Italian citizenship – Official guide 2025

In this guide we will see in an easy but complete way how to obtain Italian citizenship, what are the requirements, the necessary documents, the timeframe and what to do in case you receive a rejection notice.

Italian citizenship law

The term citizenship indicates the relationship between an individual and the State, and is a status, called civitatis, to which the legal system links the fullness of civil and political rights.

The matter of Italian citizenship is regulated by law no. 91 of 5 February 1992 (recently amended by law no. 132 of 1 December 2018) and by the implementing regulations no. 572/93 and no. 362/94.

How to get Italian citizenship

The Italian legislation currently in force provides for different ways to get citizenship:

•  Automatic Italian citizenship (e.g. birth, adoption, judicial recognition of filiation, etc.);
• Italian citizenship by benefit of law (e.g. descent, birth and continued residence);
• Italian citizenship by marriage or naturalization.

 

Italian citizenship law allows dual citizenship; therefore, the acquisition of Italian citizenship does not affect the maintenance of the citizenship of the country of origin unless the law of this country prohibits dual citizenship.

Similarly, an Italian citizen who acquires the citizenship of another State does not lose Italian citizenship unless the Italian citizen formally renounces it.

Let’s see how to apply for Italian citizenship depending on the various cases.

How to get automatic Italian citizenship

The acquisition of citizenship occurs automatically, therefore it is not necessary to apply for Italian citizenship, in some cases: of citizenship iure sanguinis (or iure sanguis), Italian citizenship by recognition of children, Italian citizenship by adoption and Italian citizenship by acquisition by parents.

Italian citizenship law by birth (Ius Sanguinis)

In Italy, Ius Sanguinis applies, or the right of blood, so the child of an Italian father or mother is an Italian citizen if one of the parents was born in Italy or has lived in Italy for at least 2 years before the birth of the child.

If the child is born abroad, in this case, it is essential to register the birth at the national registry office, otherwise it will be necessary to later request the verification of Italian citizenship, or a verification of the existence of the circumstances that entail the possession of Italian citizenship from birth (this is the reason why many descendants of Italians abroad today are not Italian, as we will see shortly).

The much-debated automatic Ius Soli, or the automatic acquisition of Italian citizenship by birth in Italian territory by parents who are not Italian citizens is only provided for in two cases:

• if both parents are unknown or stateless;
•  if neither parent is able to pass on their citizenship to the child, according to the law of the country of origin.

 

For recognition or judicial declaration of filiation

If an Italian citizen recognizes, at a time after birth, a minor child, the child automatically acquires Italian citizenship, and the acquisition is retroactive from the moment of birth.

If, however, the recognition or judicial declaration occurs with respect to an adult child, the child retains his or her citizenship but can (within one year of the recognition or judicial declaration) declare that he or she chooses Italian citizenship.

Obviously, fraud is not permitted for Italian citizenship law. If a recognition of natural filiation made by an Italian citizen with respect to a foreigner was annulled because it was considered false, all documents relating to the attribution of citizenship to the recognized child are consequently annulled.

How to get Italian citizenship by adoption

As in the previous case, a foreign minor adopted by an Italian citizen also acquires Italian citizenship by right.

Instead, if the adopted child is of age, he or she can request naturalization after five years of legal residence in Italy following the adoption, as we will see later.

How to get Italian citizenship by purchase or repurchase by parents

This is certainly what interests foreign families the most. In fact, the minor child of those who purchase or repurchase Italian citizenship, directly acquires citizenship as long as he or she lives with them in a stable and effective manner.

This is certainly what interests foreign families the most. In fact, the minor child of someone who acquires or reacquires Italian citizenship directly acquires citizenship as long as he or she lives with the child in a stable and effective manner.

Do not underestimate the detail of cohabitation, given that art. 12 of the Implementing Regulation of the law (Presidential Decree no. 572/93) has specified that cohabitation must be stable, effective and must exist at the time of acquisition or reacquisition of citizenship by the parent. If cohabitation occurs at a later time or is terminated, the minor child does not automatically acquire Italian citizenship, but maintains the right to request it within one year of reaching the age of majority (18 years).

Italian citizenship by benefit of law

 The acquisition of citizenship occurs by so-called benefit of law in the following cases which are Italian citizenship by descent and by birth and residence.

Italian citizenship by descent

 Italian citizenship by descent is a particular case that concerns only the foreigner or stateless person, wherever born, whose father or mother or one of the grandparents were Italian citizens by birth and subsequently lost Italian citizenship.

In these cases, the foreigner acquires Italian citizenship if he or she meets one of the following requirements

• performs military service in the Italian Armed Forces and declares that he or she wishes to acquire Italian citizenship;
• takes on a public job, even abroad, for the Italian State;
• upon reaching the age of 18, is legally resident in Italy, without interruption, for at least two years.

 

How to get Italian citizenship in Italy by birth and residence (Ius Soli)

I stated above that in Italy the automatic Ius Soli is in force only in two cases.

Ius Soli, however, exists. In fact, a foreigner born and resident in Italy without interruption until the age of eighteen can declare that he or she wishes to get Italian citizenship by the time they turn 19.

Italian citizenship for foreigners in this case is immediate. Be careful, however, you must apply voluntarily by the time you turn 19. After this age you will need to apply for another reason.

The declaration of intention to acquire Italian citizenship must be presented to the Civil Registry Office of the Municipality of residence or, in the case of residence abroad, before the Italian Consular Authority.

At the end of this guide, in the section latest updates on Italian citizenship, you can find the regulatory references for the latest legal interpretations that concern these cases.

Italian citizenship by marriage or naturalization

The most well-known Italian citizenship law for foreigners is certainly that by marriage, together with citizenship by residence (naturalization). Let’s look at them together.

Italian citizenship requirements by marriage

The foreign or stateless spouse of an Italian citizen can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage two years after the date of marriage if resident in Italy or, if resident abroad, three years after the date of marriage. These times are halved if there are children born or adopted by the spouses (even before marriage).

Obviously, there must not have been a dissolution, annulment or cessation of the civil effects of the marriage or legal separation.

If the spouse is a foreign citizen and acquires citizenship by another title, the necessary waiting time is not calculated from the date of marriage but from the date on which the spouse becomes an Italian citizen.

If the Italian spouse dies during the conclusion of the procedure, the foreign spouse still maintains the right to Italian citizenship.

How to get Italian citizenship in Italy by residence (naturalization)

The foreigner can apply for Italian citizenship after ten years of legal residence in Italy, reduced to five years for those who have been recognized as stateless or refugee status and to four years for citizens of European Community countries.

Citizenship by naturalization can also get in the following cases:

• If the foreigner, legally resident in Italy for at least three years, has a parent or a second-degree ascendant in a direct line who was an Italian citizen by birth;
• If the foreigner of age adopted by an Italian citizen has resided legally in Italy for at least five years after the adoption;
• If the foreigner has served, even abroad, for at least five years in the employ of the State;
• If the foreigner of age born in Italy has resided legally for at least three years.

 

Italian citizenship requirements

 Italian citizenship requirements vary from case to case. In the paragraphs above I have described the various situations in which you may recognize yourself to understand how to proceed with the most appropriate citizenship practices.

In general, if you apply for citizenship by automatic acquisition or by law, the requirements are basic and a few documents will be enough.

 If, however, you need to apply for Italian citizenship by right of blood, by marriage or by residence, the requirements are more stringent and must be demonstrated with the documents for Italian citizenship that I will explain in the following paragraphs.

Italian citizenship requirements by residence

The requirements to get citizenship in Italy by residence are the following:

• 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy;
• Income of at least €8,263.31;
• Knowledge of the Italian language at least B1 level.

 

Italian citizenship requirements by marriage

The Italian citizenship requirements by marriage are the following:

•  Marriage to an Italian citizen;
• Knowledge of the Italian language at least B1 level.

 

Italian citizenship requirements iure sanguinis

The requirements for a practical citizenship by right of blood are very detailed.

• Descent from an Italian ancestor whose son, not recognized as Italian, was born after May 5, 1861 (Unification of Italy);
• No interruption in the transmission of citizenship. This means that no member of the dynasty must have naturalized as a foreigner before the birth of their child.

 

The assessment could be more difficult but, since it is a very specific topic, I recommend you read our guide dedicated to Italian citizenship law iure sanguinis.

Documents for Italian citizenship

Let’s now look at the documents that can help you for the various citizenship procedures.

Italian citizenship by residence documents

1.     Passport and valid identity card;
2.     Valid residence permit or receipt of renewal request;
3.     Birth certificate;*
4.     Criminal crime certificate;*
5.     Historical residence certificate;**
6.     Form 730, Form CU or Form Unico;
7.     Certificate of knowledge of the Italian language at least level B1;***
8.     16€ stamp duty;
9.     Payment of a contribution of 250€.

* All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Italian. If you do not know how to legalize or apostil documents, read our guide on how to legalize and apostil foreign documents.

** Residence in Italy must be continuous. If there are unjustified “residency gaps”, you cannot submit the citizenship application.

*** Knowledge of the Italian language is not required in the following cases:

•  Those who have signed the integration agreement;
• Holders of an EU long-term residence permit;
• Those who have obtained at least a lower secondary school diploma (middle school).

 

Italian citizenship by marriage documents

The documents to get Italian citizenship by marriage are similar to those for Italian citizenship by residence but it is not necessary to demonstrate income or continuous residence. Obviously, however, it is necessary to prove the marriage or civil union.

1.     Valid passport and identity card
2.     Valid residence permit or renewal request receipt
3.     Birth certificate
4.     Criminal record certificate
5.     Marriage certificate registered or transcribed in Italy
6.     Certificate of knowledge of the Italian language at least B1 level
7.     16€ stamp duty
8.     Payment of a contribution of 250€

 

Italian citizenship iure sanguinis documents

The documents for citizenship iure sanguinis procedures are generally the following:

• Birth certificate of all ancestors in a direct line up to the Italian ancestor;
• Death certificates of all ancestors in a direct line up to the Italian ancestor;
• Marriage certificates (and possibly divorce certificates) of all ancestors in a direct line up to the Italian ancestor;
• Certificate of naturalization or declaration of intent or certificate of non-naturalization of the Italian ancestor.

 

As mentioned above, since this is a very sensitive topic, I refer you to our guide dedicated exclusively to the citizenship iure sanguis procedure.

How to become a citizen of Italy online

Since May 18, 2015, the application for citizenship by marriage and residence can be sent exclusively electronically, through the dedicated portal of the Ministry of the Interior.

The application for Italian citizenship is therefore presented to the competent Prefecture but is addressed to the President of the Republic. In the case of citizenship by naturalization, it is granted by Decree of the President of the Republic.

Italian citizenship timeframe

Italian citizenship law 91/1992 establishes that the time for Italian citizenship by marriage and naturalization available to the Public Administration is 24 months (2 years), extendable for a maximum of an additional 12 months for motivated investigation needs. The new times are valid only for applications submitted from 19 December 2020, the date of entry into force of the conversion law.

In the case of citizenship iure sanguinis, the time required varies from Municipality to Municipality (usually a maximum of 8 months) and from Consulate to Consulate (usually ranging from a minimum of 6 months to even 10 years, as in the case of Rio de Janeiro).

Phases of Italian citizenship

There are 7 phases of Italian citizenship advancement, as I explain in our dedicated guide, but they are often not so well defined. It may happen that the citizenship status is not updated on the portal and that it always remains blocked in the early stages when, in reality, the process is already being concluded.

 So don’t worry if you don’t see any changes, a check through access to documents can always be useful, but it could also be a simple malfunction of the portal or the failure of officials to update the status of the application.

Italian citizenship costs

Legislative Decree 4 October 2018, n. 113, converted into law 1 December 2018, n. 132, raised the amount of the contribution required for citizenship from €200 to €250.

The contribution for citizenship should not be applied to applications for recognition of citizenship by birth or to the automatic forms provided for by Law 91/1992, or in the cases of:

• born in Italy from unknown or stateless persons or from parents who do not transmit citizenship;
• subjects found on the territory of the State, without proof of possession of another citizenship;
• recognition or judicial declaration of filiation in a minor age;
• minors adopted by Italians;
• Reacquisition of citizenship following re-establishment of residence in Italy for one year;
• minor child of the person acquiring or reacquiring citizenship.

 

Note that half of the proceeds from these contributions are invested in financing projects of the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior aimed at international collaboration and cooperation and assistance to third countries in matters of immigration and, for the other half, in covering the costs associated with the investigative activities relating to procedures relating to immigration, asylum and citizenship.

Consult Italian citizenship practice

On the official portal of the Ministry of the Interior, the same one from which citizenship applications are sent, citizenship can be checked using the “view practice status” function.

To consult the application sent via a NO-SPID user online, once logged in with SPID or CIE, it is possible to associate the practice by entering the requested data and the Practice Number (i.e. K10 or K10/C).

Recently, to avoid having to constantly access the portal, the possibility of checking the citizenship status online by downloading the IO app has been introduced. Any communications will arrive directly on the app and with notifications on your phone.

Oath of Italian citizenship

Once the administrative process is completed, the Prefecture will send your decree granting Italian citizenship to the Municipality.

 Recently, the possibility of downloading it directly from the “SEND – Digital notifications” app has been introduced. From here, you can download the decree and obtain the codes needed to book an appointment for the final oath at the Municipality where you are resident.

Note that the booking methods and times for obtaining an appointment for the oath vary from Municipality to Municipality, but it is possible to obtain an advance appointment, adequately documenting the reasons for the request.

Loss and revocation of Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship Law no. 91/1992 provides for three hypotheses of automatic loss of Italian citizenship, in the following cases:

•  The revocation of the adoption due to the fault of the adopted person results in the automatic loss of the citizenship acquired by the latter by virtue of the adoption, provided that he or she has another citizenship or reacquires it (art. 3, co. 3);
• failure to comply with the Italian Government’s request to leave a public employment or public office that the citizen has accepted from a foreign State or public body or from an international body in which Italy does not participate, or failure to comply with the invitation to abandon military service that the citizen is performing for a foreign State (Article 12, paragraph 1);
• the acceptance of a public office or the performance of military service for a foreign State, or the voluntary acquisition of citizenship of the State in question, when such circumstances occur during a state of war with it (Article 12, paragraph 2).

With regard to the effects of international treaty provisions on the Italian legal system, Article 26, paragraph 3, of Law 91/1992 generally safeguards the provisions of international agreements, thus affirming their prevalence over internal legislation.

Furthermore, Italian citizens may voluntarily renounce Italian citizenship provided that they move, or have moved, their residence abroad and are holders of another citizenship or citizenships (L. 91/1992, art. 11). The right to renounce Italian citizenship in this case may be exercised only by citizens of age.

Those who get Italian citizenship while they were minors, as children living with the parent who acquired or reacquired citizenship, have the right to renounce it (without time limits), once they have become adults, provided that they are in possession of another citizenship (art. 14).

Furthermore, an adult subject in possession of another citizenship may renounce Italian citizenship – even if he or she resides in Italy – following the revocation of the adoption due to facts attributable to the adopter. The renouncement must be made within one year of the revocation (art. 3, co. 4).

Furthermore, article 10-bis of L. n. 91 of 1992, introduced by Legislative Decree no. 113 of 2018 (Article 14), provides for a possibility of revocation of citizenship in the event of a definitive conviction for the following crimes:

crimes committed for the purposes of terrorism or subversion of the constitutional order for which the law provides for a minimum prison sentence of no less than 5 years or a maximum of 10 years (Article 407, paragraph 2, letter a), no. 4);

• reconstitution, even under a false name or in simulated form, of subversive associations whose dissolution has been ordered (Article 407, paragraph 1, letter a) no. 4, which refers to Article 270, third paragraph, of the Criminal Code);
• participation in an armed gang (Article 407, paragraph 1, letter a) no. 4, which refers to Article 306, second paragraph, c.p.);
• assistance to members of subversive associations or associations with the purpose of terrorism, including international terrorism (art. 270-ter c.p.). This type of crime is expressly referred to
• theft of goods or money seized to prevent the financing of terrorism (art. 270-quinquies.2 c.p.). This type of crime is also expressly referred to by the legislator since, due to the amount of the penalty provided for, it does not fall within the list of crimes referred to in art. 407, co. 2, letter a) no. 4) c.p.p.

 

The revocation of citizenship is adopted by decree of the President of the Republic, upon proposal of the Minister of the Interior, within three years of the final judgment of the conviction.

According to the text, the revocation cases are applicable only in the case in which Italian citizenship was acquired by marriage (art. 5, L. n. 91/1992), by naturalization (art. 9), or pursuant to article 4, co. 2, of the same law. This last hypothesis concerns the cases of acquisition of citizenship by a foreigner born in Italy, who has resided there legally without interruption until reaching the age of majority.

How to get Italian citizenship – Latest updates

New rules on self-certification in some states

Since 1 January 2012, Italian public administrations are required to acquire ex officio the information, data and documents that are already in the possession of the Public Administration, following indication, by the interested party, of the elements indispensable for finding the information or data requested.

Therefore, the applicant will not have to produce certificates containing information or data already in the possession of the Italian Public Administration but will have to limit himself to reporting in the application all the elements indispensable for finding such information or data. 

FAQ – Italian citizenship