How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Residency

Applying for Italian citizenship by residency requires meeting specific legal residency requirements. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the process.

Residency Requirements

• Non-EU Citizens: Must have at least 10 years of legal residency in Italy.
• EU Citizens: Must have at least 4 years of legal residency in Italy.
• Special Cases: Only 3 years of legal residency is required for those whose parents or grandparents were Italian by birth, or for those born in Italy as non-Italian citizens.

Simplified Process If You Were Born in Italy

If you were born in Italy and have lived here continuously until the age of 18, you can apply for citizenship by making a simple request at the vital statistics office (“Ufficio dello Stato Civile”) in your municipality before you turn 19.

Application Requirements

1. Proof of Legal Residency: You must prove that you are a legal resident in Italy. This means your name should be listed in the registry office of the town(s) where you have lived continuously. Non-EU citizens also need a regular residency permit for the entire duration of their stay in Italy.
2. Italian Language Proficiency: You must have certified knowledge of the Italian language at a B1 level or higher. This certification can be obtained from:
   • University for Foreigners of Siena
   • University for Foreigners of Perugia
   • Roma Tre University
   • Dante Alighieri Society Exceptions apply if you have a degree in Italian, attended school in Italy, or hold a “carta di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo” issued after 2011.
3. Proof of Income: Your yearly income must have been at least €8,263.31 for the past 3 years. If you are married and your spouse depends on you financially, your yearly income must be at least €11,362.05, plus an additional €516.46 for each dependent child. If you don’t meet the income requirement, you can use the income of someone in your household.

Application Process

Submit your application via the official website of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. Complete all required fields and upload scans of the necessary documents. Once approved, you will need to provide original copies to your local prefecture (“Prefettura”).

Required Documents

• Certified copy of your original birth record, translated and legalized
• Criminal background check from your country of origin and any other countries of residence, translated and legalized
• Proof of payment of €250 processing fee
• Proof of income (Italian Tax Report)
• Language certification (if applicable)
• For those with Italian ancestry: Provide vital records of your Italian ancestors

Additional Notes

• If you are married and your spouse is financially dependent on you, provide relevant documentation.
• If you are a woman who has changed your name after marriage, include your marriage certificate or another document justifying the name change.

Processing Time

The process can take up to 24 months (2 years) and may extend to 36 months (3 years) in case of justified reasons. If your application is successful, a decree of citizenship will be sent to your local town hall, where you will need to take an oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic within 6 months. Any minor children living with you at the time will automatically become Italian citizens.

By following these guidelines, you can apply for Italian citizenship by residency more effectively. For more detailed information or assistance, I’m here to help.