Italy · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Quick answer
Naturalization by residence normally requires 10 years of legal residence (4 years for EU citizens, 3 years by Italian descent, and via marriage 2–3 years). You must show Italian at B1 level. Italy permits dual nationality, so you generally need not renounce your original citizenship.
Italian citizenship is governed by Law 91/1992 as amended, with important 2025 changes affecting automatic citizenship by descent for people born abroad who also hold another citizenship. Naturalisation and descent cases should be checked against the current Ministry of Interior and MAECI guidance.
- MAECI states that 2025 Decree-Law 36, converted by Law 74/2025, made automatic acquisition by descent for certain people born abroad subject to specific exceptions.
- The Ministry of Interior describes ordinary naturalisation for non-EU foreigners as generally requiring at least 10 years of residence in Italy; EU nationals have shorter statutory routes.
- Citizenship is a legal-status decision, not a travel product; use official portals and qualified counsel for case-specific filings.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Confirm your period: 10 years (non-EU), 4 years (EU), 3 years (Italian descent) or the marriage route (2–3 years).
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Demonstrate Italian at B1 level with a recognized certificate.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Meet the income threshold for the recent years and have a clean criminal record.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
Apply online to the Ministry of the Interior with residence, income, language and civil-status documents.
- 5
Attend interview / test and ceremony
On approval, take the oath of allegiance at your municipality within the deadline (this is when citizenship takes effect).
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become an Italian citizen; Italy allows dual nationality. Apply for an Italian passport and ID card.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Continuous / legal residence conditions met
- Language + civic knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality / renunciation rule handled
- Citizenship confirmed; passport applied
Official authorities
- Ministero dell’Interno — citizenship
Official Ministry of Interior citizenship overview and legal references.
- MAECI — citizenship
Consular citizenship guidance including 2025 descent-law changes.
Frequently asked questions
How many years of residence does Italy require?
Ten years for non-EU nationals, four for EU citizens, three by Italian descent, and two to three via marriage to an Italian citizen.
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Yes — Italy permits dual nationality, so you generally keep your original citizenship.
Is an Italian-language certificate required?
Yes — you must provide a recognized certificate showing Italian at B1 level (with limited exceptions).
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Italian Government — Official portal of the Italian Government
- Ministry of the Interior (residence) — Residence permits (permesso di soggiorno) and immigration
- Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) — Italian income tax, VAT, and tax code (codice fiscale)
- Visa for Italy (MAECI) — Visa requirements and applications from abroad