Italian citizenship is a coveted status, opening doors to the vibrant culture, rich history, and economic opportunities of one of Europe’s most beloved countries. The principle here is straightforward: if you have a strong connection to Italy—either through descent, marriage, residence, or other specific means—you may qualify for citizenship.
This guide will delve into the various pathways to obtain Italian citizenship, each with its unique criteria and requirements.
Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
One of the most common ways to acquire Italian citizenship is by descent, known as jus sanguinis. This method is available to individuals who have an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy. Alternatively, eligibility may apply if the Italian parent—not grandparent—resided continuously in Italy for at least two years. It is also essential that the Italian relative held exclusive Italian citizenship at the time of their death.
Detailed documentation proving your lineage and your ancestor’s Italian citizenship is crucial. This often involves obtaining birth, marriage, and death certificates, sometimes from both Italian and foreign archives.
A special consideration applies to those whose lineage passes through a woman who gave birth to the next in line before January 1, 1948. Italian law did not allow women to pass citizenship to their children. If this situation applies to you, you may need to follow the judicial route, which involves going through the Italian court system to claim your citizenship.
Italian Citizenship by Marriage
Another route to Italian citizenship is through marriage. If you are married to an Italian citizen, you may be eligible for citizenship. However, there are specific conditions you must meet:
You must have been married for at least two years if you reside in Italy or three years if you live abroad. This waiting period is reduced by half if you have children together. Additionally, since 2018, applicants must prove proficiency in the Italian language at a B1 level or higher. This requirement ensures that new citizens can integrate into Italian society and communicate effectively in daily life.
The process involves submitting various documents, including your marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s Italian citizenship, and evidence of your language proficiency. It’s also important to show that you have no criminal record and that your marriage is genuine and ongoing.
Italian Citizenship by Residence
You can also obtain Italian citizenship by residing in Italy for a significant period. The requirements vary depending on your circumstances:
For EU citizens, the residency requirement is four years. Non-EU citizens must reside in Italy for ten years before applying for citizenship. This period allows you to integrate into Italian society fully and demonstrate your commitment to living in the country.
There are exceptions for individuals who have made significant contributions to Italian society, such as academics, investors, and high-demand workers. These cases may qualify for a shorter residency period.
Throughout your residency, maintaining a legal and uninterrupted stay in Italy is crucial. You must also show that you have sufficient income to support yourself and that you are integrated into the community. This often involves providing documentation of your residence permits, tax records, and other evidence of your life in Italy.
Naturalization by Military or Government Service
Another less common route to Italian citizenship is through service to the country. This includes serving in the Italian Armed Forces or working directly in Italian government institutions. These roles can demonstrate a strong connection and commitment to Italy, which may qualify you for citizenship.
Individuals who have served in the military or worked in significant government roles often have a fast-tracked path to citizenship. This process requires proving your service and demonstrating that you have maintained your ties to Italy throughout your service.
It’s a unique and honorable path to citizenship that underscores the value of contributing to the nation’s defense or governance.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Italian citizenship through the courts
As of July 2025, the judicial route has become the sole pathway to obtaining Italian citizenship. While a newly formed governmental body in Italy is set to oversee all administrative applications, its operational framework and procedures remain undefined. As a consequence, all existing consular application queues have been dissolved.
It’s also important to note that, due to recent changes in Italian legislation, the final outcome of legal challenges to these new rules remains uncertain. Judicial decisions are still pending, and many applicants are awaiting clarity on how these reforms will be interpreted and applied by the courts.
Additionally, applying for Italian citizenship through the courts can be particularly advantageous if your lineage of citizenship was interrupted due to the 1948 female ancestry rule. This process requires a judicial procedure in Italy to obtain recognition.
Applicants will need a lawyer who specializes in Italian citizenship to conduct the process and extensive documentation to prove their lineage.
Who qualifies?
There are multiple ways to qualify for Italian citizenship, each with specific criteria and processes. Whether through descent, marriage, residence, or service, the key is to prove your connection to Italy. Understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary documentation is essential.
Given the complexity of some of these processes, consulting with a specialist or legal expert can be invaluable. They can help you navigate the requirements, gather the necessary documents, and submit your application correctly. With the right guidance, achieving your goal of becoming an Italian citizen can become a reality.
Exploring your options thoroughly will help you understand which path is most suitable for you. Each route has its unique challenges and benefits, but all share the common goal of establishing a meaningful connection to Italy.
