Italian Citizenship

Who can apply, what documents are required, and what to do in case of rejection

Who can apply for Italian citizenship?

Italian citizenship can be obtained through:

• Residency (after a continuous period in Italy)

• Marriage to an Italian citizen

• Descent (in some cases, iure sanguinis)

• Other special cases provided for by law

Citizenship by Residency

This is available to foreigners who have legally resided in Italy for:

• 10 years for non-EU citizens

• 4 years for EU citizens

• 5 years for stateless individuals, refugees, and adult children of naturalized parents

Applicants must prove sufficient income, good conduct, and knowledge of the Italian language at B1 level.

Citizenship by Marriage

Those married to an Italian citizen may apply for citizenship after:

• 2 years of marriage if residing in Italy

• 3 years if residing abroad

The waiting times are halved if the couple has children. A language certification (B1 level) is required.

How to submit the application

Applications must be submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior’s portal. The following documents are typically required:

• Birth certificate

• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin

• Residence permit and proof of residency in Italy

• Proof of income and language certification

Processing times

The law allows up to 24 months, extendable to 36 months, to complete the procedure.
It is essential to keep documents up to date and respond to any official requests.

What if your application is denied?

If the application is rejected, it is possible to appeal to the Administrative Regional Court (TAR) within 60 days.
A clear motivation and a well-prepared legal strategy are crucial.

Need support with your application?

Applying for citizenship may seem simple, but every detail matters.
Contact us to assess your case, prepare the required documents, and follow every step of the process together.