If you’re looking to embrace the opportunities of European Union residency, knowing how to get Italian citizenship in 2025 can be a game-changer. With pathways such as citizenship by descent, marriage, and naturalisation, the journey aligns with your individual circumstances. If you have Italian ancestry, citizenship by descent functions under the principle of jure sanguinis, allowing you to claim through an Italian ancestor. For those married to Italian citizens, there are residency-based routes available. Each path requires thorough documentation, including birth certificates, proof of residency, and language proficiency. This guide looks at eligibility criteria, required paperwork, and the financial aspects to help ensure a successful application.
Italian Citizenship Eligibility
Citizenship by Descent
Italian citizenship by descent follows the principle of jure sanguinis (“right of blood”). This pathway allows people to claim Italian citizenship if they have an Italian ancestor who was born in Italy after 17 March 1861 or once their birthplace was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.
A key consideration is the transmission of citizenship through the maternal line, which is only possible for children born after 1 January 1948. If an Italian mother took another nationality through marriage to a foreign citizen before 1948, she lost her Italian citizenship and could not pass it to her descendants. Also, any direct ancestor who voluntarily acquired a different citizenship before 16 August 1992 automatically lost their Italian citizenship, which affects eligibility for their descendants.
Applicants must provide a range of records, including birth certificates and proof that the Italian ancestor retained Italian citizenship. In some cases, if the ancestor was born before 17 March 1861 but died after that date, applications may still be accepted. Processing times can vary from 3 to 9 months for applications filed in Italy, and 9 to 24 months if filed at Italian consulates abroad.
Citizenship by Marriage
Foreign nationals married to Italian citizens can apply under Law n. 91 of 1992. If you reside in Italy, the non-Italian spouse can apply after two years of marriage or civil union, whereas those living outside Italy generally wait three years. These times are halved if the couple has children under 18 (or has legally adopted children).
Proof of Italian language ability at the B1 level is required. The application process involves a fee of USD 260 (EUR 250), payable to the Ministry of the Interior. If you reside abroad, the application must go to the local Italian consulate. Processing times for this category have been streamlined to 24 months, with a possible extension to 36 months.
Citizenship by Naturalisation
Naturalisation is another option for foreign nationals who have lived in Italy for a specified period. Although exact details may differ depending on individual circumstances, this method usually involves meeting residency requirements, showing integration into Italian society, and passing language tests.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Some applicants may qualify for special conditions that differ from the standard routes. For instance, certain individuals can apply under exceptional provisions if their Italian ancestor was born before the unification of Italy but died afterwards.
Once citizenship is granted, the applicant must swear an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Italy and its laws within six months of receiving approval. This formal step completes the citizenship process and confirms the applicant’s full involvement in Italian society.
Required Documentation
When applying for Italian citizenship, the documentation process can be intricate and demand various legal records to confirm eligibility. Whether you apply via descent, marriage, or residency, the following are among the most important documents.
Birth and Marriage Certificates
For those claiming citizenship through ancestry, birth and marriage certificates form the backbone of your application. You will need your own birth certificate, plus those of every person in your direct line back to your Italian ancestor. You must also obtain your ancestor’s birth certificate from their comune in Italy. In addition, all marriages in your lineage must be documented. Certificates that are not originally in Italian must include apostilles and certified translations. Where relevant, death certificates may be required to show the end of any previous marriages. Together, these records establish your continuous Italian line of descent.
Proof of Residency and Income
If you plan to apply through residency, you need to demonstrate a settled life in Italy. This involves proof of continuous legal residence: for non-EU citizens, it is usually ten years, and for EU citizens, four years. You must provide a valid residence permit and consistent registration with the local comune, along with tax returns for the past three years to show financial stability. The minimum annual income is USD 8,800 (EUR 8,500) for single applicants, with variations depending on family size.
Language Proficiency Certificate
All applicants must show a B1 level of Italian proficiency. This certification, from an approved testing centre, must be current (obtained within the last four years). Your language skills reflect your commitment to taking part in Italian society and culture.
Apostille and Legalisation Process
Documents that are not Italian must be either apostilled (if your country is a Hague Convention member) or legalised (if not). Additionally, all non-Italian documents require certified translations into Italian. Because this part of the process can be time-consuming, it’s wise to start well in advance to avoid setbacks caused by missing or incorrect paperwork.
Application Process
Preparing Your Application
Starting the journey to obtain Italian citizenship calls for methodical preparation, especially if you’re applying through descent (jure sanguinis). First, confirm you have an uninterrupted line of Italian ancestry: your Italian ancestor must have been alive and retained Italian citizenship after 17 March 1861, without naturalising in another country before their child’s birth. Also, no one in your line should have formally relinquished their Italian citizenship.
Once you’re certain of your eligibility, gather the required records (birth, marriage, death, and naturalisation documents). Any non-Italian documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated by a certified translator. Since this can be lengthy, it’s best to start early.
Submission via Consulate or Municipality
You may submit your application through the Italian consulate where you live or directly at a municipality in Italy. If you are abroad, you will need to schedule a virtual appointment with the consular office in your district. This step decides which authority will handle your paperwork.
Make sure everything is in order before filing: incomplete or poorly organised submissions can lead to delays or rejections. The application fee is USD 340 (EUR 330) and is not refundable.
Interview and Examination
After you submit the required paperwork, you might need to attend an interview or examination. This verifies that your documents are genuine and that you meet the conditions for citizenship. Applicants must also prove they have at least B1-level Italian language skills according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Waiting Times and Common Delays
The time it takes to process applications can vary greatly. If you apply at a municipality in Italy, it might take 3 to 9 months. Applications made at Italian consulates abroad usually take 9 to 24 months. For citizenship through marriage, the government can take up to three years to respond.
Applications are often delayed due to high demand or if paperwork is incomplete. Carefully reviewing documents for errors before submission and regularly checking your application status can help reduce potential setbacks.
Costs and Fees
Planning your journey towards Italian citizenship in 2025 includes preparing for a range of costs. These vary depending on how you apply and your specific situation.
Application Fees
A notable update in 2025 is a new fee for legal cases seeking Italian citizenship recognition in court. Under Article 106 of Italy’s draft budget bill, applicants filing a legal petition for citizenship recognition will pay USD 620 (EUR 600) per person, even if there are multiple applicants in one proceeding. This measure is pending final parliamentary approval but is expected to commence on 1 January 2025. It may significantly raise expenses for those pursuing recognition as Italian citizens from birth.
Document Translation and Apostille Costs
A major element in citizenship applications is the need to translate and legalise documents. Italian consulates do not offer translation services, although they do legalise translations that have been completed. Translations do not have to be done by an official translator, but they must be professionally executed. To have a translation legalised, the original document, its translation, and the relevant fee (by money order or cashier’s cheque) must be provided. Costs differ, so check the consulate’s fees for exact amounts.
Legal and Consultancy Fees
In addition to application fees, you may incur expenses for legal or consultancy services. Lawyers and consultants who specialise in Italian citizenship can guide you through intricate legal requirements and ensure proper document preparation. Their fees vary widely based on the complexity of your case and the extent of assistance required.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Other potential costs include travel for consular appointments or for visits to Italy, plus charges for any extra documentation. In some cases, you may need to make repeated trips to government offices, which is both time-consuming and costly. Factoring in these possibilities will help you budget effectively and avoid last-minute surprises.
Benefits of Italian Citizenship
Freedom to Live and Work in the EU
Italian citizenship grants considerable freedom throughout the European Union. You can live, work, and study in any EU member state without needing a visa. This broadens career options, with many EU employers preferring candidates from within the Union. The ability to move quickly among EU countries also supports a more flexible lifestyle.
Health Care and Education Opportunities
Italy’s healthcare system is well-regarded for its quality and affordability, and as a citizen, you gain access to these services at reduced costs. The Italian education system is also highly respected, with many universities offering free or subsidised tuition for EU citizens. This can greatly increase your quality of life and expand personal or professional horizons.
Dual Citizenship Advantages
Having dual citizenship with Italy provides further benefits. It simplifies the process of starting a business and allows you to take part in Italy’s civic and political life, including voting rights. Dual citizenship also passes automatically to children under 18, ensuring they can enjoy the same benefits. On the professional side, employers value individuals who can draw upon cultural knowledge and language skills gained from dual citizenship.
Cultural and Heritage Connection
Italian citizenship strengthens your tie to Italy’s rich cultural heritage. You can immerse yourself in traditions that highlight the country’s history, art, and customs. This connection enriches personal experiences and can be advantageous in international careers, where cultural awareness is often highly prized.
Your Pathway to Italian Citizenship
Starting this process demands persistence, attention to detail, and familiarity with the different routes on offer. Whether your eligibility comes from ancestry, marriage, or residency, each route has its own set of requirements and advantages. By preparing carefully, collecting the necessary documents, and understanding the associated costs, you will give yourself a strong chance of success.
Once granted, Italian citizenship opens the door to numerous opportunities, ranging from the option to live and work in the EU to embracing Italy’s cultural riches and lively heritage. As you progress, remember that every step brings you closer to enjoying the privileges and benefits of becoming an Italian citizen in 2025. Buona fortuna!