Italy stands out as one of the few countries that allows non-residents to obtain citizenship without requiring them to renounce their current citizenship. This policy applies not only to foreigners from European Union member states but also to residents of other countries who are eligible to apply for official status.
Italy's welcoming citizenship policy is just one of its many virtues, and it is evident from statistics that it attracts migrants. In 2017, the country was the leader among EU member states in terms of the influx of foreigners.
In this article, we will provide you with information about the legal pathways to acquire dual Italian citizenship and what you need to apply for it.
Who Can Obtain Dual Citizenship in Italy?
Foreigners have the opportunity to obtain dual Italian citizenship through various pathways, without having to relinquish their original passport. This significantly simplifies the process of acquiring official status.
To be eligible for Italian citizenship, individuals must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Residing in the country for a specific period of time.
- Establishing and providing evidence of kinship with Italian ancestors.
- Purchasing real estate, demonstrating a high level of income, and applying for a Golden Visa.
- Securing employment with an Italian-based company or obtaining a freelance work permit in the country.
Important note: In the majority of cases, obtaining a residence permit is a prerequisite before proceeding with the application process.
Venice, Italy. Photo: Piqsels.com
Citizenship by Naturalization
Any non-native resident who has been living in the country for 10 years can apply for dual Italian citizenship through naturalization. However, it's important to note that migrants must first obtain a residence permit, followed by a permanent residence permit five years later. Only after fulfilling these requirements can one expect to be eligible for an Italian passport.
Certain migrant categories may benefit from shortened residency requirements for dual citizenship in Italy. The following groups can expect relaxed criteria:
- Citizens of EU countries: They are eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in Italy for four years.
- Refugees and stateless people: The minimum period of stay for this category is five years.
- Italian civil servants: They can request citizenship after residing in the country for five years.
Leaning tower, Pisa, Italy. Photo: Piqsels.com
Citizenship by Descent
The most straightforward path to dual Italian citizenship is through descent. Children with at least one parent who is an Italian citizen by birth automatically qualify. The same right extends to direct descendants of Italians. If one of the applicant's ancestors possessed Italian citizenship and did not renounce it, there is a significant chance of obtaining an Italian passport.
The applicant will need to invest considerable effort into establishing their lineage, particularly in the case of distant ancestors. It is essential to gather all supporting documentation that proves the relationship, including birth, marriage, and/or death certificates, naturalization records, passports, and civil records.
It is important to note that the process of application and document research can sometimes take several years. However, once the Italian passport is obtained, future generations will be eligible to apply for citizenship as well.
Cathedral Square, Milan, Italy. Photo: Piqsels.com
Citizenship by Marriage
In Italy, there is a streamlined method of obtaining dual citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen. However, it's important to note that a new passport is not automatically granted. To be eligible for an Italian passport, the applicant must reside with their spouse as a married couple for a specific period of time. If residing within the country, the requirement is two years, while if residing outside of Italy, it is three years. In the case of having children born within the marriage, the period is reduced by half to one year and one and a half years, respectively.
Unlike the requirements in other countries, the eligibility criteria for dual citizenship in Italy are quite appealing to foreigners. However, these favorable conditions have also led to an increase in fraudulent marriages. Italian authorities, however, rigorously scrutinize unions between Italian citizens and foreigners. If there are any doubts regarding the genuineness of the relationship, the passport application will be promptly rejected by the immigration authorities.
How to Apply for Italian Dual Citizenship
Migration-related matters in Italy are handled by the Questura service. It is the designated authority where you need to go to apply for Italian citizenship. If you reside outside the country, the Italian Consulate can provide assistance and guide you through the necessary steps specific to your case. They will provide detailed information on the required actions you need to take.
The first step is to obtain a Residence Certificate from the relevant civil registration authority. It is essential for the applicant to provide proof of legal residence in the country for a specified period of time.
Note: If applying for citizenship by descent in Italy, a legal Residence Certificate is not required.
In addition, the application requires a bank statement confirming the applicant's income for the three previous years. According to local legislation, the minimum income requirement is at least EUR 8,263 per year for an individual and EUR 11,362 for a married couple. If there are minors in the family, an additional EUR 516 per child is required.
To obtain dual citizenship in Italy, foreigners are also required to take a CILS Italian language test. While it is not necessary to have perfect fluency, a minimum B1 level is essential. The exam can only be taken at certified centers, such as the University for Foreigners of Siena or The Dante Alighieri Society. Once the examination is passed, the applicant will receive a certificate that must be submitted to the Immigration Service as part of the citizenship application process.
Note: If you are applying for citizenship by descent, you will also need to collect documents related to your ancestors as evidence of your kinship and Italian origins. Additionally, it is important to obtain a Criminal Record Certificate from the relevant public authority in your home country.
If you have completed all of these procedures, you should have obtained all the necessary documents. The next step is to translate some of them, such as your birth certificate, into Italian and have them notarized.
After completing these steps, scan all the documents and visit the official Questura website to submit your citizenship application. Make sure to attach the required set of documents and send it for further processing. The processing time for the application can vary, ranging from three months to three years, depending on your situation. If your application is approved, you will receive a notification instructing you to visit your local Prefettura authority with the original documents in hand.
The final step is attending the Giuramento ceremony and obtaining the passport. During this event, the foreigner is required to recite the oath of allegiance to the country. At this moment, they officially become a dual citizen of Italy and gain all the rights and responsibilities of a local resident.
Tower in Florence, Italy. Photo: Piqsels.com
In a Nutshell
Acquiring dual citizenship in Italy is a relatively straightforward process. Italian descendants, spouses of Italian citizens, and long-term residents in the country are eligible to apply for it. The only challenge is that the documentation and research process for citizenship can take several years. However, once the Italian passport is obtained, individuals can enjoy the freedom to travel within the European Union, access quality healthcare, take advantage of tax benefits when purchasing real estate, and much more. Importantly, applicants are not required to renounce their citizenship of their native country.
Cover photo: Venice, Nathan Riley (Unsplash)
