Italian Citizenship By Residency Or Naturalization

• Published date: 20 February 2024
• Law Firm: Boccadutri International Law Firm
• Author: Mr Calogero Boccadutri

Naturalization is a process through which a foreigner living in Italy can obtain Italian citizenship after having resided regularly in Italy.

Integration is demonstrated through stable income and housing, adequate knowledge of the language, and a clean criminal record.

Obtaining Italian citizenship is not simple but knowing the ways to become Italian citizens can help understand if one meets the requirements to apply.

Furthermore, becoming Italian citizens does not prejudice the retention of one's original citizenship, because the Italian State also allows for dual citizenship.

It may happen that one has been residing in Italy for a long period and, at the same time, has entered into a marriage or civil union with an Italian citizen. In this case, there would be two paths to follow, and a choice should be made towards the most convenient: apply for citizenship by marriage (or civil union) or by residence?

The choice is not always obvious, nor is it always possible to follow the administrative route, but it may become mandatory to follow the judicial path.

Requirements for Requesting Italian Citizenship

The requirements for requesting Italian citizenship by residence or naturalization are:

1. Residence
2. Income
3. Knowledge of the Italian language
4. Clean criminal record

Residence

For the purpose of applying for Italian citizenship, one must have legal and uninterrupted residence in the territory, with registration in the registry of the resident population, following entry and stay in Italy with a regular residence permit.

During the necessary residency period for the application for citizenship, there...