Italy dual citizenship requirements

The cost of living in Italy: a guide for U.S. citizens

taly has long captivated the imagination of travelers and dreamers alike. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Milan, it offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history. But beyond its postcard-perfect charm, Italy is increasingly becoming a practical destination for expatriates and dual citizens.

09/08/2025

Christmas in Italy: a celebration of faith, family, and culture

Christmas in Italy, or Natale, is a cultural and religious experience that stretches across regions, generations, and centuries. From the solemnity of sacred traditions to the warmth of family gatherings and the indulgence of festive foods, Italian Christmas is a season of joy, reflection, and community.

09/05/2025

Italian Constitutional Court upholds citizenship by descent amid legal challenges

The Italian Constitutional Court reaffirmed the legitimacy of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) for individuals born outside Italy. The ruling, issued under Sentence No. 142/2025, rejected constitutional challenges raised by four ordinary courts—Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna—against the long-standing legal framework that allows descendants of Italian nationals to claim citizenship regardless of generational distance or territorial ties.

09/03/2025

The best cities to live in Italy in 2025

Italy conjures images of sun-drenched piazzas, Renaissance art, and plates of pasta that seem to defy culinary logic. But for those considering moving to the country—not just a vacation trip—the question shifts from “Where’s the most beautiful?” to “Where can I actually live well?”.

09/01/2025

Between two worlds: Exploring the Italian and American cultural differences

Culture is more than language, food, or fashion—it’s a way of life, a lens through which people interpret the world and define themselves. For Italian-Americans, navigating the space between Italian heritage and American identity often brings both pride and tension.

08/28/2025

Italy’s 2026–2028 work visa decree: promise, pitfalls, and policy shifts

With the intention of addressing Italy’s labor shortages, the Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new decree on labor migration and work visas. Scheduled for implementation across the 2026–2028 period, the decree authorizes 497,550 legal entries for non-European Union workers with permanent or seasonal contracts—an increase from the previous allocation of 450,000 permits during the 2023–2025 cycle.

07/23/2025

Obtaining Italian dual citizenship can be a rewarding process, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds. Whether you’re eligible through descent, marriage, or residency, understanding the requirements is essential. Let’s explore the pathways to Italian citizenship.

1. Residency Route

This is the most expensive route. Requirements varies according to your nationality:

Non-EU Citizens: If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need at least 10 years of legal residency in Italy. Legal residency is determined by your registration within the municipal registry office (“anagrafe”). Keep track of your residency status during this period.
EU Citizens: EU citizens have a shorter legal residency requirement—only four years. Make sure to maintain your residency documentation throughout this period.

2. Descent (jus sanguinis)

Italian citizenship is founded on the principle of jus sanguinis—the “right of blood”—which grants citizenship through lineage.

As of 2025, eligibility is limited to individuals with at least one Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy. Applicants may also qualify if one of their parents—though not their grandparents—resided in Italy continuously for at least two years. In all cases, it must be proven that the Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.

These changes were introduced by Decree-Law 36/2025 and later ratified by Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025. According to legal experts, certain provisions may conflict with constitutional principles.

Notably, the law retroactively revokes citizenship rights from individuals who were previously considered citizens by descent. In Italian legal tradition, citizenship is not acquired but rather recognized, meaning those with verified Italian ancestry are already citizens in the eyes of the law.

As a result, individuals who have lost eligibility under the new rules may pursue judicial remedies to challenge the legislation. This is particularly relevant since, as of June 2025, the judicial route is the only available path to obtain Italian citizenship. While a centralized governmental authority in Italy is expected to oversee administrative applications, its structure and procedures have yet to be finalized

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3. Marriage to an Italian Citizen

If you’re married to an Italian citizen, you can apply for Italian citizenship. Here are the specifics:

Residency: You must have lawfully resided in Italy for at least two years following the marriage. If you have chosen to live abroad, you must wait three years.
Marital Status: At the time of application, your marriage must not have been dissolved, annulled, or terminated. You and your spouse must not be separated.

Necessary documents

Birth, death and marriage certificates of everyone in the line of descent (parents and/or grandparents) are required. For more information, head to this webpage.

Conclusion

Navigating the Italian citizenship process can be complex, but expert assistance can make it smoother. Count on io.citizen! We will assist you in obtaining your Italian citizenship. With our support, you’ll confidently embrace your Italian heritage while enjoying the benefits of dual citizenship. Contact us today!

August 1, 2024
11:41 pm