Obtaining Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship is a legal status that grants individuals full access to the rights enjoyed by holders of an Italian passport, while also establishing certain obligations and responsibilities toward the state. Italian citizenship provides the right to legally reside in the country, travel visa-free to more than 160 countries worldwide, study at Italian universities, work legally, receive healthcare services through the national insurance system, access social programs, and use the services of reliable European banks.

Italian citizenship may be obtained through marriage, birthright, adoption, or naturalization. Applicants may also qualify for citizenship if their activities are considered beneficial to the interests of the Italian state. In many cases, immigrants may apply for Italian citizenship without being required to renounce their original passport, as Italy generally allows dual citizenship.

Benefits of an Italian Passport

Obtaining citizenship of one of the most developed EU countries in 2026 provides access to the following opportunities:

• legal residence and employment in any European Union member state;
• the ability to run a business in a country whose economy ranks among the largest in the world;
• education at Italian universities, many of which are internationally recognized for advanced research and high-quality teaching;
• access to pensions, social benefits, and various state support programs.

Since November 1, 2004, all Italian citizens registered with the National Health Service and residing in Italy have been eligible to receive the EHIC — the European Health Insurance Card. This card allows holders to access healthcare services in any EU country under the same conditions as local citizens.

The EHIC provides access to both public and, in some cases, private healthcare systems. Most essential medical services for Italian citizens are covered either fully or partially, although certain countries may still require co-payments or additional charges for specific treatments or hospitalization.

Who Can Obtain Italian Citizenship

According to the Italian Citizenship Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992, the following individuals may automatically qualify for Italian citizenship:

• children born in Italy whose parents are unknown or cannot transfer their citizenship;
• a child whose father or mother is an Italian citizen by birth;
• children legally adopted by Italian citizens.

In addition, the following categories of applicants may apply for an Italian passport:

• individuals born in Italy who have legally resided in the country for at least 3 years;
• adult foreigners who were previously adopted by Italian citizens and have legally lived in Italy for at least 5 years after adoption;
• foreign nationals who have worked in the Italian public service sector for at least 5 years;
• citizens of EU member states who have legally resided in Italy for a minimum of 4 years;
• immigrants from non-EU countries who have legally lived in Italy for 10 years or longer.

Italian citizenship may also be requested by individuals who previously lived in territories transferred to Yugoslavia under the Paris Peace Treaty of February 10, 1947. In addition, descendants and children of Italian citizens may qualify for citizenship after legally residing in Italy for at least 3 years.

To apply for an Italian passport, foreign nationals are generally required to meet the following conditions:

• legally reside in Italy for the period established by law — for applicants from non-EU countries this is usually 10 years through naturalization, while EU citizens may apply after 4 years of residence;
• demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language at a minimum B1 level through an official language certificate (with certain exceptions for graduates of Italian universities and some EU residents);
• own or rent accommodation suitable for residence in Italy;
• have no criminal convictions in Italy or other EU countries;
• not pose a threat to public order or national security;
• prove the existence of a stable and legal source of income sufficient to support themselves and their family members.

Ways to Obtain Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship may be acquired through several legal pathways, depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances.

By Birthright

According to Article 1 of the Italian Citizenship Law, a child automatically acquires Italian citizenship if at least one parent holds an Italian passport. Italy follows the principle of jus sanguinis («right of blood»), meaning citizenship is transferred through family descent. In this case, the basis for citizenship is the parent’s proof of Italian citizenship together with the child’s birth certificate.

Children born in Italy whose parents are unknown or officially recognized as stateless persons may acquire citizenship under the principle of jus soli. In such cases, the applicant’s birth certificate serves as the main legal basis for obtaining an Italian passport.

Through Marriage

A foreign national may apply for Italian citizenship through marriage if they have legally lived in Italy for at least 2 years after marrying an Italian citizen, or if 2 years have passed since their spouse obtained Italian citizenship through naturalization. For applicants residing outside Italy, the required period generally increases to 3 years. If the couple has children, the waiting period is usually reduced by half.

To apply for Italian citizenship through marriage, the applicant must provide an official marriage certificate. In addition to documentary proof, spouses are generally expected to live together and maintain a shared household. After the application is submitted, Italian authorities may verify the authenticity of the relationship. In cases of fraudulent or fictitious marriage, the foreign applicant may face refusal of citizenship and possible deportation.

Through Adoption

A minor foreign national adopted by an Italian citizen may automatically acquire Italian citizenship on the basis of a decision issued by the competent Italian court. If the adoption took place abroad, citizenship may still be recognized provided that the foreign adoption order becomes legally valid in Italy through authorization by the Juvenile Court.

When applying for Italian citizenship in this case, the applicant is generally required to submit the child’s birth certificate together with documents confirming the citizenship of the adoptive parents. Adult adoptees may apply for Italian citizenship after legally residing in Italy for at least 5 years following the adoption.

Citizenship After Parents’ Naturalization

Minor children of foreign nationals who have obtained Italian citizenship may also apply for citizenship status. In this case, the following conditions generally must be met:

• the applicant must prove family relationship with parents who hold Italian citizenship;
• the applicant must be under the age of majority;
• the child must legally reside together with the parents.

When applying for citizenship, the applicant is usually required to provide documentary proof confirming compliance with these requirements, including a birth certificate, proof of the parents’ citizenship, and confirmation of place of residence. After reaching adulthood, the individual may renounce Italian citizenship if they hold another nationality.

Citizenship in the Interest of the State

A foreign national or stateless person whose parent or second-degree ancestor was an Italian citizen by birth may qualify for Italian citizenship if they:

• perform military service in Italy and officially declare the intention to obtain citizenship in advance;
• enter public service, including positions outside Italy, and express the intention to acquire Italian citizenship;
• legally reside in Italy for at least 2 years and apply for citizenship within one year after reaching adulthood.

The citizenship procedure in such cases begins with verification of the applicant’s ancestry. Authorities determine whether the Italian ancestor retained citizenship until the birth of the descendant. The applicant must prove Italian origin through civil status records and other official documents confirming the right to apply for citizenship.

Citizenship Through Residence

On this basis, Italian citizenship may be granted by decree of the President of Italy upon recommendation of the Ministry of the Interior. Applicants must legally and continuously reside in Italy for the period established by law. Citizenship may generally be requested by:

• foreign nationals from non-EU countries who have legally resided in Italy for at least 10 years;
• citizens of EU member states who have lived in Italy for at least 4 years;
• stateless persons legally residing in Italy for at least 5 years after official recognition of their status;
• adult adoptees who have legally resided in Italy for 5 years following adoption by Italian citizens;
• foreign nationals who have held positions in the Italian public service sector for at least 5 years;
• applicants who have legally lived in Italy for at least 3 years and whose parents or direct ancestors held Italian citizenship.

Applicants from non-EU countries and other foreign nationals are generally required to demonstrate Italian language proficiency at a minimum B1 level. A language certificate is usually not required for holders of EU long-term residence permits or for applicants who completed their studies at Italian universities.

How to Obtain Italian Citizenship: Main Stages

How to Prepare Documents for Italian Citizenship

Foreign nationals applying for Italian citizenship must first register on the official government portal and obtain access credentials for the electronic system used to complete and submit the online application.

To apply for citizenship, applicants are generally required to prepare the following documents:

• a copy of the current residence permit;
• birth certificate;
• valid passport or another identity document;
• certificate confirming family composition;
• certificate confirming Italian language proficiency at a minimum B1 level according to the CEFR scale;
• copies of income tax declarations for the previous three years;
• certificate confirming place of residence;
• criminal record certificate;
• proof of payment of the applicable government fees.

Depending on the legal basis for obtaining Italian citizenship, additional documents may also be required, such as a marriage certificate or proof of the parents’ citizenship. If the documents were issued outside Italy, they generally must be translated into Italian, notarized, and, when necessary, legalized with an apostille.

Costs and Processing Time

The review of an application for Italian citizenship may take up to 3 years depending on the legal basis and complexity of the case. When submitting documents, applicants are required to pay the applicable government fees. As of recent regulations, the standard fee for processing applications related to the acquisition, recognition, renunciation, or restoration of Italian citizenship is generally around EUR 250–300. Additional administrative fees may also apply during the submission of the citizenship application and issuance of official identity documents.

When applying for Italian citizenship, applicants are usually required to pay a contribution fee of approximately EUR 43 together with an administrative charge of around EUR 74 for the issuance of the passport or identity documents.

In certain situations, issuance of identity documents may be provided free of charge, including cases where:

• the applicant is officially recognized as an emigrant under historical Italian legislation;
• the applicant residing abroad requires consular repatriation or return to Italy for voluntary military service;
• the applicant is officially recognized as financially disadvantaged;
• the applicant is a religious minister or missionary.

Dual Citizenship in Italy

Italian law allows dual citizenship, meaning that foreign nationals may apply for an Italian passport without necessarily renouncing their existing nationality, provided this does not conflict with the legislation of their country of origin.

For example, citizens of Serbia are allowed under national legislation to hold citizenship of another state in certain circumstances. However, true dual citizenship generally подразумевает that both countries officially recognize the rights and obligations of the individual under a bilateral agreement. Since Italy and many non-EU countries do not have such agreements in place, applicants usually obtain a second citizenship rather than formally recognized dual citizenship.

In many cases, individuals who acquire citizenship of another country may also be required to notify the competent authorities of their original state about obtaining a second passport within the timeframe established by local law.

Reasons for Refusal of Italian Citizenship

An application for Italian citizenship may be rejected if:

• the applicant has been convicted in their country of origin or in an EU member state for a crime that, under Italian law, carries criminal liability;
• the applicant is considered a threat to national security or public order;
• the candidate serves in the military or holds a government position in another country in cases where this conflicts with Italian legislation;
• the applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient financial resources or adequate accommodation for living in Italy;
• false or misleading information was intentionally provided during the application process.

Illegal stay in Italy is prohibited by law. According to decisions issued by the prefectural authorities, administrative expulsion from the country may occur in cases such as:

• illegal entry into Italian territory;
• lawful entry into Italy without timely submission of documents for a residence permit;
• expiration of a residence permit more than 60 days earlier without filing an extension request;
• failure to leave the country within 15 days after receiving an official expulsion order;
• revocation or cancellation of a legal residence permit;
• re-entering Italy within 5 years after deportation without obtaining special authorization from the Ministry of the Interior.

To reduce the risk of refusal when applying for a second citizenship, many applicants seek assistance from migration lawyers and international law specialists. Professional legal support helps minimize risks, since qualified specialists understand the complexities of immigration legislation, know how to properly prepare documentation, and can assist in making the citizenship application process more efficient. Migration consultants may also help applicants collect the required documents and monitor the status of the case throughout the procedure.

Among immigrants, repatriation programs are becoming increasingly popular because they may provide an opportunity to obtain EU citizenship within a period starting from approximately 12 months. Countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland offer simplified procedures for applicants who can confirm ancestry connected to these states, allowing them to legally live and work not only in Italy, but throughout the European Union.