Italian citizenship by residency represents the path through which a foreigner, who has resided legally in Italy for a continuous period of time, can apply to become an Italian citizen. Unlike citizenship “jure sanguinis”, this form of citizenship is not an "automatic right" based on ancestry, but a concession that the Italian State evaluates on a case-by-case basis, always subject to the preliminary fulfillment of specific legal requirements.
Time Requirements
The duration of legal residency required varies based on the foreigner's status:
- 10 years: The general term for non-EU citizens (Art. 9, paragraph 1, letter f).
- 4 years: For citizens of an EU member state (Art. 9, paragraph 1, letter d).
- 5 years: For stateless persons and political refugees, or for an adult foreigner adopted by an Italian citizen (Art. 9, paragraph 1 letter e and Art. 16, paragraph 2).
- 3 years: For foreigners born in Italy or whose father/mother or one of the second-degree direct line ancestors were citizens by birth (Art. 9, paragraph 1 letter a and a/bis).
Fundamental Requirements for Granting
In addition to the time requirement, the application must be supported by essential conditions:
- Income: The applicant must demonstrate sufficient and verifiable income for the support of themselves and their family unit (income limits vary based on family size).
- No Criminal Record: It is fundamental not to have criminal convictions in Italy or in the country of origin.
- Social Integration: Legislation requires effective integration into Italian society, which is evaluated through the applicant's life path.
- Language Proficiency: Possession of adequate knowledge of the Italian language is mandatory, certified by a degree issued by a public or equivalent educational institution, or by a certification issued by official certifying bodies (level B1 or higher).
Important Considerations
- Nature of the Measure: As it is a concession (and not a direct/automatic recognition), the Administration evaluates not only technical requirements but also the absence of obstacles related to the security of the Republic or public order.
- Procedure: The application is submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior portal. The procedure has a maximum legal duration of 3 years from the moment of preliminary approval of the request, though processing times may extend depending on the complexity of the file.
Emigrantix is by your side to analyze your path, verify the fulfillment of income and language requirements, and accompany you during the application submission phase, ensuring that every document complies with the formal criteria required by the Administration.