Obtaining Italian citizenship can be a rewarding journey, but it requires meeting specific criteria which depends on the pathway you are eligible for. Whether you are pursuing citizenship through descent (jus sanguinis), marriage, or naturalization by residence, each route has its own set of requirements.
This guide will help you understand the Italian citizenship requirements, necessary steps and documentation for each pathway.
Requirements for citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)
Necessary documentation:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates of all your direct ancestors up to the Italian parent or grandparent are required. These documents establish the lineage and prove your connection to the Italian ancestor. Additionally, you will need your own certificates to apply for citizenship.
- Following the enactment of Law 74/2025, it is now required that the Italian ancestor held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death. As a result, applicants must provide proof of non-naturalization to demonstrate that their ancestor did not acquire citizenship in another country.
- Certified translations and apostille are required. Any foreign documents must be translated into Italian by a certified translator and then authenticated with an apostille to be legally recognized in Italy.
Application process:
Following the enactment of Law No. 74/2025, Italian consulates and municipalities have ceased accepting applications for citizenship by descent. All administrative procedures are set to be centralized under a newly established governmental body; however, its structure, operational framework, and specific guidelines are still pending.
As a result, all existing consular and communal queues were formally dissolved, leaving judicial proceedings as the only available pathway to obtaining Italian citizenship. Applicants who intend to challenge Law 74/2025 are strongly advised to retain documentation—such as a receipt or proof of their original place in line at a consulate—as part of their legal strategy.
It is important to emphasize that the outcome of these legal challenges remains uncertain, as Italian courts continue to evaluate the constitutionality and retroactive implications of the law.
Italian Citizenship by descent in courts
Italian citizenship by court is a widely used option for those seeking a cost-effective, straightforward, and hassle-free way to obtain citizenship. This method not only simplifies the process but also has an almost 100% success rate. It allows multiple family members to apply together, regardless of where they live. This pathway requires the same documents as citizenship by descent.
Application process:
You’ll need a lawyer or a specialized consultancy that will handle your citizenship application through judicial means.
In many cases, having your Italian ancestor’s birth certificate is enough for the specialist to start your process. They will take care of everything, from document searches, corrections, and translations to filing, defense, monitoring, and finalizing your application.
Click here to learn more about Italian citizenship by court.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Requirements for citizenship by marriage
Necessary documentation:
- Marriage certificate: your marriage must be registered in Italy. This is a fundamental requirement to prove the legal union.
- Italian language proficiency: you need to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language at a B1 level. This can be done through a recognized language certification.
- Proof of residence or consular registration: if you and your spouse live abroad, you must provide proof of residence or consular registration.
- Criminal, birth and other types of record certificates: obtain criminal, birth and any other record certificates from all countries where you have lived.
Timelines and processes:
You can apply for citizenship after two years of marriage if you reside in Italy, or after three years if you live abroad. The application must be submitted to the Italian Ministry of the Interior or to the local municipality where you reside. Be prepared for a thorough review process, and ensure all your documents are in order.
Click here to learn more about citizenship by marriage.
Requirements for citizenship by residence (naturalization)
Necessary documentation:
- Proof of residence: you must provide evidence of continuous and legal residence in Italy for at least 10 years. Certain categories, such as EU citizens or individuals with Italian ancestry, may have shorter residency requirements.
- Criminal records and birth certificates: similar to the marriage pathway, you must provide criminal records and birth certificates from your previous country of residence.
- Italian language proficiency: a B1 level certificate in Italian is required to demonstrate your ability to integrate into Italian society.
- Financial documentation: you must show proof of financial stability, such as employment records, bank statements, or other financial documents.
Application process:
Submit your application to the Italian Ministry of the Interior or the local municipality where you reside. The process involves a detailed review of your financial and residency stability, so ensure all documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Requirements for Italian citizenship through 1948 cases
Necessary documentation:
- Lineage documents: similar to jus sanguinis, you need to provide documents proving your descent from an Italian ancestor.
- Legal representation: you must hire a lawyer in Italy to represent you in court. This is because the 1948 process involves a judicial procedure to recognize your citizenship.
Application process:
1948 cases require filing a lawsuit in an Italian court. Your lawyer will handle the legal proceedings on your behalf. This pathway can be complex and time-consuming, so it is essential to have experienced legal representation. To find out if your case falls under the 1948 female ancestry rule, click here.
Meeting the requirements for Italian citizenship
Obtaining Italian citizenship is a detailed process that requires careful preparation and adherence to specific requirements. Whether you are applying through descent, marriage, or residence, gathering the necessary documents and meeting the criteria is crucial.
If you find the process overwhelming or need professional assistance, consider seeking help from companies such as io.citizen. We can provide guidance and support to ensure your application is complete and accurate, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and delays.
By understanding and meeting the requirements for your chosen pathway, you can successfully navigate the journey to becoming an Italian citizen.
