Discover which are the most powerful passports and their exclusive benefits

italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
Discover the most powerful passports, their benefits, and how to obtain Italian citizenship for enhanced global mobility. Start your journey today!
Summary

In today’s interconnected world, having one of the most powerful passports can open doors to global opportunities. But what exactly makes a passport powerful? The strength of a passport is generally determined by the number of countries its holder can enter without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival. This visa-free or visa-on-arrival access can significantly simplify international travel, making it easier and more convenient. 

Current ranking of the most powerful passports

The ranking of the world’s most powerful passports is updated regularly to reflect changes in visa agreements and international relations. According to the latest Passport Index, the top 10 most powerful passports are:

  1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  2. Spain
  3. Finland, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Portugal, Norway, Switzerland, Greece, Ireland
  4. Sweden, Poland, Hungary
  5. Czech Republic, South Korea, Estonia, Croatia, Slovakia
  6. Japan, Slovenia, Latvia, New Zealand, Liechtenstein
  7. Singapore, Malta, United Kingdom, Canada, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Australia
  8. United States of America, Iceland
  9. Cyprus
  10. Malaysia, Monaco

This ranking from https://www.passportindex.org/about.php is based on the following criteria: the Mobility score, the VF (visa-free) portion against the VOA (Visa on arrival) portion, and the United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index 2018 (UNDP HDI) as a tie-breaker.

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Benefits of Italian citizenship in a global context

Italian citizenship offers a host of benefits that make it highly desirable in the global context. The Italian passport is among the most powerful in the world, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 178 countries. This includes easy access to the entire European Union, allowing Italian citizens to live, work, and study in any of the 27 member states without the need for additional permits. This level of freedom is particularly advantageous for those seeking opportunities within the EU, whether for career advancement, education, or personal travel.

How to get an Italian passport?

Practical implications of holding a powerful passport

Holding a powerful passport like the Italian one can have profound practical implications. Professionally, it can open doors to international job opportunities, enabling passport holders to work in various countries without the lengthy visa application processes. 

This mobility is especially beneficial in industries that require frequent travel or global collaboration. On a personal level, a strong passport simplifies travel, allowing for spontaneous trips and easier planning.

For example, attending international conferences, business meetings, or cultural events becomes much less cumbersome when visa requirements are minimal or nonexistent. Additionally, powerful passports can enhance personal security, as they often come with consular support and protection while abroad.

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Consular process versus judicial process in obtaining Italian citizenship

There are two main pathways to obtaining Italian citizenship: the consular process and the judicial process. The consular process involves applying through an Italian consulate in one’s home country. This method, while straightforward, is often hindered by long wait times, extensive paperwork, and bureaucratic delays. 

In some cases, applicants might wait several years for their citizenship to be granted, facing frustration and uncertainty along the way.

The judicial process, on the other hand, offers a more efficient alternative. This method involves filing a petition in an Italian court, where a judge reviews the application. The judicial process is typically quicker, often resolving cases within one to two years. This route can bypass many of the delays and challenges associated with the consular process.

For US residents, the judicial pathway is particularly advantageous as it expedites the process, reducing the waiting time and administrative burden.

Navigating the complexities of obtaining Italian citizenship can be daunting, but specialized consultancy services can provide invaluable assistance. A comprehensive consultancy can guide you through each step of the process, from gathering necessary documents to legal representation in Italy. This expert support ensures that all requirements are met, minimizing errors and delays.

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.

io.citizen offers specialized services to simplify this complex journey, helping you secure the benefits of Italian citizenship and a powerful European passport. 

Our professional guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth and efficient application process. Contact us today to learn more about our complete consultancy packages and take the first step towards unlocking the exclusive benefits of a powerful passport.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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