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Italian Citizenship Application and Requirements

September 3, 2025
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Entrance

Italian citizenship is one of the most sought-after passports among European Union countries . Italy is not only the cultural center of the Mediterranean, but also an attractive country for foreigners due to its economic, social and diplomatic power. A person holding Italian citizenship also acquires EU citizenship ; this grants the right to free movement, work and residence in the 27 EU countries.

For Turkish citizens, Italian citizenship offers significant advantages in areas such as investment and trade opportunities, ease of family reunification, and access to education and healthcare. In particular, citizenship based on ancestry (jus sanguinis) is a great opportunity for those of Turkish origin who migrated to Italy during the Ottoman era.

This guide will explain all aspects of the Italian citizenship application process and requirements , in light of current legislation as of 2025

1. Legal Grounds

1.1. Italian Citizenship Law

Italian citizenship is primarily regulated by the Citizenship Act No. 91 of 5 February 1992 (Legge n. 91/1992)

1.2. Basic Principles

  • Jus sanguinis (blood relation) is fundamental: If one parent is Italian, the child is also a citizen.

  • Jus soli (place of birth) is exceptional: Only under certain conditions does place of birth confer citizenship.

  • Dual citizenship is possible.

1.3. 2020 and 2023 Reforms

  • Application deadlines have been shortened.

  • The citizenship by investment program has been expanded.

  • The digital application system has been launched.

2. Ways to Obtain Citizenship

2.1. Through Birth

  • Children born to Italian parents automatically become citizens.

  • A foreign child born in Italy can apply for citizenship if they have resided there continuously until the age of 18.

2.2. Through Marriage

  • Foreigners married to Italian citizens two years after the marriage (three years if they live outside the EU).

  • If there are children, the duration is halved.

2.3. By Residence

  • For EU citizens, 4 years

  • For non-EU citizens (including those from Türkiye), there is a requirement of 10 years of continuous residency.

  • For refugees and stateless persons, the period is 5 years.

2.4. By Investment (Golden Visa)

Italy launched a residency and citizenship program through investment in 2017.

  • €250,000 investment in innovative start-ups

  • €500,000 in Italian company shares

  • €2,000,000 government bonds,

  • With a donation of €1,000,000, an application for residency and subsequently citizenship can be made.

2.5. Kinship (Jus Sanguinis)

  • Individuals of Italian ancestry can apply for citizenship if they did not lose their Italian citizenship after 1861.

  • Through this method, thousands of people living in South America have become Italian citizens.

3. Special Status of Turkish Citizens

3.1. Advantages of Living There

Turkish citizens experience some procedural advantages because they are citizens of EU candidate countries.

3.2. Through Marriage

Applications for post-marriage benefits in Italy by Turkish citizens are frequently observed.

3.3. Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship is possible between Türkiye and Italy. Turkish citizenship is not lost.

4. Application Procedure Step-by-Step

4.1. Documents

  • Passport,

  • Residence permit,

  • Income documents,

  • Criminal record,

  • Birth and marriage certificates,

  • Language proficiency certificate (B1 level).

4.2. Application Institution

Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministero dell'Interno)

4.3. Processing Time

The period, which was previously 48 months, has been reduced to 24 months.

4.4. Expenses

  • Application fee: €250

  • Document translation and apostille: Approximately €500–€1000

5. Reasons for Refusal and Appeals

5.1. Reasons for Refusal

  • Missing document,

  • Insufficient income,

  • Rap sheet,

  • A threat to public order.

5.2. Objection

against the rejection decisions the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (TAR Lazio).

6. Dual Citizenship

Italy allows dual citizenship. Turkish citizens can also become Italian citizens without losing their Turkish citizenship.

Advantages:

  • EU free movement,

  • Dual diplomatic protection,

  • The possibility of tax planning.

7. Taxes, Military Service, and Social Security

7.1. Tax

Italian citizens are required to declare their worldwide income in Italy.

7.2. Military Service

Military service is not compulsory in Italy.

7.3. Social Security

Italy and Türkiye have a social security agreement. Periods of service are mutually recognized.

8. Türkiye-Italy Comparison

  • In Türkiye, citizenship can be obtained through an investment program involving $400,000 in real estate; in Italy, a higher capital investment is required.

  • The residency period for obtaining citizenship in Türkiye is 5 years, while in Italy it is 10 years.

  • Both countries allow dual citizenship.

9. Rights Provided by EU Citizenship

EU citizenship acquired through Italian citizenship provides the following rights:

  • Right to reside and work in 27 EU countries

  • The right to vote in EU elections,

  • Consular protection,

  • Access to Erasmus and EU scholarships.

10. Balkan and European Comparison

  • Greece: 7 years of residency is sufficient.

  • Spain: 10 years, 2 years for those of Latin American origin.

  • Portugal: Citizenship after 5 years of residency.

  • Italy: Provides a strong passport, although it may take longer.

11. Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Turkish Student

A Turkish citizen studying at a university in Italy can apply for citizenship after 10 years.

Scenario 2: Marriage

A Turkish citizen marries his Italian wife and applies for citizenship two years later.

Scenario 3: The Investor

A Turkish businessman who invested €500,000 in an Italian company receives a residence permit and subsequently citizenship.

Scenario 4: Blood Ties

A Turkish citizen whose grandfather was Italian acquires citizenship directly through ancestry.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many years of residency are required for Italian citizenship?
10 years for non-EU citizens.

Q2: Can Turkish citizens have dual citizenship?
Yes.

Q3: What is the timeframe for obtaining citizenship through marriage?
2 years (if living in Italy), 3 years (if living abroad).

S4: Is there a language requirement for citizenship?
A B1 level of Italian is mandatory.

Q5: Is citizenship by investment possible?
Yes, through the Golden Visa program.

S6: How long does the application process take?
Approximately 24 months.

S7: What happens if the application is rejected?
TAR will file a lawsuit against Lazio.

S8: Can children automatically become citizens?
Yes, if the mother or father is Italian, the child is also a citizen.

Q9: Can an EU passport be obtained along with citizenship?
Yes.

S10–25: (additional questions: inheritance rights, retirement, military service, tax obligations, procedure for renunciation of citizenship, EU scholarship rights, consular support, passport use for dual citizenship, etc.)

Conclusion

Italian citizenship applications and requirements, as of 2025, offer a wide variety of avenues for foreigners. Marriage, residency, investment, and kinship are the most common methods. For Turkish citizens, the possibility of dual citizenship, the advantages of an EU passport, and social security agreements provide significant convenience.

Complete documentation, language proficiency, and proof of income are critically important in the application process. Applications submitted with legal support have a higher acceptance rate.

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