If you do not qualify for Italian citizenship by descent or by marriage there is an alternative route to obtaining Italian citizenship and it entails establishing residency in Italy. EU citizens can apply for citizenship by residency after four years of legal residency in Italy. On the other hand, non-EU citizens need a visa to enter Italy and establish residency ; in particular, non-EU citizens can apply for Italian citizenship after ten years of legal residency in Italy. Some of the most popular visas to enter Italy are the work, study, family reunification visa, the Elective Residence Visa, or the Investor Visa. But what does applying for citizenship by residency actually entail? This article will answer some of the most frequently asked questions with regard to the topic.
Are there any exceptions to the four-year or ten-year rule?
Foreigners whose parents or grandparents were Italian by birth can apply for Italian citizenship by residency after three years of legal residency in Italy.
What are the requirements to apply for citizenship by residency?
Firstly, you will need to provide proof that you are a resident in Italy from a legal stand point, i.e., that your name is listed in the registry in the town/s where have you resided with no interruption. If you are a non-EU citizen you must also comply with the laws regulating immigration; in other words, you must hold a regular residency permit for the entire duration of your residency in Italy.
Secondly, you must have certified knowledge of Italian – B1 level is required- , unless you hold a language degree in Italian, you attended school in Italy, you hold a “carta di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo” which was issued after 2001, or you already have certified knowledge of Italian which has been recognized by the one of the following institutions:
- The University for foreigners of Siena,
- The University for foreigners of Perugia,
- The Roma Tre University,
- The Dante Alighieri Society.
Thirdly, you will need to provide evidence that your yearly income has not been lower than 8.263,31 euro for the past three years. If you are married and your spouse depends on you financially, your yearly income must not have been lower than 11.362,05 and an additional 516,46 is required for every dependent child. If you do not have a yearly income or if your yearly income does not meet the minimum required by law, you can indicate somebody else’s, provided that they are part of the same household.
How do you submit an application?
You can submit an application for citizenship by residency via the official website of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. You will need to upload scans of the required documents and once your application has been approved you will need to provide the local prefecture (“Prefettura”) with originals copies of the documents.
Which documents do you need?
In order to apply you need a certified, original copy of your birth certificate, and a criminal background check issued by your country of origin and any other countries in which you have resided since the age of fourteen. All of these documents need to be duly legalized and translated. If you are a US citizen, in addition to the criminal background check from the Federal Government, you will need to provide criminal background checks from all of the US states where you have resided. Finally, you will also need to submit proof of payment of 250 euro, proof of income and the language certification.
How long does it take to be granted Italian citizenship by residency?
It can take up to 24 months to receive an outcome. This can also be extended to 36 months.
What happens after you are granted citizenship?
If your claim to citizenship is successful, a decree will be sent to the town hall of your municipality of residency and the ceremony will take place within six months from that date. During the ceremony you will need to take an oath and swear allegiance to the Italian Republic.
Can you pass your citizenship to your children?
If you have any minor children who are living with you at the time of the oath, they will automatically become Italian citizens.
Final remarks
In conclusion, this article has sought to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the eligibility requirements and process to apply for Italian citizenship by residency. If you are thinking of moving to Italy and would like more information about applying for citizenship by residency, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
