Naturalisation by residence in Italy (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Naturalisation by residence needs ten years of residence for most non-EU nationals and Italian at level B1 or above. The test and renunciation rules are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence | 10 years [1] |
| Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residence | Four years for citizens of an EU member state. Five years for stateless people. Three years for people born in Italy. Two years for people with a parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen by birth. [1] |
| Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence | B1 (CEFR) [2] |
| Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- This is the period for foreign nationals who are not covered by a special category.
- Shorter or different periods also apply to some other groups, for example adults adopted by an Italian citizen.
- The Constitutional Court (judgment 25 of 2025) removed the language requirement for applicants with serious limits on learning because of age, illness or disability, when certified by a public health body.
Sources
- Ministero dell'Interno, Dipartimento per le Libertà Civili e l'Immigrazione: Concessione della cittadinanza italiana per residenza sul territorio italiano ai sensi dell'art. 9 della legge n. 91 del 5/02/1992 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Normattiva (Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato): LEGGE 5 febbraio 1992, n. 91 - Nuove norme sulla cittadinanza (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.