The Truth About Lawyers for Italian Visas and Citizenship: Are They Worth the Cost?

Dreaming of a new life in Italy? You’re not alone. The allure of historic streets, incredible food, and a vibrant culture is strong. But the path to getting there, whether through a visa or claiming your Italian citizenship, can seem like a maze of bureaucracy. It's a process that leads many to ask: "Should I hire an attorney?"

Many people believe that hiring an expensive lawyer or solicitor is the only way to navigate the paperwork, making the process faster or easier. We're here to tell you that for the vast majority of applicants, this is simply not true.

The internet is full of Italian lawyers promising to speed up the bureaucracy for you. The truth is, in most cases, you do not need one at all.

The System is Designed for You, Not Lawyers

The Italian system for visa and citizenship applications is set up for individuals to apply on their own. You do not need a legal representative to file your application at an Italian consulate or your local comune (town hall) in Italy. The process is based on clear requirements, and hiring a lawyer doesn't change what you need to provide or the official processing times.

What About the Language Barrier?

This is perhaps the biggest reason people hesitate to handle their own applications. Don't let this push you toward hiring costly help.

Here’s why it’s not the barrier you think it is:

• Consulates Speak Your Language: Every Italian consulate has staff who are fluent in the local language of the country they operate in.

• Help in the Comune: In many Italian comuni, especially in areas accustomed to expats, you will find at least one English-speaking staff member who is happy to help. In our experience, they appreciate any attempt to speak Italian—no matter how basic—and are very willing to assist in English.

When Is an Attorney Actually Necessary?

There is only one situation where you truly need an attorney: if you need to go to court. This is typically for specific, complex citizenship cases (for example, certain 1948 cases) that require a judicial ruling.

If your situation does require legal action, be very cautious. Be wary of any attorney who "guarantees" a specific outcome in court. They are not being truthful. Court outcomes are never certain, and you will be required to pay their significant fees regardless of the result.

You Are Not Alone on This Journey

While you don't need a lawyer, you do need good information and support. Thankfully, you are not the first person to go through this! There are fantastic online communities, particularly Facebook groups, filled with people who have successfully completed the process and are willing to share their experiences and answer questions. These groups are an invaluable resource.

Furthermore, you should know that we here at Ready Set Italia have personally been in your shoes. Our team has navigated the system from start to finish.

We have gone through the process of applying for:

• Citizenship by blood (jure sanguinis)

• Citizenship by marriage (jure matrimonii)

• The permesso di soggiorno (residence permit)

• The permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo (EU long-term residence permit)

• Getting a codice fiscale

• Getting Italian ID cards (carta d'identità) and passports

• Even small daily-life tasks like setting up public transport passes

We believe in empowering you with the knowledge to succeed on your own. We are happy to tell you more about our journey anytime. Just ask!