How to Obtain Italian Citizenship in 2026: Complete Guide

Obtaining Italian citizenship is becoming an increasingly relevant question for foreigners seeking to become part of the European community. An Italian passport opens wide opportunities for living, working, and traveling throughout the European Union. According to the Italian statistical institute (ISTAT), in 2023 alone, more than 213,000 people obtained Italian citizenship, of which about 85,000 did so through naturalization by residency.

Italy offers several pathways to citizenship, including naturalization, marriage to an Italian citizen, and jus sanguinis (right of blood). Each method has its own characteristics, advantages, and requirements for candidates. At the same time, the process of obtaining Italian citizenship is strictly regulated by law and requires careful preparation of documents.

Key points:

• Italian citizenship grants the right to reside and work in any EU country
• The process takes from 2 to 10 years depending on the basis
• Italy permits dual citizenship
• Italian language proficiency at B1 level is required

Citizenship acquisition statistics for recent years:

• 2023: more than 213,000 new citizens (record, ISTAT data)
• 2022: about 213,700 people
• 2021: about 121,500 people

In this guide, we examine in detail all aspects of obtaining Italian citizenship, including necessary documents, waiting periods, and procedural specifics for various categories of applicants. Information is current as of early 2026 and takes into account the 2025 citizenship legislation reform (decree-law 36/2025, converted to law 74/2025).

Important: The procedure for obtaining Italian citizenship may change depending on changes in legislation and international circumstances. We recommend additionally checking information on the official website of the Italian Ministry of Interior.

Main pathways to obtain Italian citizenship

Italian law provides several official pathways to citizenship. Each method has its own characteristics, requirements, and review timelines. Let us examine all available options in detail.

1. Citizenship by Right of Blood (Jus Sanguinis)

This pathway is available for persons with Italian ancestry. Important: as of March 28, 2025, the rules have been significantly tightened by decree-law 36/2025 (converted to law 74/2025 of May 23, 2025). Italy's Constitutional Court in 2025–2026 confirmed the legality of these restrictions.

• Automatic citizenship recognition is now limited to two generations: the right arises if your parent or grandparent was born in Italy
• The previous rule of unlimited generational counting (going back to an ancestor born in 1861) has been abolished — great-grandchildren and more distant descendants have lost automatic rights
• Additional condition: the Italian ancestor (parent/grandparent) at the time of your birth or their death must not have held any citizenship other than Italian
• Applications filed before March 27, 2025 are reviewed under the previous, unlimited rules
• Documentary proof of kinship is required; processing time: 6–24 months

2. Naturalization after residency

The most common pathway to citizenship for foreigners living long-term in Italy.

• 10 years of legal residency for non-EU citizens
• 4 years for EU citizens
• 5 years for stateless persons and refugees
• 2 years for descendants of first and second generation Italians, legally residing and working in Italy (reduced from 3 to 2 years by the 2025 reform)
• A permanent residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) is required

3. Citizenship through marriage

Marriage to an Italian citizen provides the right to accelerated citizenship.

• 2 years of joint residency in Italy after marriage registration
• 3 years when residing abroad
• Timelines are halved if there are children
• The marriage must be valid at the time of citizenship acquisition

4. Investor Visa — a pathway to residence permit, not directly to citizenship

Since 2017, Italy has operated an investor visa program (informally known as a "Golden Visa"). Important: it provides a residence permit, not citizenship directly. Citizenship for an investor is possible only after 10 years of legal residency in the country on general grounds.

• €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
• €500,000 in capital of an Italian company (€250,000 in an innovative startup)
• €1,000,000 as a charitable donation
• After 5 years — right to permanent residence permit; after 10 years of residency — ability to apply for citizenship

5. Exceptional merit to Italy

In exceptional cases, citizenship may be granted for exceptional services to the state.

• Outstanding achievements in science, sports, or arts
• Significant contribution to the country's economic development
• Processing time: individual basis

Important particulars

• All methods require knowledge of Italian at B1 level
• Financial stability confirmation is necessary
• Absence of criminal records is mandatory
• Retention of previous citizenship is possible

The choice of citizenship pathway depends on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Marriage remains the fastest route to citizenship, while obtaining citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) after the 2025 reform is available only to descendants within two generations. Naturalization requires lengthy (typically 10 years) residency in the country.

Basic requirements for candidates for Italian citizenship

To successfully obtain Italian citizenship, one must meet a series of mandatory requirements established by Italian law. These requirements apply to all categories of applicants, regardless of the chosen pathway.

Timelines for legal residency

The required length of residency in Italy depends on the applicant category:

• 10 years of continuous residency for regular applicants
• 4 years for EU citizens
• 5 years for stateless persons and refugees
• 2 years for descendants of first and second generation Italians legally residing in Italy (reduced from 3 to 2 years by the 2025 reform)
• 2 years for spouses of Italian citizens (residing in Italy; 3 years when residing abroad; timelines are halved if there are children)

Important: the residency period is counted from the moment of obtaining the first residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

Language requirements

Since 2018, an Italian language requirement has been mandatory:

• Minimum level: B1 on the European CEFR scale
• A certificate from an accredited exam center is required
• Certificate validity: no more than 2 years at the time of application
• Exemptions: persons over 65 years old and those with serious health issues

Financial requirements

The applicant must demonstrate financial stability:

• Minimum annual income: from €8,500 for one person
• Additionally €500 per dependent
• Confirmation of a stable income source
• Possession of housing (owned or rented)
• Absence of outstanding debt to the state

Reputation requirements

The candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Absence of criminal convictions in Italy or other countries
• No connections to terrorist organizations
• Absence of administrative violations
• Good tax history
• No threat to public safety

Additional conditions

• Valid residence permit at the time of application
• Registration of residency (residenza)
• Payment of state fee (€250)
• Presence in Italy when submitting documents

Important notes

When applying for citizenship, please note the following:

• All requirements must be met at the time of application and until the decision is made
• Documents in foreign languages require legalization and translation
• Timely update of documents with expiring validity periods is necessary
• It is recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents

Compliance with all basic requirements is a prerequisite for initiating the Italian citizenship procedure. It is recommended to carefully review all criteria and prepare necessary documents in advance to avoid application rejection.

Specifics of obtaining Italian citizenship for Russians

The process of obtaining Italian citizenship for Russian citizens has a number of specific features that must be taken into account when preparing documents and planning the entire procedure.

Specific requirements for Russians

• All documents from Russia must have an apostille
• Notarized translation into Italian is required
• Civil registry documents must be issued no earlier than 6 months before submission
• Educational documents must be legalized

Necessary documents for Russians

In addition to the standard document package, Russian citizens must provide:

• Birth certificate with apostille
• Absence of conviction certificate from the Russian Interior Ministry
• Passport (all pages)
• Russian passport (all pages)
• Document of family status
• Educational diploma with legalization

Process specifics

Stage 1: Document preparation in Russia

• Obtaining an absence of conviction certificate (valid for 6 months)
• Apostille from the Russian Ministry of Justice
• Notarized translation of documents
• Legalization of educational documents

Stage 2: Actions in Italy

• Registration of residency
• Obtaining a residence permit
• Passing a language proficiency exam
• Submitting documents to the prefecture

Practical aspects

• Document processing time in Russia: 2–3 months
• Application review period: 24–48 months
• Possibility of retaining Russian citizenship
• Personal presence required at submission

Important notes

• All translations must be performed by accredited translators
• It is recommended to make additional copies of all documents
• Documents are accepted only with personal presence
• Document validity periods must be taken into account

Approximate costs for Russians

• State fee for document processing in Russia: about RUB 15,000
• Apostille and legalization: from RUB 20,000
• Document translations: from RUB 30,000
• State fee in Italy: €250
• Language proficiency exam: about €100

Recommendations

• Begin gathering documents in advance
• Check current requirements at the consulate
• Study Italian language alongside document collection
• Consult with lawyers on complex issues

The process of obtaining Italian citizenship for Russians requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The key is to properly prepare and legalize all necessary documents, and also to plan all stages of the procedure in advance, taking into account document validity periods.

Document submission procedure for Italian citizenship

The process of submitting documents for Italian citizenship requires careful preparation and compliance with all formalities. Let us consider each stage of the procedure in detail.

List of necessary documents

Main documents

• Application for citizenship (form AE)
• Birth certificate with apostille
• Valid passport (all pages)
• Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
• Document of residency registration
• Absence of conviction certificate from all countries of residence
• Certificate of Italian language knowledge (B1 level)

Additional documents

• Family status certificate (stato di famiglia)
• Income documents for the last 3 years
• Tax payment documentation
• Educational document
• Receipt for state fee payment (€250)

Where and how to submit documents

Online submission

• Registration on the Ministry of Interior portal
• Completion of electronic application form
• Upload of scanned documents
• Receipt of application acceptance confirmation

In-person submission

• Prefecture at place of residence
• Italian consulate (for those residing abroad)
• Prior appointment necessary
• Submission of original documents

Review timelines

• Standard timeline: 24–48 months
• By marriage: 24–36 months
• By descent: 12–24 months
• Ability to track status online

Cost of procedure

• State fee: €250
• Document legalization: €100–300
• Notarized translations: €30–50 per page
• Language proficiency certificate: €100–150

Practical tips for submission

• Verify the currency of all documents before submission
• Make copies of all documents
• Prepare documents in two copies
• Organize documents according to the list
• Have copies of previous residence permits with you

Common errors when submitting

• Incomplete document package
• Expired documents
• Absence of apostille or legalization
• Poor quality translations
• Incorrectly filled forms

After document submission, the applicant receives notification with a case number by which you can track the status of your citizenship application on the Italian Ministry of Interior website.

Important: After submitting your application, you must maintain legal resident status in Italy until the citizenship decision is made. This means timely extension of your residence permit and maintenance of residency registration.

Advantages of Italian citizenship

Obtaining Italian citizenship opens broad opportunities not only in Italy itself but throughout the European Union. Let us consider the main advantages of holding an Italian passport.

Visa-free travel

• Free movement throughout all EU countries without restrictions
• Visa-free entry to more than 180 countries worldwide
• Possibility of long-term stay in Schengen area countries
• Simplified visa acquisition for the USA, Canada, Australia
• No need for entry permits in most countries

Employment and business

• Right to work in any EU country without special permits
• Opportunity to start a business throughout the EU
• Access to Italian civil service
• Simplified company registration procedure
• Right to practice professions in regulated sectors

Social guarantees

• Free medical care in Italy
• Access to social insurance system
• Pension provision
• Unemployment benefits
• Maternal and child allowances
• Social assistance for the poor

Education

• Free education in public institutions
• Access to universities throughout the EU on equal terms with local residents
• Participation opportunity in EU educational programs
• Diploma recognition in EU countries
• Scholarship programs for students

Real estate and investments

• Unrestricted right to purchase real estate
• Access to Italian bank mortgage programs
• Opportunity to invest in any EU assets
• Tax preferences for residents
• Property rights protection under EU law

Political rights

• Right to participate in elections at all levels
• Ability to be elected to government offices
• Referendum participation
• Diplomatic protection from Italy
• Consular support in any country worldwide

Family advantages

• Simplified citizenship acquisition procedure for family members
• Family reunification opportunity
• Automatic citizenship for children
• Access to preschool education system
• Family social benefits

Economic advantages

• Free movement of capital within the EU
• Opening accounts in European banks
• Participation in state business support programs
• Access to European grants and subsidies
• Investment protection under EU legislation

Italian citizenship also allows you to retain your original citizenship, as Italy recognizes dual citizenship. This gives the ability to enjoy the benefits of both countries.

Important: All listed advantages are available immediately upon obtaining citizenship and are valid for life. They also apply to children of Italian citizens.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining Italian citizenship

During the citizenship acquisition process, applicants often have similar questions. Let us consider the most common ones.

Dual citizenship

Is dual citizenship permitted in Italy?

Yes, Italian law allows dual citizenship. When obtaining Italian citizenship, you do not need to renounce your previous citizenship. However, you should verify whether dual citizenship is allowed by your country of original citizenship.

Do I need to notify authorities about holding a second citizenship?

Yes, when obtaining Italian citizenship, you must indicate information about holding another citizenship. This does not affect the citizenship decision but is a mandatory requirement.

Acquisition timelines

How long does the entire citizenship acquisition process take?

The total timeframe depends on the basis for obtaining citizenship:

• By naturalization: 24–48 months after document submission
• By marriage: 24–36 months
• By descent: 12–24 months
• For special categories: timelines may vary

Can the process be accelerated?

Officially, the process cannot be accelerated. However, proper document preparation and absence of errors when submitting can prevent additional delays.

Main reasons for refusal

Why might citizenship be denied?

• Insufficient length of residency in the country
• Lack of required language proficiency
• Criminal conviction
• Insufficient income
• Submission of false information
• Incomplete document package

What to do in case of refusal?

In case of refusal, you may:

• File an appeal within 60 days
• Eliminate the reasons for refusal and resubmit your application
• Seek legal assistance

Appeal possibility

How do I file an appeal?

The appeal process includes:

• Preparation of legal justification
• Collection of additional documents
• Filing an appeal with an administrative court
• Payment of state fee

What are the chances of successful appeal?

Appeal success depends on the reason for refusal and the quality of document preparation. With valid grounds and proper legal support, chances of a positive decision are substantially higher.

Additional questions

Do I need to give up my previous place of residence?

No, you may retain registration in another country, but to obtain citizenship you must have official residency registration in Italy.

Can I work while waiting for a decision?

Yes, with a valid residence permit, you may continue working during your citizenship application review period.

Does a change in marital status affect the process?

If citizenship is being formalized by marriage, divorce before obtaining citizenship may result in procedure termination. In other cases, a change in marital status does not affect the process.

Important note

Information in the FAQ section is current as of 2026 and takes into account the 2025 reform (law 74/2025). Legislation may change, so we recommend additionally checking information on the official website of the Italian Ministry of Interior or consulting with lawyers.

Conclusion

Key takeaways

Obtaining Italian citizenship is a complex but entirely achievable process requiring careful preparation and patience. Success depends largely on the correct choice of citizenship pathway and quality of document preparation.

Key aspects of the process:

• The procedure typically lasts from 2 to 4 years depending on the pathway
• You must meet all basic requirements, including language proficiency
• Financial stability and legal residency are important
• Retention of previous citizenship is possible
• Careful document preparation is required

Preparation recommendations

Preparation stages:

1. Preliminary assessment of chances
   • Analysis of citizenship pathways
   • Verification of basic requirements compliance
   • Assessment of financial capabilities
2. Process preparation
   • Study of Italian language
   • Gathering the required documents
   • Legalization and translation of documents
3. Action planning
   • Creating a timeline
   • Budgeting
   • Determining the sequence of steps

Useful Resources

Official sources:

• Italy's Ministry of the Interior — basic information on the procedure
• Italy's public services portal — online application submission
• Italian consulates — information for foreign nationals
• Migration service — application status verification

Additional resources:

• Language centers for B1 exam preparation
• Legal consultations on citizenship matters
• Forums and communities of those who have obtained citizenship
• Information portals on integration in Italy

Final Tips

• Start preparing well in advance
• Consult professionals on complex issues
• Keep track of changes in legislation
• Keep copies of all documents
• Maintain legal status throughout the process

Additional Information

To obtain current information about the process of obtaining Italian citizenship, it is recommended to:

• Regularly check official sources
• Subscribe to consulate newsletters
• Keep track of legislation updates
• Participate in relevant forums and communities

Important: The information in this article is for informational purposes and is current as of 2026. For the most accurate information regarding your specific situation, it is recommended to contact official authorities or qualified professionals.