In short. Italian citizenship can be obtained by descent (iure sanguinis), by residence (naturalisation), by marriage to an Italian citizen, or by birth in Italy followed by continuous residence until 18. Since the 2025 reform, people born abroad who hold another citizenship are treated as never having acquired Italian citizenship unless an exception applies, for example an application or court case filed, or an appointment communicated to you, by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, a parent or grandparent who held only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent who lived in Italy for at least two continuous years after becoming a citizen and before the child’s birth or adoption.
The main law is Law no. 91 of 5 February 1992, substantially amended in 2025 by Decree-Law no. 36 of 28 March 2025, converted by Law no. 74 of 23 May 2025. Guide updated to 19 October 2026.
What are the ways to obtain Italian citizenship?
- By descent (iure sanguinis): for children and grandchildren of Italian citizens, within the limits set by the 2025 reform. See our guide to Italian citizenship by descent.
- By residence (naturalisation): after a period of legal residence in Italy, with income and language requirements.
- By marriage or civil union with an Italian citizen.
- By birth in Italy: for those born in Italy who lived there legally and without interruption until 18.
- Other cases: adoption of a minor by an Italian citizen, recognition of a child by an Italian parent, reacquisition of citizenship lost in the past.
Italy allows dual citizenship: becoming Italian does not require giving up your current citizenship, unless the law of your country requires it.
What changed for citizenship by descent in 2025?
Before 2025, descent from an Italian ancestor could be traced back over many generations. Decree-Law no. 36/2025 introduced new conditions (Article 3-bis): a person born abroad who also holds another citizenship is treated as never having acquired Italian citizenship, unless at least one of these conditions is met:
- a parent or grandparent who is or was an Italian citizen holds, or held at the time of death, only Italian citizenship (according to the Ministry of the Interior, the relevant date is normally the date of your birth or, if the ancestor had already died, the date of death);
- a parent or adoptive parent who is an Italian citizen was resident in Italy for at least two continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the child’s birth or adoption; or
- the application, appointment or court case is covered by the transitional rule described below.
Applications submitted, or appointments booked and communicated, by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, and court cases filed by that date, are still assessed under the previous rules.
The reform also limits the evidence that can be used in court cases on citizenship by descent: witness statements and sworn oaths are no longer accepted, and the applicant must prove there was no loss of citizenship along the line.
What are the requirements for citizenship by residence?
The required period of legal residence in Italy depends on your situation:
- 10 years for non-EU citizens;
- 4 years for EU citizens;
- 5 years for refugees, stateless persons and adults adopted by an Italian citizen;
- 3 years for foreigners born in Italy;
- 2 years for foreigners whose parent or grandparent is or was an Italian citizen by birth, reduced from 3 years by the 2025 reform.
You also need:
- sufficient income in the three years before the application (the Ministry of the Interior’s vademecum gives reference thresholds, for example €8,263.31 a year for a single applicant, higher with dependants);
- knowledge of Italian at least at B1 level, proven by a recognised certificate or an Italian school qualification;
- no criminal record or security concerns that weigh against the application (the assessment is discretionary).
What are the requirements for citizenship by marriage?
- marriage or civil union with an Italian citizen, still valid when the decision is made;
- at least two years of legal residence in Italy after the marriage, or three years after the marriage if the couple lives abroad;
- these periods are halved if the couple has children, born or adopted;
- knowledge of Italian at least at B1 level;
- no serious criminal convictions or security issues.
For details, read our guide to Italian citizenship by marriage.
Can you become Italian if you were born in Italy?
Yes. A foreigner born in Italy who has lived there legally and without interruption until 18 can become Italian by declaration, which must be made at the town hall within one year of turning 18. Civil-status officers must tell residents born in Italy, in the six months before their 18th birthday, that they can declare by age 19; if no notice was sent, the right can be exercised later (Article 33 of Decree-Law 69/2013).
What happens to the children of new Italian citizens?
Since the 2025 reform, a minor child of a parent who becomes Italian also becomes Italian only if the child has lived legally in Italy for at least two consecutive years when the parent acquires citizenship, or since birth if the child is younger than two.
Which documents are needed for residence and marriage applications?
- birth certificate from the country of origin;
- criminal record certificates from the country of origin and from any other country of residence;
- Italian language certificate at level B1;
- valid passport and residence permit;
- income documents for the last three years, for residence applications;
- marriage certificate registered in Italy, for marriage applications;
- receipt of the 250 euro fee and a 16 euro revenue stamp.
Foreign documents must usually be legalised or apostilled and translated into Italian. Applications by residence and by marriage are submitted online on the Ministry of the Interior portal: applicants access it with SPID or CIE, while those resident abroad register on the portal. For recognition of citizenship by descent, Italian consulates charge adult applicants a €600 consular fee (since 1 January 2025).
How long does the procedure take?
- Residence and marriage: the law sets a maximum of 24 months, extendable to 36 months. To understand where your file is, see the 7 steps of the citizenship application.
- Descent: times depend on the town hall or consulate that handles the case and can vary widely.
Once citizenship is granted, the applicant must take the oath at the town hall within six months of being notified of the decree. Citizenship takes effect from the day after the oath.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still get Italian citizenship through a great-grandparent?
Generally not by descent, if you were born abroad and hold another citizenship, unless one of the exceptions in Article 3-bis applies: for example, your application was filed, your appointment was booked and communicated, or your court case was filed by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025; a parent or grandparent held only Italian citizenship; or your Italian parent lived in Italy for two continuous years after becoming a citizen and before your birth. Each family line needs an individual assessment. You may also qualify through other routes, such as residence in Italy.
How many years do I need to live in Italy to become a citizen?
Ten years of legal residence for non-EU citizens and four for EU citizens. Shorter periods apply in special cases: five years for refugees and stateless persons, three years for foreigners born in Italy, and two years if a parent or grandparent is or was an Italian citizen by birth.
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
No. Italy allows dual citizenship, so becoming Italian does not require giving up your current citizenship. However, some countries do not allow their nationals to hold another citizenship, so check whether the law of your own country requires you to renounce it.
What level of Italian is required?
At least B1 level is required for applications by residence and by marriage. It must be proven with a recognised language certificate or an Italian school qualification, which is attached to the online application on the Ministry of the Interior portal together with the other documents. You are exempt if you signed the integration agreement, hold an EU long-term residence permit or have serious limitations in the ability to learn the language, certified by a public health body (Constitutional Court judgment 25/2025).
What can I do if my application is refused?
Before a refusal, the administration usually sends a notice that allows you to submit observations within 10 days. A final refusal can be challenged in court within strict deadlines. Legal advice, appeals and litigation are handled by the lawyers of the SH Immigration Specialists law firm.
Official sources
- Law no. 91 of 5 February 1992 on Italian citizenship — Normattiva (in Italian)
- Italian citizenship: Decree-Law 36/2025 converted, main changes — Integrazione Migranti portal (in Italian)
- Law no. 74 of 23 May 2025, converting Decree-Law no. 36/2025 — Gazzetta Ufficiale (in Italian)
- Decree-Law no. 48 of 11 April 2025, Article 9 (revocation of citizenship) — Gazzetta Ufficiale (in Italian)
- Ministry of the Interior, Circular no. 26185 of 28 May 2025 (in Italian)
- Ministry of the Interior, vademecum of 23 April 2025 on citizenship by residence (in Italian)
The sources were consulted on 19 October 2026. Rules, fees and procedures may change: always check the updated instructions of the competent office.
How can SH Immigration Specialists help?
SH Immigration Specialists helps you check which route to Italian citizenship applies to you, collect and prepare the documents and submit the application by residence or by marriage, in English and other languages. For legal matters such as appeals and legal advice, you can count on the immigration lawyers of the SH Immigration Specialists law firm. The outcome depends on the competent authorities. For an assessment, contact us.
This content provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
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Which other guides may help you?
- Italian Citizenship by Descent: 2026 Requirements and Process
- Italian citizenship by marriage: requirements, timing and refusal risks
- Italian Citizenship Application: The 7 Steps Explained
- Reclaim Italian citizenship
- Italian citizenship by residence: years required, income, B1 and timing
- Italian citizenship for people born in Italy: when and how
- Types of Italian citizenship: how each is obtained
