Italian Citizenship by Naturalization: Complete Guide 2025
Become an Italian citizen after 10 years of continuous residence. Get EU citizenship with access to la dolce vita, but prepare for Italy's demanding requirements and lengthy process.
📋 2025 Fee Updates
New Application Fee: Italy introduced a naturalization application fee of €250 in 2025. Language certificate validity remains limited to 2 years only.
🇮🇹 Why Italian Citizenship is Worth the Wait
Despite the long process, Italian citizenship provides EU access and an exceptional quality of life.
What is Italian Citizenship by Naturalization?
Italian citizenship by naturalization is a pathway for long-term residents who have lived continuously in Italy for at least 10 years (4 years for EU citizens). Unlike the more popular ancestry route, naturalization requires demonstrating genuine integration into Italian society through language proficiency, financial stability, and a clean criminal record.
Key Benefits of Italian Citizenship
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
- 190 Visa-Free Destinations: One of the world's strongest passports
- Excellent Healthcare: Access to Italy's renowned public health system
- Cultural Heritage: Living in one of the world's most beautiful countries
- La Dolce Vita: Italian lifestyle, food, and quality of life
Italian Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Initial Residence Permit
RequiredFirst residence permit to establish legal residence in Italy
€200-400 depending on permit type (work, study, family, self-employment)
Residence Permit Renewals
RequiredPeriodic renewals of residence permits during 10-year period
€80-160 per renewal. Need 4-5 renewals over 10-year period for most permits
Italian Language Certification (B1)
RequiredB1 level Italian proficiency certificate from recognized institution
CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or CERT.IT certificates. Valid for 2 years only
Naturalization Application Fee
RequiredOfficial government fee for citizenship application processing
€250 standard fee introduced in 2025. Non-refundable regardless of outcome
Document Collection and Translation
RequiredBirth certificates, criminal records, certified translations
All foreign documents need certified Italian translation and apostille authentication
Criminal Background Checks
RequiredPolice clearances from all countries lived in since age 14
Required from birth country and all countries of residence for 6+ months
Income Documentation
RequiredTax returns and income proof for last 3 years
Must prove minimum annual income €8,264 single, €11,362 married, +€516 per child
Legal Consultation
OptionalImmigration lawyer assistance for naturalization process
Recommended due to complex requirements and long processing times
Italian Passport Application
OptionalItalian passport after citizenship approval
€116 for adult passport, valid for 10 years. Provides EU citizenship benefits
Important Cost Considerations:
- 10-year residence requirement for non-EU citizens (4 years for EU citizens)
- Must maintain continuous legal residence with no interruptions
- B1 Italian language proficiency required - certification valid only 2 years
- Processing times currently 24-36 months but highly variable by region
- Must demonstrate financial stability - minimum income requirements apply
- Clean criminal record required from all countries of residence since age 14
- Italy allows dual citizenship - no need to renounce original nationality
- All costs are in euros - exchange rates affect final amounts in other currencies
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
Italian Naturalization Requirements (2025 Updated)
You Qualify If:
- You have lived continuously in Italy for 10 years with valid residence permits
- You can demonstrate B1 level Italian proficiency with valid certification
- You meet minimum income requirements (€8,264+ annually)
- You have a clean criminal record from all countries of residence
- You have complied with Italian tax obligations
Potential Barriers:
- Insufficient or expired Italian language certification (B1 certificates valid only 2 years)
- Gaps in legal residence or expired residence permits
- Criminal record or tax compliance issues
- Insufficient income or financial instability
- Incomplete or incorrectly translated documentation
🚨 2025 Processing Times by Region
Processing times vary dramatically by Italian region. Here's what to expect:
Faster Regions:
- • Northern Italy (Milan, Turin): 18-24 months
- • Emilia-Romagna (Bologna): 20-30 months
- • Veneto (Venice): 24-36 months
Slower Regions:
- • Southern Italy: 36-48+ months
- • Sicily & Sardinia: 48+ months
- • Some prefectures: 5+ years
Note: Processing times include review, background checks, and final decision. No expedited processing available.
Italian Naturalization Process: Step-by-Step (2025)
Obtain Italian Residence Permit
Get initial residence permit through work, family, study, or self-employment
💡 Tip: Must maintain continuous legal residence for 10 years (4 for EU citizens)
Maintain Continuous Legal Residence
Live continuously in Italy for 10 years, renewing residence permits as needed
💡 Tip: Any interruption in legal residence resets the 10-year clock
Learn Italian Language
Achieve B1 level Italian proficiency and obtain recognized certification
💡 Tip: Language certificate valid for only 2 years - timing is crucial
Gather Required Documents
Collect all criminal records, income proof, and supporting documentation
💡 Tip: All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Italian
Submit Naturalization Application
Apply online through Ministry of Interior website with all documents
💡 Tip: Application submitted online via official Ministry of Interior portal
Application Review and Processing
Ministry reviews application, conducts background checks, may request interview
💡 Tip: Processing times vary greatly by region. Northern Italy typically faster
Receive Italian Citizenship
Take oath of allegiance and receive Italian citizenship certificate
💡 Tip: Published in Official Gazette. Can then apply for Italian passport
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 2025)
Can I keep my original citizenship when becoming Italian?
Yes! Italy allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your original nationality. However, check if your home country allows dual citizenship as some countries require you to renounce their citizenship.
What level of Italian do I need for naturalization in 2025?
B1 level Italian proficiency is required, demonstrated by certificates from CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or CERT.IT institutions. The certificate is only valid for 2 years, so timing your application is crucial.
How long does Italian naturalization take in 2025?
After meeting the 10-year residence requirement, processing takes 24-36+ months depending on region. Northern Italy is generally faster than the south. No expedited processing is available.
What are the minimum income requirements for Italian citizenship?
You must prove minimum annual income of €8,264 for singles, €11,362 for married applicants, plus €516 for each dependent child. This must be demonstrated for the last 3 years.
Is Italian naturalization harder than other EU countries?
Yes, Italy requires one of the longest residence periods (10 years vs 5 for most EU countries) and has complex bureaucracy with very long processing times. Consider Portugal or Ireland for faster EU citizenship.
What happens if my naturalization application is rejected?
You can appeal the decision within 60 days to the administrative court. The €250 application fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome. Having legal assistance is highly recommended.
Italy vs Other EU Naturalization Options (2025)
| Country | Residence Req. | Language Test | Application Fee | Processing Time | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 10 years | B1 Italian | €250 | 24-36+ months | Very long timeline & complex bureaucracy |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 5-8 years | B1 German | €255 | 6-18 months | High demand causing delays |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 5 years | A2 Portuguese | €250 | 18-36 months | Much faster option |
| 🇫🇷 France | 5 years | B1→B2 French (2026) | €55 | 18 months-4+ years | Subjective integration assessment |
Why Choose Italian Citizenship Despite the Long Process?
🇮🇹 Unique Italian Advantages
- La Dolce Vita: Unmatched quality of life, food culture, and natural beauty
- Cultural Heritage: Living in a country with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Healthcare Excellence: World-class public healthcare system
- Strategic Location: Perfect base for traveling throughout Europe and Mediterranean
⚠️ Consider Alternatives First
- Very Long Process: 10+ years residence + 2-3 years processing
- Complex Bureaucracy: Notorious Italian administrative complexity
- Language Challenge: B1 Italian with limited certificate validity
- Economic Concerns: Italy's economic challenges and high unemployment
Tips for Success in Italian Naturalization (2025)
Master Italian Early
Start learning Italian immediately upon arrival. Aim for B2 level even though B1 is required - you'll need Italian for daily life in Italy anyway.
Keep Perfect Records
Document everything: residence permits, tax returns, rental contracts, employment. Italian bureaucracy requires extensive documentation.
Maintain Financial Stability
Ensure consistent income above minimum thresholds. Keep 3+ years of tax returns and employment records ready for your application.
Time Your Language Certificate
B1 certificates are valid only 2 years. Plan carefully - don't get it too early or it will expire during processing.
Choose Your Region Wisely
Northern Italy generally processes applications faster than the south. Consider where you establish residence for naturalization purposes.
Consider Legal Help
Given the complexity and long processing times, professional legal assistance can prevent costly mistakes and delays.
📋 What's New in Italian Naturalization 2025
Fee Changes
- • Application fee increased to €250 (was previously lower)
- • All naturalization applications now require this fee
- • Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome
Process Updates
- • All applications must be submitted online
- • Increased scrutiny on financial documentation
- • Language certificate validity remains 2 years
Important: While descent rules changed significantly in 2025, naturalization requirements remain largely the same, just with updated fees and processing procedures.
Ready to Start Your Italian Journey?
Explore your path to Italian citizenship through naturalization
💡 Consider: 💡 Consider: Other EU countries may have easier requirements than Italy