Citizenship

Italian citizenship: live fully in Italy (and Europe)

Obtaining Italian citizenship means gaining the freedom to live fully, with all the rights of a citizen: work, residence, voting, and free movement within Europe.

There are several ways to apply—by residence, marriage, or descent—each with specific requirements.

SmartLivingItaly turns even the most complex process into a clear, guided, and accessible experience, thanks to our expertise and constant support.

Italian citizenship by residence

Applying for Italian citizenship by residence is a significant milestone for those who have built their lives in Italy, but it is also a complex process requiring attention, preparation, and in-depth knowledge of the regulations.

The minimum period of legal residence varies based on personal circumstances:

• 10 years for non-EU citizens,
• 4 years for EU citizens,
• 5 years for refugees, stateless persons, and adults adopted by Italian citizens,
• 2 years for those with Italian origins,
• No requirement for those who have served the Italian state for at least 5 years.

In addition to continuous residence, other fundamental requirements include:

• Knowledge of the Italian language at least at level B1,
• Stable and documented personal income for the three preceding years,
• No criminal record or ongoing legal proceedings in Italy or the country of origin.

The applicant must also demonstrate integration into Italian social and cultural life.
The application must be submitted exclusively online to the Ministry of the Interior, with all required documentation. Response times can take up to 36 months. If successful, the process concludes with a decree of grant and an oath at the municipality of residence.

We guide you through every step: from eligibility assessment to document collection, application completion, and ongoing support even after submission.

Thanks to our experience in citizenship and immigration, SmartLivingItaly offers secure, clear, and attentive management to help you achieve your citizenship goals effectively.

Italian citizenship by marriage or civil union

Being married or in a civil union with an Italian citizen can pave the way to obtaining Italian citizenship, but the process is not automatic.

Those residing in Italy can apply after two years of marriage or civil union. For those living abroad, the term is three years. These timelines are halved if the couple has children, including adopted children.

Requirements include:

• Proof of a valid marriage (the couple must not be separated or divorced),
• Knowledge of Italian at level B1,
• No criminal convictions.

Some categories are exempt from the language test, such as those who studied in Italy or already hold certain residence permits.
The procedure starts online or at consular authorities and can take two to three years to complete.

If successful, the applicant swears allegiance to the Italian Republic and officially acquires citizenship.

With years of experience, SmartLivingItaly guides you step-by-step through the entire process, up to the oath ceremony.

Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italian citizenship is transmitted jure sanguinis (by right of blood), meaning through direct descent from an Italian citizen. Historically, this principle has allowed many descendants born abroad to obtain citizenship, even if residing outside Italy and holding another citizenship.

With Law No. 74/2025, enacted following Legislative Decree 36/2025, the Italian government introduced substantial reforms restricting access to citizenship by descent. According to the new regulations, having an Italian ancestor is no longer sufficient: the right to citizenship is no longer automatically transmitted to those born abroad with another citizenship, even if born before the law came into effect.

Administrative recognition, whether at the Italian consulate in the country of residence or in Italy by establishing residency in a municipality for the duration of the procedure, is now only permitted for children and grandchildren of Italian citizens.

Applicants must prove that one of their parents or grandparents was exclusively an Italian citizen not only at the time of the applicant’s birth but also, if deceased, at the time of their death. This requirement aims to confirm the continuity of Italian citizenship along the genealogical line. Alternatively, rights may be recognized for those with a parent who legally resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the child’s birth.

Those excluded under the new regulations may still pursue citizenship under previous rules through legal action in the competent Italian ordinary court, provided certain conditions are met.

We offer comprehensive assistance for recognizing Italian citizenship by descent in accordance with the new legal provisions. Our services include:

• Personalized initial consultation,
• Verification of familial lineage and legal requirements,
• Full document management, including certified translations, apostilles, and legalizations,
• Submission of applications to Italian municipalities or consulates,
• Legal representation for judicial appeals in complex cases.

We guide every client until the procedure is completed and Italian documents are issued.

SmartLivingItaly stands by you at every step to help you reclaim a right rooted in your family’s history.

Special cases: Loss and Reacquisition of Citizenship

Italian citizenship can be lost voluntarily or due to specific legal sanctions. However, in many cases, it can be reacquired by meeting certain requirements and procedures.

As of July 1, 2025, under the new Law No. 74/2025, those who lost Italian citizenship before August 15, 1992, and were born in Italy or resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years, can apply for reacquisition. The application must be submitted personally at the Consular Office by December 31, 2027.

Children born to Italian parents residing abroad may also apply for citizenship in certain cases but must establish residency in Italy under the new rules.

We provide complete legal assistance at every stage, from eligibility verification to application submission and managing any subsequent requests from competent authorities.

SmartLivingItaly can help you restore your legal bond with Italy, even if you have lost Italian citizenship.