Italy has long been renowned for its rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine and picturesque landscapes. Beyond these attractions, many individuals worldwide cherish a deep-rooted connection to Italy through ancestral ties. For years, Italy’s citizenship laws have allowed descendants of Italian nationals to reclaim their heritage through jure sanguinis (right of blood).
However, as of March 28, 2025, significant legislative changes have been introduced, reshaping the pathways to Italian citizenship. This comprehensive guide aims to elucidate these reforms and provide a roadmap for those seeking to navigate the updated citizenship landscape.
Understanding Italian Citizenship: Traditional Avenues
Historically, Italian citizenship could be acquired through several primary avenues:
- Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): This principle allowed individuals with Italian ancestors to claim citizenship, provided they could demonstrate an unbroken lineage and that their ancestors had not renounced Italian citizenship prior to the birth of the next generation.
- Citizenship by Marriage (Jure Matrimonii): Non-Italian spouses of Italian citizens could apply for citizenship after a specified period of marriage and residency.
- Naturalization: Foreign nationals residing in Italy could apply for citizenship after ten years of legal residence, subject to certain conditions.
The 2025 Legislative Reforms: Key Changes
In response to concerns about the exploitation of citizenship laws and administrative burdens, the Italian government enacted Decree-Law No. 36 on March 28, 2025. This decree introduces pivotal changes, particularly concerning citizenship by descent:
- Generational Limitations: Previously, individuals could claim Italian citizenship if they had an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861, the date of Italy’s unification. The new law restricts automatic citizenship to those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. This change aims to prevent distant descendants from acquiring citizenship without a direct and recent familial connection to the country.
- Residency Requirements for Parents: For individuals without a parent or grandparent born in Italy, eligibility may still be possible if their Italian parent resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years prior to their birth or adoption.
- Centralisation of Applications: To address backlogs and streamline the process, the government has centralised the handling of citizenship applications in Rome, reducing the burden on consulates abroad. This move is expected to expedite processing times and ensure a more uniform evaluation of applications.
Implications of the Reforms
These reforms have several implications for prospective applicants:
- Reduced Eligibility: Individuals seeking citizenship through more distant ancestral connections (e.g., great-grandparents) may no longer qualify under the new regulations.
- Processing Efficiency: Centralising applications may lead to faster decisions, benefiting those who meet the revised criteria.
- Addressing Abuses: The changes aim to curb the commercialisation and exploitation of Italian citizenship, ensuring that it is granted to individuals with a genuine and close connection to Italy.
Navigating the New Citizenship Landscape: Steps for Prospective Applicants
For those considering applying for Italian citizenship under the revised laws, the following steps are recommended:
- Assess Eligibility:
- Direct Lineage: Confirm that you have a parent or grandparent born in Italy.
- Parental Residency: If your parent was not born in Italy, determine if they resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years prior to your birth or adoption.
- Gather Necessary Documentation:
- Birth Certificates: Obtain birth certificates for yourself and your Italian ancestors, ensuring they are translated into Italian and apostilled if issued abroad.
- Marriage Certificates: Collect marriage certificates where applicable, similarly translated and apostilled.
- Naturalization Records: Provide documentation proving that your Italian ancestor did not naturalise in another country before the birth of the next generation.
- Submit Application:
- Centralised Processing: With the centralisation of applications in Rome, ensure that you submit your application to the designated central authority or follow the updated procedures outlined by the Italian government.
- Stay Informed:
- Consult Official Sources: Regularly check official Italian government websites or consult with the Italian consulate for updates on application procedures and requirements.
- Seek Legal Assistance: Given the complexities introduced by the new laws, consider consulting with legal experts specializing in Italian citizenship to navigate the process effectively.
As mentioned above, if you don’t have Italian ancestry, you can still obtain Italian citizenship through several legal pathways. Let’s explore the main options in detail.
1. Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)
If you legally reside in Italy for a certain period, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization. The required duration depends on your nationality:
10 years – For most non-EU citizens
4 years – For EU citizens
5 years – For stateless persons, refugees, or those adopted by Italian parents
3 years – For individuals with Italian ancestors but not eligible for jure sanguinis (e.g., those from Istria, Dalmatia, or ex-Italian territories)
Requirements:
- Continuous legal residence in Italy for the required period
- Proof of financial stability (income tax returns, employment, or business ownership)
- No serious criminal record
- Sufficient knowledge of the Italian language (B1 level)
- Integration into Italian society
Process:
- Obtain a long-term visa (work, student, or elective residence visa).
- Get a residence permit and live in Italy for the required number of years.
- Pass an Italian language test (B1 level).
- Submit your application online via the Ministero dell’Interno website.
- Wait for approval
- Take the oath of allegiance to Italy.
2. Citizenship by Marriage (Jure Matrimonii)
If you are married to an Italian citizen, you can apply for citizenship after:
2 years – If residing in Italy
3 years – If living abroad (but reduced to 18 months and 1.5 years respectively if you have children together).
Requirements:
- Valid marriage certificate recognised in Italy
- No criminal record
- Italian language certificate (B1 level).
- Proof that the marriage is still valid (not separated or divorced).
3. Citizenship by Investment (“Golden Visa”)
Italy offers a “Investor Visa” that can lead to citizenship. You must invest in one of the following:
€2 million in Italian government bonds
€500,000 in an Italian company
€250,000 in an innovative startup
€1 million in philanthropic projects
Citizenship by Special Cases
Italy grants citizenship in unique cases, such as:
By Birth in Italy (Jus Soli) – If you are born in Italy to non-Italian parents but live there until 18, you can apply at age 18.
By Adoption – If you are legally adopted by an Italian citizen as a minor.
Exceptional Merit – If the Italian government grants you citizenship for exceptional contributions in fields like sports, arts, or science.
How long it take to process the applications
The processing time for an Italian citizenship application depends on the type of application:
By Residency (Naturalization): Up to 36 months (3 years)
By Marriage: Around 24-36 months
By Descent (Jure Sanguinis): Varies – 6 months to several years, depending on the consulate or municipality
By Investment: Typically 6-12 months
By Birth in Italy (Jus Soli at 18): 6-12 months after applying
The Italian Citizenship Test
To obtain Italian citizenship by residency or marriage, applicants must pass an Italian language test at the B1 level (intermediate), as required by Law No. 132/2018. This ensures that candidates can communicate effectively in daily life, understand official documents, and integrate into Italian society.
Where to Take the Test
The test must be taken at a certified institution recognised by the Italian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education. These include:
- CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) – Administered by the University for Foreigners of Perugia
- CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) – Offered by the University for Foreigners of Siena
- PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri) – Organised by the Dante Alighieri Society
- CERT.IT – Provided by the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the test varies depending on the institution and location, typically ranging from €100 to €200. Some testing centres outside Italy may charge slightly more due to administrative fees.
How to Register
- Visit the website of one of the accredited institutions.
- Select an available test date and location (offered both in Italy and abroad).
- Pay the exam fee and receive confirmation.
- On test day, bring valid identification and any required documents.
Who Is Exempt?
You do not need to take the B1 test if you:
- Have completed at least five years of education in an Italian school (in Italy or abroad).
- Hold a recognised Italian high school diploma or university degree.
- Have a certified language disability that prevents you from taking the exam.
Passing the B1 Italian test is a key step in the citizenship process and preparing in advance with language courses or practice tests can help increase your chances of success.
Would you like to boost your chances of passing the exam? Contact us at info@languagesalive.com!
Conclusion
The 2025 reforms to Italian citizenship laws represent a significant shift towards ensuring that citizenship is granted to individuals with a direct and meaningful connection to Italy. While the new regulations may limit eligibility for some, they aim to preserve the integrity of Italian nationality and address administrative challenges. Prospective applicants must thoroughly assess their eligibility, meticulously prepare documentation and stay informed about procedural updates. By doing so, they can navigate the path to Italian citizenship with clarity and confidence, honouring their heritage and embracing the opportunities that come with being an Italian citizen.