Below, our immigration lawyers in Italy explain how long it takes to obtain Italian citizenship based on the way one qualifies for this matter and the procedures involved. You can rely us for assistance in obtaining citizenship – we will first help you obtain a residence permit in Italy, which is generally required for most individuals who plan to become Italian citizens.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Ways to acquire citizenship in Italy | – by marriage/civil partnership, – by residency (naturalization process), – by descent, through Italian parents (maternal or paternal); – other pathways can apply as pe the Italian law (such as adoption). |
Citizenship rules for EU citizens | The rules on how to get citizenship in Italy can vary based on the citizenship pathway. For EU nationals applying for citizenship by naturalization, the residency requirements are less strict (they can start the citizenship procedure after 4 years of residency in Italy). |
Citizenship rules for non-EU citizens | They can become Italian citizens after 10 years of residency in Italy (if they apply for citizenship through naturalization). |
| Minimum requirements for citizenship by naturalization | – be an Italian resident for minimum 4 years (or even 3 in specific cases) /10 years, depeding on the nationality of the applicant, – have evidence on the legal residency in Italy, – have fluency in Italian of a minimum B1 level, – provide evidence of having a minimum yearly income that is regulated by the law (the threshold can vary whether the applicant is single or married), – complete the citizenship application, – pay the application fee, – submit personal identity documents, such as the birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc., and the clean criminal record. |
| Requirements for citizenship by descent | – evidence on having a blood tie with an Italian national (by direct line of descent) – birth, marriage, death, divorce certificates or naturalization certificates of the relative can be used for this purpose. |
| Requirements for citizenship by marriage | – evidence on the marriage with an Italian citizen. For applicants who live in Italy with their spouses, the procedure can be started after 2 years of residency. For those living outside Italy, it is possible after 3 years. If the couple has children, the required time can be reduced by 50% for both situations. The applicant must also have Italian language skills (B1 level minimum). The application should contain the following: – the marriage certificate, – the birth certificate, – the criminal record, – documents attesting the spouse’s Italian citizenship, – the Italian language certificate. |
| The law regulating citizenship procedures | – the Law 91/1992, – the Law December 1, 2018 n.32 (regulating legal matters on citizenship by marriage) |
| Dual citizenship available (yes/no) | Yes |
| Institution in charge with the issuance of citizenship | The rules on how to get citizenship in Italy are imposed by the Ministry of the Interior. |
| Documents necessary for the citizenship application | They can vary based on the citizenship pathway applied to a person. The documents can include the following: – birth certificates, – marriage certificates, – death certificates, – naturalization certificates, – personal identity documents and other papers, – the identity documents of the spouse, – documents attesting the residence in Italy, – documents attesting the financial situation of the applicant, – documents of minor children, – adoption papers, – language certificates, etc. |
| Rights obtained through citizenship | Persons who obtain Italian citizenship have the same rights as all persons who were born in Italy: – the right to an Italian passport, – the right to vote and all the rights and privileges that are granted by the law, without any distinction. |
| Citizenship by adoption available (yes/no) | Yes. |
| The average time of stay in Italy for acquiring citizenship | The rules on how to get citizenship in Italy for third party nationals stipulate that it is necessary to live in Italy for 10 years before applying for citizenship. EU citizens benefit from a shorter residency requirment – only 4 years. |
| The duration of the citizenship processing | Approximately 6 months since the submission of papers. |
| Legal services offered by our lawyers for citizenship applicants | – presenting the types of citizenships available, – explaining the steps and the documents necessary for a particular citizenship pathway, – helping clients in acquiring documents that are issued by the Italian institutions, – preparing the application file, – offering legal representation in front of the court in matters related to citizenship, etc. |
| Citizenship ceremony | Persons who were officially granted the Italian citizenship are required to participate in a citizenship ceremony, where they will pledge allegiance to the Italian state and during which the citizenship certificate will be handled. |
Fees for the issuance of the citizenship certificate | EUR 10 to EUR 16 |
Where to apply for an Italian passport | Persons who live in Italy can apply for a passport at a local police office (Questura). Those living abroad can conclude the procedure through Italian embassies and consulates. |
| Passport fees | EUR 42.50 (passport booklet) and EUR 73.50 (administrative fee). Passport fee exemptions also apply. |
| Documents required for passport application | – the identity card, – the official form provided by the police station, – certified copies of the birth certificate, – certified copies of the marriage certificate (where applicable), – 2 passport size photos, – proof of paying the passport processing fee. |
| How long does it take to issue the passport? | 1-6 weeks |
| Situations when Italian citizenship is revoked | Those who want to obtain Italian citizenship must also be aware that the citizenship can be revoked. Citizenship can be lost when: – an individual enlists in the army of a different country, although the Italian law does not allow it, – an Italian citizen served during the war in the army of a different sovereign state or held a governmental position, – an adopted child acquires the citizenship of a different state. |
| Situations when individuals can renounce the Italian citizenship | Persons interested in Italian citizenship should be aware that they can also renounce it in certain cases, all of which involve the acquisition or re-acquisition of citizenship of a different nationality. |
| Is re-aquisition of citizenship possible? (Yes/no) | Yes |
| When can an individual re-acquire citizenship? | The re-acquisition of citizenship is possible in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of the Law No. 91/92. |
| Fees charged for citizenship applications | A fee of EUR 300 is charged for the processing of Italian citizenship application and EUR 600 for citizenship by descent applications. |
| Law regulating the administrative fees on citizenship | Article 43, paragraph 1, 46 and 47 of the Presidential Decree No. 445/2000. |
| Procedure for renouncing citizenship | In order to renounce citizenship, an individual is required to contact competent authorities and participate in an official meeting, where all the paperwork imposed by the Law No. 91/92 is submitted, in the presence of 2 witnesses. |
| Do minors need a passport? | Yes, in order to be able to travel internationally with a minor child (of any age) a passport is required (with the exception of EU states, where EU nationals can present only their identity cards as valid travel documents). |
| Validity of an Italian passport | – 3 years (for children aged 0-3 years), – 5 years (for minors aged 4 – 17 years), – 10 years (for adult persons). |
Table of Contents
What are the legal services your lawyers can offer me?
Our team of immigration lawyers in Italy can offer a variety of legal services that can be necessary for individuals who initiate their immigration procedures in this country. In connection to citizenship, we can provide the following:
- advice on the types of citizenship regulated by law;
- information on the steps and the requirements imposed for each type of citizenship;
- assistance in gathering the paperwork for citizenship application;
- submission of the citizenship file;
- legal assistance for clients whose applications were rejected;
- assist clients who have previously been Italian citizens and who want to apply for citizenship reacquisition, etc.
What are the main ways to obtain citizenship in Italy in 2026?
These are:
- by naturalization which implies a complicated procedure (it requires living for a few years in Italy by holding adequate residence permits);
- by marrying an Italian citizen which implies completing various formalities in order to become an Italian citizen;
- by being related to an Italian national;
- by birth.
The main ways of obtaining Italian citizenship are presented in the infographic below:
How can I obtain citizenship in Italy after getting a residence permit?
Citizenship after obtaining a residence permit is known as citizenship through naturalization, which is the process through which a foreigner, regardless of his/her nationality, lives in Italy for a sufficient amount of time (as regulated by law) that will then allow the right to apply for citizenship.
How long do I need to wait in order to become a citizen by naturalization?
In order to answer the question on how long it takes to obtain Italian citizenship by means of residence, we can say that for non-EU citizens, the minimum period of living in Italy is established at 10 years, while for EU citizens the minimum period is 4 years.
How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship by marriage in 2026?
For those who have married an Italian citizen in Italy, the waiting period is 2 years. During this time, the applicant must have lived in Italy with an Italian spouse. For those registering their marriage with an Italian citizen abroad, the waiting period to apply for Italian citizenship is 3 years.
Can one obtain citizenship by investment in Italy?
At the moment, there isn’t a direct route to citizenship by investment – a foreigner must first become a permanent resident in order to have the right to apply for citizenship, therefore the rules of citizenship by naturalization will apply.
What is the main law regulating citizenship matters in Italy?
Citizenship matters in Italy fall under the rules of Law 91/1992.
The video below offers a short presentation on how to apply for Italian citizenship:
Are there any special laws regarding citizenship in Italy?
When inquiring about how to get citizenship in Italy, one should know that the government has passed several special laws regarding specific categories of persons who can be granted Italian citizenship (these refer to individuals from former countries/ territories that are connected to Italian nationals). Among these laws are:
- Law No. 379 of December 2000;
- Law no. 124 of March 2006.
What is the main institution responsible for citizenship in Italy?
If you wish to acquire Italian nationality, you have to apply to the Minister of the Interior (“Ministro degli Interni”) by means of the commune’s mayor from the area you live or, if you live abroad, through the local Italian consulate.
What documents should I include in my citizenship application file?
Depending on the type of application, you will have to submit some documents such as:
- birth certificate;
- certificate of residence (if it is the case);
- certificate of Italian citizenship of mother or father (where requested);
- certificate of criminal record (or certified lack of one);
- marriage certificate.
Do I need to pay a citizenship processing fee in 2026?
Yes, it is necessary to pay a processing fee of EUR600. The fee is non-refundable, and that includes unsuccessful applications.
What are the main benefits of Italian citizenship in 2026?
Here are the 7 most important benefits of obtaining Italian citizenship:
- the possibility of working in Italy and the other 27 member states of the European Union;
- the possibility of studying in Italy and also in other EU member states;
- the access to buying real estate in Italy based on the golden visa program or simple acquisition of citizenship;
- dual citizenship is also possible for those who want to retain their initial citizenship;
- the possibility of starting a business as an Italian citizen and obtaining various tax benefits;
- access to moving freely across Europe (the European Union and Schengen area);
- access to educational services and to the national healthcare system in Italy;
- the right to vote in Italy, be elected in local/ national elections, hold key governmental functions, have an Italian passport (the matters mentions here are rights that can only be granted to those who are Italian citizens, regardless of the means through which they have obtained citizenship).
When can I apply for an Italian passport?
The right to obtain an Italian passport is granted solely to Italian citizens, therefore, this procedure can only be initiated after the individual has acquired Italian citizenship.
Are there any fees charged for the issuance of an Italian passport?
Yes. The fees are charged by the administrative authorities, for the processing of the application.
What is the validity of an Italian passport?
The validity depends on the age of the holder of the document. The following apply:
- validity of 3 years – for minors under the age of 3;
- validity of 5 years – for minors aged 3 to 18 years old;
- validity of 10 years – for those above 18 years old.
Are there any circumstances in which I need to renounce dual citizenship?
WhileItaly allows dual citizenship, if you are the national of a country that does not recognize dual citizenship (Singapore, for instance), you will need to renounce one of the nationalities as per the rules of the respective country.
What happens if the citizenship application is denied?
When faced with this situation, all applicants have the right to make an appeal.
For complete information on how to obtain Italian citizenship, please contact our immigration lawyers.