How to Get Italian Citizenship: Essential Steps and Requirements

Many people search for guidance on how to get Italian citizenship each year. For some, the motivation is to reconnect with Italian heritage; for others, it is the practical advantages of European Union citizenship, such as the freedom to reside, work, and study across 27 member states. Italian citizenship represents both a symbolic and a tangible link to one of the world's most culturally significant nations.

More recently, Italy introduced significant reforms to its citizenship laws. These amendments adjusted eligibility criteria, particularly for citizenship by descent, and clarified obligations for new applicants. As a result, the legal framework has changed considerably, making it essential to understand the current requirements before commencing an application.

This guide outlines the recognised pathways to Italian citizenship — by descent, by marriage, and by residency — explaining the law as it stands in 2026, the documentation required, and the common challenges faced by applicants.

The Three Pathways to Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship can be obtained through three principal routes: descent, marriage, or residency. Each pathway has distinct eligibility rules, timeframes, and requirements.

Understanding Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship is primarily governed by Law No. 91 of 5 February 1992, which establishes the rules for acquisition, recognition, and loss of nationality. The law is founded on the principle of jus sanguinis ("right of blood"), meaning citizenship is generally transmitted from parent to child regardless of place of birth.

Unlike countries with broad jus soli provisions, being born in Italy does not in itself confer citizenship unless specific conditions are met. The most recent and significant update is Law No. 74 of 2025, which introduced important reforms to the eligibility rules for citizenship by descent.

Italy also recognises the principle of dual citizenship. Citizens are not required to renounce their existing nationality when acquiring Italian citizenship, provided the other country's laws also permit dual nationality.

Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

New 2026 Rules

Until recently, Italian citizenship by descent had no generational limit. This changed with Law No. 74/2025, which narrowed eligibility:

• Generational limit: Recognition now restricted to those with an Italian parent or grandparent
• Exclusivity clause: If the Italian ancestor held dual nationality, automatic transmission may be blocked
• Minor naturalisation cut-off: If the ancestor naturalised abroad before their child reached majority, the line is broken

Examples

• Eligible: Your grandfather was born in Italy and remained Italian when your parent was born abroad
• Ineligible: Your great-grandfather was Italian but your grandfather was born abroad before 1948 to a non-Italian father
• Ineligible: Your Italian grandmother naturalised as Canadian while your mother was still a minor

The 1948 Rule (Court Cases)

Before 1948, Italian women could not pass citizenship to children unless the father was also Italian. Descendants affected by this can pursue recognition through Italian courts, which have consistently upheld claims based on constitutional equality.

Where to Apply: Consulate vs Comune vs Court

Costs and Timelines

Realistic total budgets:

• DIY consulate application: $1,000–5,000
• With professional assistance: $5,000–15,000+
• 1948 court cases: $6,000–20,000+
• Comune route (including relocation): $10,000–25,000+

Italian Citizenship by Marriage

Spouses of Italian citizens may apply after:

• 2 years if resident in Italy (1 year with children)
• 3 years if resident abroad (1.5 years with children)

Requirements include B1 Italian language certificate, valid marriage registered in Italy, and clean criminal record. Fee: €250. Processing: 24–36 months.

Documents Required

• Italian marriage extract
• Applicant's birth certificate (apostilled, translated)
• Criminal records from all countries since age 14
• B1 Italian certificate
• Spouse's ID and AIRE registration
• Proof of residence

Italian Citizenship by Residency

Residency requirements vary by status:

Applications are submitted via the Ministero dell'Interno online portal.

Alternative Pathways

• Austro-Hungarian Territories: Law 124/2006 provides special recognition for descendants from former Austro-Hungarian areas (Istria, Rijeka, Dalmatia — now Slovenia/Croatia). Note: Law 379/2000 expired in December 2010.
• Distinguished Service: Citizenship by Presidential Decree for exceptional contributions to Italy (no residence required)

Document Requirements

Post-March 2025 Applications

The "exclusivity clause" requires proof that ancestors held Italian citizenship exclusively:

• Negative certificates of citizenship from other countries
• Certificates of renunciation of foreign citizenship
• Non-enrolment in foreign electoral registers
• Historical residence certificates (2+ years in Italy)

Document Freshness

• Apostilles: Do not expire
• Birth/death certificates: No expiration
• Criminal records: Within 3–6 months

Translation Types

Apostille Exemptions

• USCIS/NARA documents: No apostille needed at US consulates if kept sealed
• Vienna Convention: Multilingual extracts from 23 signatory countries exempt
• Italian documents: No apostille needed for use in Italy

Application Timeline

1. Step 1 (1–2 weeks): Confirm eligibility and identify issues
2. Step 2 (3–12 months): Collect documents, apostilles, translations
3. Step 3 (1–2 months): Assemble dossier
4. Step 4 (Variable): Book appointment or file case
5. Step 5 (Same day): Submit and pay fees
6. Step 6 (6–36 months): Application review
7. Step 7 (1–6 months): Decision issued
8. Step 8 (1–2 months): Oath and passport

Common Pitfalls

• Name/date discrepancies: Spelling variations between certificates
• Missing records: Lost or destroyed documents
• No apostille/translation: Documents rejected without proper legalisation
• Naturalisation conflicts: Ancestor naturalised before next birth
• Consulate backlogs: 10+ year waits in major cities
• Missing criminal checks: Need records from every country since age 14

Life After Citizenship

Italian citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 190+ countries and freedom to live, work, and study across the EU. Those abroad must register with AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero).

Tax Considerations

Citizenship does not create tax residency. Italy taxes based on residence, not nationality. You become tax resident only if you:

• Register as resident in Italy, or
• Spend 183+ days per year in Italy, or
• Have your "centre of vital interests" in Italy

Reacquisition of Citizenship

• Standard: Declaration + 1 year residence in Italy
• Special (until Dec 2027): Declaration only for those born in Italy who lost citizenship before 1992

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Movingto Makes the Difference

Securing Italian citizenship is more than a legal process — it's a chance to reclaim heritage, strengthen family ties, and unlock EU opportunities. The journey can feel overwhelming with evolving laws, documentation hurdles, and long consulate wait times.

At Movingto, our team works alongside experienced Italian lawyers who specialise in jure sanguinis, marriage, and residency applications. From building a compliant document portfolio to navigating consulate backlogs and pursuing court recognition, we provide tailored assistance at every stage.