Italian Citizenship by Residency: Complete Guide
Learn how to obtain Italian citizenship by residency. Requirements, documents, timelines, and the full procedure for foreigners living in Italy.
Italian Citizenship
Sep 8, 2025
5 min read
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Italian Citizenship by Residency
Your dedication to Italy rewarded with full citizenship rights
Full Italian and EU citizenship rights
Freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU
Access to Italian healthcare and social services
Ability to pass citizenship to your children
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Introduction
What You Need to Know
Complete guide to understanding your path to Italian citizenship
Italian citizenship by residency is a legal path for foreigners who have lived in Italy for a certain number of years and have become part of the country's social and cultural life. It recognizes your long-term commitment to Italy and allows you to fully belong to the community you've built your life in.
Ready to start your journey? Follow the steps below to understand the complete process.
Step 1
Who can apply for citizenship by residency?
You can apply for Italian citizenship if you have legally and continuously lived in Italy for:
🌍
10 years
Non-EU Citizens
if you are a non-EU citizen
Required time
4 years
EU Citizens
if you are a citizen of the European Union (EU)
Required time
🛡️
5 years
Refugees/Stateless
if you are a recognized stateless person or refugee (with political asylum or subsidiary protection)
Required time
👨👩👧👦
No wait
Adoptees (under 18)
if the adoption happened before you turned 18: you automatically become an Italian citizen at the moment of adoption, provided at least one adoptive parent is Italian
🪪
5 years
Adoptees (18+)
if you were adopted by an Italian citizen as an adult: you can request citizenship after 5 years of legal residence in Italy
Required time
3 years
Italian Descendants
if you are a descendant of former Italian citizens (up to the second degree)
Required time
👶
No wait
Born in Italy
if you were born in Italy to foreign parents and have lived there legally and continuously until age 18 — in this case, you must apply within one year after turning 18
Important Requirement
All residency periods must be uninterrupted and legal. Time spent on certain residence permits (such as student visas) may not fully count.
Step 2
Step 2: Required Documents
Complete document checklist for your application
🪪
Identity & Residence
Valid passport and residence permit (if applicable)
Proof of continuous legal residence in Italy
Certificate of residence and family status from your local municipality (Comune)
📋
Personal Records
Birth certificate (translated and legalized)
Criminal background checks from your country of origin and any other country where you've lived
💼
Language & Financial
Certificate of Italian language proficiency at B1 level (CEFR) — mandatory unless specifically exempted by law
Income tax returns for the past 3 years (with proof of minimum income required by law)
Translation & Legalization
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Italian and legalized with apostille or consular authentication. We handle this entire process for you.
We Handle Everything
Our team helps you collect, translate, and prepare every single document. You don't have to navigate the bureaucracy alone.
Step 3
Step 3: Application Process
From start to finish: here's everything that happens step by step
1
Document Collection
Gather all required documents including birth certificates, criminal background checks, and language certification.
2
Translation & Legalization
All foreign documents must be translated and legalized with apostille or consular authentication.
3
Online Application
You must apply online through the official website of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. We guide you through the entire submission process.
4
Government Review
By law, the Italian government has 24 months to review your application. This period can be extended to a maximum of 36 months in more complex cases.
Important: In practice, processing times can be longer — keeping your documents updated and monitoring your application is key.
5
Citizenship Decree
Once your application is approved, you'll receive a citizenship decree from the Ministry.
6
Oath Ceremony
You'll need to take an oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic at your local Town Hall (Comune) within 6 months of receiving your citizenship decree.
On the day of the oath, you will be asked to say:
“GIURO DI ESSERE FEDELE ALLA REPUBBLICA E DI OSSERVARE LA COSTITUZIONE E LE LEGGI DELLO STATO”
("I swear to be faithful to the Republic and to observe the Constitution and the laws of the State.")
🎉 Your Italian citizenship becomes official the day after you take the oath!
How long does it take?
The complete citizenship process from document collection to oath ceremony.
24-36
months
Average processing time
How Future Italian Can Help You
Applying for Italian citizenship by residency is a long and bureaucratic process where it's easy to get lost or make mistakes. That's why at Future Italian, we don't just give advice, we walk with you every step of the way, from your first document to getting your passport.
Personal Consultation
We review your specific case, explain your chances, timelines, and exactly what documents you need
Document Preparation
We help you collect everything — from birth certificate translations to income statements and police records
Review and Corrections
We check all your documents carefully to avoid costly mistakes or rejections
Online Application Submission
We register you on the Ministry's portal, fill out the application, and upload all your documents for you
Ongoing Support
We monitor your application status, remind you of deadlines, and help you respond to requests from the Ministry
Oath Ceremony Preparation
We explain exactly what happens at the ceremony, what to bring, and how to be fully prepared
Italian Passport Help
After the oath, we assist with your passport application and guide you on what to do next
We help you earn the citizenship you've worked so hard to deserve.
With Future Italian, you're never alone
Start your journey to Italy and discover how to turn your dream into reality
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about this service
By law, the Italian government has 24 months to review your application, which can be extended to 36 months in complex cases. However, processing times can sometimes be longer in practice.
Yes, you need a B1 level Italian language certificate (CEFR) unless you are specifically exempted by law.
Your spouse and minor children can apply for citizenship through you once you become an Italian citizen.
You can appeal the decision or reapply if you can address the reasons for rejection. We help you understand and resolve any issues.
This depends on your country of origin. Italy allows dual citizenship, but your home country may not. We help you understand the implications.
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