Italian citizenship may be obtained by foreigners who have legally lived in the country for 10 years or more and have demonstrated good character, financial stability, and respect for the national culture. Spouses of citizens are entitled to apply for status after just 2 years of marriage (when living together in Italy). If the couple lives abroad, the period increases to 3 years. The country also has a repatriation program for those who can prove direct Italian ancestry. There is no mandatory residence period for this category. Purchasing real estate, giving birth in the country, or investing in economic development does not entitle a person to citizenship.

Every year, the state approves tens of thousands of applications. However, obtaining a passport requires proof of an impeccable tax record with a minimum annual income of EUR 8,263 per person, no problems with the law, and a certificate confirming knowledge of Italian at no lower than B1 level. The Ministry of the Interior may take from 24 to 36 months to process the documents.

Italian Immigration Legislation

The basis of Italian immigration law is the Consolidated Immigration Act, Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione — Legislative Decree No. 286. The document regulates the entry and conditions of stay of foreign nationals. Matters concerning the acquisition of a passport are governed by Citizenship Law No. 91/1992. The basic acts are continually supplemented by packages of government amendments. In 2026, for example, the most significant changes concerned two aspects: work-visa quotas and the rules for obtaining status.

Previously, to participate in the repatriation program it was possible to prove the existence of an Italian ancestor even in the fourth or fifth generation. Under the new requirements, citizenship may be claimed only by those whose parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen.

The rules for the automatic transmission of citizenship to children born outside the country have changed. Italian parents are now required to submit a special declaration within one year of the child’s birth. The law set a deadline of 31 May 2026 for registering children who missed this period. If the parents fail to do so, the child will have to live in Italy for 2 years in order to obtain a passport.

Italy continues to implement its three-year plan for attracting foreign workers, but it sets quotas (nulla osta) for legal entry. In accordance with government decrees, 164,850 foreign nationals will be able to obtain legal work authorization in 2026.

Who Is Eligible for Italian Citizenship

Italian legislation provides for several ways to obtain a passport:

• by right of blood — if the applicant has direct Italian ancestors, the residence requirement (long-term residence) does not apply;
• through marriage — if the couple lives in the country, documents may be submitted 2 years after the wedding; if they live abroad — after 3 years;
• through naturalization — the minimum period of lawful residence depends on the applicant’s original status and ranges from 4 to 10 years.

For the Prefecture to accept an application for consideration, the following criteria must be met:

• Continuity of residence.
  Throughout all years of residence, the applicant must remain continuously registered in the national population register. Deregistration from an address or a lengthy stay outside Italy may result in the period not being counted.
• Financial requirement.
  Foreign nationals must prove that they are financially independent and pay taxes. Income for the previous 3 years must not be below the established minimum of EUR 8,263.31 per year if the applicant lives alone and has no dependants. If there is a dependent spouse, the amount increases to EUR 11,362, and EUR 516 is added to the basic minimum for each child.
• Language requirement.
  For citizenship, knowledge of Italian at B1 level or higher (confident everyday communication) must be confirmed. A diploma from an Italian school/university or a certificate from an accredited institution is acceptable. Holders of permanent residence are exempt from the exam because they have already confirmed their language knowledge when obtaining it.
• No criminal record.
  The applicant’s criminal history is checked both in Italy and in the country of origin. Serious offenses are a guaranteed ground for refusal.

The application is submitted online through the Ministry of the Interior’s specialized portal (ALI) using an SPID digital identity or a CIE electronic identity card.

The basic documents required when applying for citizenship include:

• an application form completed on the approved form in English or Italian (available for download from the official website);
• birth certificate;
• criminal record certificates — from the country of citizenship and from the countries where the applicant has lived;
• international passport;
• certificate confirming the level of Italian language proficiency;
• receipt confirming payment of the administrative fee;
• a EUR 16 revenue stamp (Marca da bollo), available at any Tabaccheria tobacco shop.

The Italian passport consistently ranks among the world’s top five strongest passports, but immigration is not suitable for everyone. Alternative options are worth considering if you are not prepared to wait 12–13 years, have unstable income, or find foreign languages difficult.

Italy allows second or dual citizenship. However, if your country requires you to renounce your passport when acquiring a new one, the lengthy naturalization process may lose its appeal. An experienced immigration lawyer from the company, who has up-to-date information about EU immigration programs, can help you make the right choice based on your individual situation.

Ways to Obtain Italian Citizenship

If there is no Italian ancestor in your family, the fastest way to obtain Italian citizenship is through marriage, especially if there are children. Naturalization requires at least 10 years of residence. Citizenship by residence requires proof of stable official income for the last 3 years; there is no such requirement for spouses. However, both marriage and naturalization require a B1 certificate. By contrast, no exam is required for direct confirmation of descent if you meet the requirements of “right of blood.” It is not possible to become an Italian citizen:

• through childbirth — the mere fact of birth in Italy does not automatically grant citizenship to a child;
• through the purchase of real estate — owning an apartment does not reduce the ten-year residence period and does not guarantee approval of the application;
• through investment — “golden” visas (Investor Visa for Italy) grant only a residence permit; the investor obtains a passport under the general rules, after the same 10 years of residence.

Repatriation — Italian Citizenship by Descent

Repatriation to Italy is a process through which a person born in another country restores or confirms status on the basis that their ancestors were Italian. The program is suitable for people whose parents or grandparents were Italian citizens. If your Italian ancestors are beyond the second generation (great-grandparents and further), the automatic route by blood is closed to you. Exceptions apply to those who managed to submit a complete set of documents or obtain a confirmed consular appointment before 27 March 2025.

In 2026, taking the new amendments into account, to obtain a passport through repatriation, a mother/father or grandmother/grandfather must have been born in Italy and held Italian citizenship. It is important that the ancestors did not voluntarily renounce Italian citizenship before the birth of the next child in the line. If direct repatriation by descent is impossible, the new laws offer alternatives:

• Reduced residence requirement — if you have Italian roots, you may apply after 2 years of residence. You must pass an Italian language exam at B1 level, confirm income, and have no criminal record.
• Employment benefits — a simplified regime for entry to Italy for employment outside the general immigration quotas has been introduced for direct descendants of Italians.

Investment Programs and Residence Permits

Investor Visa for Italy is a government immigration program created to attract substantial foreign capital into the economy. The program provides for verification of the legality of funds and preliminary approval of the investment. The capital must be invested within 3 months after entry and submission of residence permit documents. This is the only type of residence permit that is not cancelled if you spend more than 6 months a year outside the country. Residence rights are granted through investment in one of four areas:

• in a company included in the official register of Italian startups — from EUR 250,000;
• in the share capital of registered and operating joint-stock companies or limited liability companies — from EUR 500,000;
• in philanthropy — from EUR 1,000,000 in socially significant projects, such as cultural or scientific ones;
• in government bonds — a purchase of at least EUR 2,000,000.

A visa and a 2-year residence permit are issued first. If the investment is maintained in full after 2 years, the residence permit is extended for 3 years. After 5 years, permanent residence becomes available, and after another 5 years the applicant may apply for an Italian passport.

General Naturalization

Standard naturalization is an option for foreigners who do not have Italian roots or substantial capital for investment. A passport is granted on the basis of long-term continuous residence in the country, integration into society, and regular payment of taxes. The required residence period before application depends on the applicant’s initial status:

• citizens of non-EU countries — 10 years;
• citizens of EU Member States — 4 years;
• recognized refugees and stateless persons — 5 years;
• adult foreigners adopted by Italians — 5 years.

For spouses, the residence requirement is 2 years, provided the husband and wife live in Italy. If they reside abroad, the minimum period increases to 3 years; having common children reduces the required period by half in both cases. If a foreign national was born in Italy but did not obtain citizenship at the age of 18, they may apply for naturalization under an accelerated procedure after 3 years of official residence. A summary of the residence requirements and Italian citizenship fees for each category is presented in the table below.

Applicant category	Required residence period	Total fees, EUR
Citizens of non-EU countries	10 years	266 (fee 250 + stamp 16)
Citizens of the European Union	4 years	266 (fee 250 + stamp 16)
Refugees/stateless persons	5 years	266 (fee 250 + stamp 16)
Adult foreigners adopted by Italians	5 years	266 (fee 250 + stamp 16)
Persons born in Italy	3 years	266 (fee 250 + stamp 16)
Direct repatriation	—	600 (fee 600 + stamp 16)

The final cost will be higher because it includes obtaining criminal record certificates in the country of origin or previous residence, the services of an Italian sworn translator, and taking the B1 language exam (approximately EUR 100–150 if you do not already have a certificate).

The residence requirement can be fulfilled after obtaining a residence permit (Permesso di soggiorno). The type and conditions of stay for each basis differ and affect the prospects for obtaining permanent residence:

• Employment (Lavoro Subordinato).
  First, the employer requests a special Nulla Osta authorization, which is subject to annual government quotas. The first residence permit is issued for 1 or 2 years. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, a work-based residence permit gives the right to obtain permanent residence. The path to a passport is standard — 10 years of residence and proof of stable income for the last 3 years before application.
• Business and Self-Employment (Lavoro Autonomo).
  An immigration route for freelancers, company founders, and sole proprietors. It requires proof of sufficient funds, lawful accommodation, and approval from the local Chamber of Commerce. This type of visa is also subject to annual quotas. The residence permit is issued for 1–2 years and may be extended provided that your business generates income no lower than the social minimum and you pay taxes at the Italian rate. After 5 years, business owners may obtain permanent residence; after 10 years — a passport.
• Highly Qualified Specialists (Carta Blu UE).
  This residence permit is not subject to quotas. It is suitable for IT specialists, scientists, and top managers with higher education and a high-salary contract with an Italian company. The residence card is issued immediately for 2 years (with an open-ended employment contract). Italian citizenship requires 10 years of residence.
• Financially Independent Persons (Residenza Elettiva).
  A residence permit for foreigners with passive income (rent, dividends, pension) of at least EUR 31,000 per year who are prepared to buy or rent long-term accommodation in Italy. Working in the country with this type of residence permit is prohibited. An Italian citizen’s passport can be obtained after 10 years.
• Students (Studio).
  A student residence permit does not count in full toward the residence requirement. Years of study are considered “temporary stay.” It allows work for no more than 20 hours per week. At the same time, the residence permit may be converted into a work permit immediately after graduating from an Italian university or college.
• Digital Nomad Visa.
  A residence permit for foreigners who work remotely and receive stable income of at least EUR 28,000 per year. This immigration option is suitable for freelancers and remote employees of companies. The first residence permit allows residence in the country for up to one year; it can subsequently be extended if the requirements continue to be met. Permanent residence becomes available after 5 years of stay, and a passport after a total of 10 years of residence.

Procedure for Obtaining Italian Citizenship

To obtain Italian citizenship, it is necessary to obtain temporary and permanent residence permits step by step and provide evidence of knowledge of the national language and stable income for living expenses. The procedure is standard for everyone who obtains status other than through repatriation:

1. Obtaining a visa.
   A long-term category D visa allows a stay in Italy of more than 90 days and is issued for a specific purpose — study, work, or business. The application is submitted through the consulate. Processing takes from 30 days.
2. Obtaining a residence permit.
   After approval, you may enter Italy, register with the municipality at your place of stay, and within 8 days submit documents for a residence card at the police or post office. Processing takes approximately 90 days. The residence card can be renewed, but to preserve continuity of residence it is important not to spend more than 6 months outside the country in a single period.
3. Obtaining permanent residence.
   For most categories of foreigners, permanent residence becomes available after 5 years of residence. The permanent residence card must be replaced every 5 years, but the status itself has no expiry date.
4. Preparing to apply for citizenship.
   Residents who did not study at an Italian school must take a national language exam. A CILS or CELI certificate is required for the application. After passing the test, issuance of the certificate may take up to 4 months. The minimum level required for citizenship is B1. Documents must be translated into Italian and legalized with an apostille.
5. Filing the application.
   The application is submitted online through the Portale Servizi del Ministero dell’Interno. The statutory processing time is from 24 to 36 months. If approved, within six months you must take the oath, after which you become a citizen of the Italian Republic and may apply for a passport.

Refusal and Loss of Citizenship

The competent Italian authorities may reject an application for one of the following reasons:

• if the applicant’s income for the last 3 years has fallen below the minimum (EUR 8,263 per person);
• if there were periods when the applicant was deregistered from the municipality or was not listed in the population register;
• if crimes were committed in Italy or in the applicant’s home country;
• if an incomplete set of documents or false information was submitted.

If a problem is identified, the Prefecture sends a Preavviso di rigetto (pre-notice of refusal). From the moment it is received, you have 10 days to provide missing certificates or prove that the situation has been corrected. If this is not done, a final refusal will be issued, which can only be challenged in court within 60 days.

An Italian passport may be lost if it is established that the status was acquired on the basis of forged documents. Cooperation with terrorist organizations, espionage, or actions deemed hostile to Italy by the security services may also constitute grounds for deprivation of citizenship. Challenging such a decision is extremely difficult — claims are filed with higher courts and the European Court of Human Rights with no defined processing period.

Benefits of Italian Citizenship

An Italian passport provides the right to:

• visa-free entry to 160+ countries worldwide, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom;
• live, conduct business, and work in any of the 27 EU Member States without the need to obtain residence permits or work permits;
• use the national healthcare system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which is considered one of the best in Europe;
• study at public European universities at preferential tuition rates;
• pass citizenship on to children;

The citizenship process also has disadvantages. According to reviews, processing applications takes considerable time and involves bureaucratic procedures. It should also be taken into account that if you plan to live permanently in Italy, you will face a progressive tax scale with rates of up to 43% on worldwide income.

Dual Citizenship in Italy

The Italian government does not initiate notification of other countries when issuing a passport and, under Article 11 of the law, officially allows second citizenship. When obtaining an Italian passport, you will not have to renounce the citizenship you already hold. An exception applies where the applicant’s home country prohibits acquisition of another legal status. Dual citizenship based on signed agreements on mutual recognition of rights and obligations is possible only for citizens of Argentina and Nicaragua.

Reviews from Immigrants Who Obtained an Italian Passport

An analysis of immigrant cases makes it possible to identify the main features of the Italian passport application process. Complaints include reports that the service often freezes and application statuses do not change. Processing speed depends on the region. In small municipalities in northern Italy, the procedure may take 12–18 months. In Rome, Milan, or Naples, applicants often wait 2–3 years for a decision because of the enormous volume of applications.

Examining immigrants’ experiences highlights points that deserve particular attention. For example, a criminal record certificate must be recent at the time of filing. Many applicants fail to account for the time needed for apostille and translation, upload a certificate that is more than six months old, and receive a refusal during processing because the document has expired.

If the statutory processing period is nearing its end and the status has not changed, sending an official letter by certified mail may produce results. Apply for the B1 certificate in advance — the exam and waiting for the certificate itself take from 2 to 4 months. Have translations done by accredited translators.

When Legal Assistance Is Recommended

Assistance with obtaining Italian citizenship can save time and effort. If state authorities violate document-processing deadlines, an independently filed complaint is often ignored. A lawyer sends not merely a letter, but a formal demand to remedy the violation through certified mail. The request is supported by legal provisions. In most cases, the Prefecture prefers to resolve the issues in order to avoid future litigation costs.

If your dossier falls even one hundred euros short of the annual income requirement, an old fine is discovered, or there is a gap in your residence registration, you will receive a notice under Article 10-bis of Law 241/1990. You have exactly 10 days to file an appeal and challenge the arguments. During this time, a person without legal experience will not be able to substantiate, for example, why their income fell temporarily for reasons beyond their control or why the Prefecture incorrectly calculated continuity of residence. If the Prefecture issues a final refusal, it is no longer possible to correct the situation administratively.

Consulting an immigration lawyer is a tool for ensuring that the state complies with its own laws. A lawyer saves you money by protecting you from having to start the process again because of your own or a bureaucratic error.