Italy’s rich culture, history, and lifestyle make it a dream destination for many, and for some, Italian citizenship is not only possible, but a rightful claim. Whether through ancestry, marriage, or residence, the process involves precise documentation and clear understanding of Italian law. In this guide, I’ll explain how to get Italian citizenship by descent, Italian citizenship by marriage, Italian citizenship by residence, and more, with practical tips for success.
Italian citizenship: how to apply and succeed
Why apply for Italian citizenship
Holding Italian citizenship grants you the full rights of a European Union citizen. This includes:
- Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
- Access to Italy’s healthcare and education systems.
- The ability to pass citizenship to your children.
- A deepened connection to your Italian heritage.
How to get Italian citizenship by descent (Ius Sanguinis)
This is the most common route for those with Italian ancestry. Italian citizenship by descent means you can claim citizenship if you can prove an unbroken line of Italian nationality from your ancestor to yourself.
Eligibility criteria:
Important for maternal lines:
If Italian citizenship is claimed through a female ancestor whose child was born before 1 January 1948, you must apply through the Italian courts due to historic gender-based restrictions.
Steps to apply:
Eligibility criteria:
- Your Italian-born ancestor was alive as an Italian citizen after 17 March 1861.
- They did not naturalise in another country before the birth of the next descendant in your line.
- Your Italian parent must have continuous residence in Italy before the date of your birth and for at least two years after acquiring Italian citizenship, or your parent or grandparent was born in Italy and must only have (or had at the time of death) Italian citizenship at the date of your birth.
- You can document the lineage with official birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation, with certified translations into Italian.
Important for maternal lines:
If Italian citizenship is claimed through a female ancestor whose child was born before 1 January 1948, you must apply through the Italian courts due to historic gender-based restrictions.
Steps to apply:
- Collect all relevant certificates, such as birth certificates, from your home country and Italy.
- Get them legalised (apostilled) and professionally translated.
- Submit your application to your local Italian consulate (or directly in Italy if eligible).
How to get Italian citizenship by marriage or civil partnership
If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with an Italian citizen, you can apply for citizenship after a set period, depending on where you live.
Requirements:
You need to live together at the same address or demonstrate the reason why you are living separately. At the date of granting citizenship, no dissolution, annulment or termination of the civil effects of the marriage/civil partnership (legal separation, divorce) must have occurred.
In any case, you must demonstrate proficiency in Italian at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have a clean criminal record.
Application process:
Requirements:
- Living in Italy: 2 years of marriage (18 months with children together).
- Living abroad: 3 years of marriage (18 months with children together).
You need to live together at the same address or demonstrate the reason why you are living separately. At the date of granting citizenship, no dissolution, annulment or termination of the civil effects of the marriage/civil partnership (legal separation, divorce) must have occurred.
In any case, you must demonstrate proficiency in Italian at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have a clean criminal record.
Application process:
- Submit your request online via the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
- Provide your marriage certificate, proof of spouse’s Italian citizenship, clean criminal records from all countries you’ve lived in, and language certification.
How to get Italian citizenship by residence
For those without Italian ancestry or an Italian spouse, citizenship by residence is a viable option.
Residency periods:
You must:
Residency periods:
- 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy for non-EU citizens.
- 4 years for EU citizens.
- 3 years for those with Italian grandparents or parents up to the second degree.
- 5 years for refugees or stateless individuals.
You must:
- Have legal, uninterrupted residence in Italy.
- Show proof of integration and financial stability.
- Pass the B1 Italian language test.
Other ways to obtain Italian citizenship
- By birth in Italy: if born to foreign parents but have lived legally in Italy until 18, you may apply upon reaching adulthood.
- Special merits: exceptional contributions to Italy in science, culture, or the economy may lead to citizenship via presidential decree.
Frequently asked questions about Italian citizenship
Can I hold dual citizenship with Italy?
Yes, Italy allows dual (or multiple) citizenship, provided your other country of citizenship does not prohibit it.
How long will it take?
It varies widely. Two to four years is common for consulate applications; court cases or in-country applications may be faster.
Do I need to speak Italian?
It is required for marriage and residence routes (B1 level). Not needed for citizenship by descent, though knowing Italian helps.
Do my documents need to be in Italian?
Yes, any non-Italian documents must be officially translated and certified. This is a step where professional language services are essential to avoid delays or rejections.
Yes, Italy allows dual (or multiple) citizenship, provided your other country of citizenship does not prohibit it.
How long will it take?
It varies widely. Two to four years is common for consulate applications; court cases or in-country applications may be faster.
Do I need to speak Italian?
It is required for marriage and residence routes (B1 level). Not needed for citizenship by descent, though knowing Italian helps.
Do my documents need to be in Italian?
Yes, any non-Italian documents must be officially translated and certified. This is a step where professional language services are essential to avoid delays or rejections.
Challenges in the process
Many applicants face:
Tips to improve success:
- Missing or inconsistent records.
- Long waits for consulate appointments.
- Complicated legal processes for certain cases (e.g., pre-1948 maternal lines).
Tips to improve success:
- Begin document collection early.
- Work with professional translators for accuracy and legal compliance.
- Keep meticulous records and copies of all paperwork.
Why a professional Italian translator can help
Accurate, certified translations are not just a formality, they’re a legal requirement. As a professional Italian translator, I ensure that birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as court records, are translated with precision and formatted in accordance with Italian legal standards. This avoids costly delays and increases the chances of a successful citizenship application. Whether you’re applying by descent, marriage, or residence, a well-prepared application with flawlessly translated documents can make all the difference in your citizenship journey.
Get in touch today to ask for a quote!
Get in touch today to ask for a quote!
DISCLAIMER: the data provided in this article was right at the time of writing. Applicants must always refer to official institutions such as embassies or consulates for up-to-date eligibility requirements and further information.