transactions are our specialty. We assist you at every stage of internationalization, from legal due diligence on target companies to structuring mergers or acquisitions (M&A). Thanks to our specific experience in the Italy-LATAM axis, we coordinate the regulatory aspects of different countries to ensure that the transaction is secure, efficient and compliant with local and international laws.

Why should a small-medium enterprise (SME) adopt a "Model 231" and update its articles of association?

The adoption of Model 231/2001 is not merely a formal compliance requirement, but a legal shield that exempts the company from administrative liability for offenses committed by employees or executives. Together with the revision of the articles of association and the drafting of shareholders’ agreements, this intervention serves to stabilize corporate governance, prevent conflicts between shareholders and make the company more reliable in the eyes of banks and investors.

We are a start-up in the fundraising phase: how can we protect our idea and the relationships between founding shareholders?

In the growth phase it is vital to secure intellectual property and clearly define the “rules of the game.” We offer tailored services that include the drafting of solid commercial contracts and shareholders’ agreements that regulate the entry of new investors and exit clauses. Our goal is to protect the value of your innovation, ensuring that financing is managed on transparent and secure legal foundations.

If my company accumulates debt or goes bankrupt, do I risk creditors attacking my home or personal bank account?

In a limited liability company (such as an S.r.l. or an S.p.a.), the company’s assets are distinct from those of the shareholders. However, as a director, you may be held personally and unlimitedly liable with your own assets if you have not fulfilled your legal duties. For example, if you have not adopted the “adequate organizational structures” required by the Business Crisis and Insolvency Code to promptly detect a state of insolvency, or if you have carried out risky operations after the share capital had already been lost. Our firm assists you in verifying corporate compliance and managing the crisis to shield your personal assets from potential liability actions.