The cost of living in Italy: Photo of a street market in Naples
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.
Christmas in Italy: Photo of the holiday decorations on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan
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.
Italian Constitutional Court upholds citizenship by descent: Photo of the city of Florence
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.
The best cities to live in Italy in 2025: Photo of the city of Milan
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?”.
Exploring the Italian and American cultural differences: Photo of a classical Italian car in a mountain road
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.
Italy’s 2026–2028 work visa decree: Photo of people working on markets in Rome
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.
Appeal a denied Italian citizenship application: Photo of a wooden gavel in a marble table
Summary

When you are in Italian citizenship application process, it’s important to understand that the process can be complex and sometimes results in denial. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete or incorrectly submitted documentation, failure to meet specific eligibility criteria, or discrepancies in personal details and historical records.

One crucial step is reviewing all submitted documents meticulously. Errors or omissions, no matter how minor, can lead to a negative decision. For example, inconsistencies in names, dates, or places of birth between different records can cause the authorities to question the validity of the application.

A common reason for denial of Italian citizenship by descent is the inability to demonstrate an unbroken line of eligibility. Under current requirements, the applicant’s parent or grandparent must have held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death. Alternatively, eligibility may be established if the Italian parent—not grandparent—resided continuously in Italy for at least two years.

To support a citizenship claim, applicants must present a complete and verifiable set of civil records, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as official documents confirming that the Italian ancestor did not renounce their citizenship. Missing, incomplete, or contradictory documentation can result in the rejection of the application

Therefore, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and ensure that all required documentation is accurate and complete before submitting your application.

Denied Italian citizenship application appeal process in Italy

If your application for Italian citizenship is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves several legal steps and must be completed within a 60-day timeframe, starting from the day you receive the notice of rejection.

The first step is to carefully read the denial notice to understand the reasons for rejection. This will help you determine the best course of action for your appeal.

There are two primary ways to appeal a denial:

  • Submitting briefs in writing: This involves opposing the denial with comments and additional documents that address the reasons for rejection. You can submit these briefs to the relevant Italian authority, explaining any discrepancies or providing missing information.
     
  • Appealing directly to the TAR (Regional Administrative Court): This step is necessary if you receive a rejection decree. The denial notice comes before the decree and cannot be appealed on its own before the court.
     

To successfully appeal a denial, it is crucial to gather all necessary documents and prepare them properly. This may include additional evidence to support your claim, corrected or supplemental documents, and a clear explanation of any discrepancies.

Hiring a specialized consultancy, like io.citizen, can be extremely beneficial during this process. Our expertise in Italian citizenship laws and procedures can help you navigate the complexities of the appeal process and increase your chances of success.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Alternatives to the administrative process

As of July 2025, the only available path to Italian citizenship is through the judicial system. Although all administrative procedures are expected to be centralized under a newly established governmental body, its guidelines and processing protocols have yet to be fully defined.

If you’re reading this after the administrative system has been implemented and are experiencing delays or obstacles, pursuing citizenship through the courts remains a valid and strategic alternative. In many cases, the judicial process proves to be less bureaucratic and more efficient, often offering shorter timelines compared to the traditional routes managed by the Italian administrative system.

This makes it an attractive option for applicants who want to expedite their citizenship application.

When applying through the courts, specialized consultancies, such as io.citizen, can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the judicial process. We offer comprehensive services that include gathering and preparing all necessary documentation, representing you in legal proceedings, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met.

This support can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome and reduce the stress associated with the application process.

Obtaining Italian citizenship can be a complex and challenging journey, especially when dealing with denials and appeals. However, with careful preparation and attention to detail, it is possible to overcome these challenges and achieve your goal.

One of the most critical factors in this process is ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete. This involves conducting thorough research, double-checking all records, and addressing any discrepancies before submitting your application.

When faced with a denial, it is essential to act quickly and follow the appropriate legal steps to appeal the decision.

In conclusion, the journey to obtaining Italian citizenship can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By understanding the reasons for denial, and following the correct appeal procedures, you can navigate the complexities of the application process more effectively.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.