Italian Citizenship 2026: How to Obtain, Pathways, EU Passport

What an Italian passport actually provides

Italy is one of the founding members of the European Union, part of the eurozone and Schengen. The Italian passport consistently ranks in the top three to five strongest in the world for freedom of movement. For its holder, it opens not just a beautiful document, but the full set of rights of an EU citizen.

What this means in practice:

• Live and work in any of the 27 European Union countries without work visas and permits - from Germany to Spain.
• Study at European universities as a local resident, at domestic rates, not as a foreigner.
• Travel freely throughout the Schengen area and visit most countries of the world visa-free, including visa-free entry to the USA under the ESTA program.
• Conduct business on the unified EU market and use the European banking system.
• Pass citizenship to children - they will be born as Europeans.

It is important not to confuse the passport with taxes: citizenship itself does not make you a tax resident of Italy. Residency is determined by residence (more than 183 days per year) or center of vital interests. Italian taxes are a separate discussion below.

All pathways to obtain Italian citizenship: briefly and

There are several roads to an Italian passport, and they differ significantly in complexity, timelines and requirements. So you can see the full picture at once, we have compiled them into one table - with a note of who the pathway suits and how much time it actually takes.

As can be seen, there is no direct fast path to Italian citizenship for money. The most valuable option is through ancestry, but after the 2025 reform, it is not available to everyone with Italian ancestors. We will examine each pathway in detail and .

Italian citizenship by descent: what the 2025 reform changed

Historically, Italy was the most generous country in Europe regarding citizenship by blood (jure sanguinis - "by right of blood"). Previously, one could obtain a passport by proving a family line to any Italian ancestor who lived after 1861, even to a great-great-grandfather. Millions of descendants of emigrants in Argentina and the USA used this right.

In March 2025, everything changed. Decree-law DL 36/2025 (approved by law 74/2025 in May 2025) limited the right by blood to two generations. Now, as a rule, those eligible to claim citizenship by descent are those who have a parent (father or mother) or grandparent (grandfather or grandmother) born in ItalySchemes through great-grandparents and more distant ancestors that worked previously are now closed for new applicants.

Transitional rules apply: applications and appointment bookings submitted before the end of March 2025 are reviewed under old rules. Those who started earlier proceed under the previous, more lenient conditions.

The family line is living: your grandfather who emigrated overseas in youth or grandmother from a small town could have been Italian. The key is to prove the genealogical line with documents. A detailed analysis of this pathway after the reform is in a separate article: Italian citizenship by descent.

How to prove Italian roots: documents and family line

Citizenship by descent is not about "my grandmother is Italian," but about a documented genealogical line without a single gap. Documents consume the most time, so preparation is half the battle.

What typically needs to be collected:

• Birth record of the Italian ancestor in Italy - certificate from the municipality (comune) where they were born. After the 2025 reform, birth of father, mother, grandfather or grandmother on Italian territory is a key requirement.
• Documents for each generation - birth, marriage, and death certificates along the entire line from the ancestor to you.
• Confirmation that the ancestor did not lose citizenship before the birth of the next person in line - for example, did not naturalize in another country prematurely.
• Legalization - translations into Italian by sworn translators, apostilles on foreign documents.

If documents are lost or records contain discrepancies (names or dates recorded differently), this is not always a dead end - archives of Italian municipalities and church records often help recover missing information. However, any break in the family line will result in rejection, so each generation must be documented. This is painstaking but solvable work.

Naturalization: the pathway through years of residence in Italy

If there is no Italian ancestry or it goes back further than grandparents, the general pathway remains - naturalization. It is long and requires actual residence in the country, not just a desire to obtain a passport. The logic is as follows: first you become a resident, live, integrate, and only then can you claim citizenship.

How long you need to legally reside depends on your status:

• 10 years - standard term for citizens of non-EU countries, including Russians and CIS citizens.
• 4 years - for European Union citizens.
• 3 years - for persons of Italian descent (for example, those with an Italian grandfather but whose right by blood no longer applies) and for those born in Italy.

Besides residence duration, Italian language knowledge at level B1is required, stable legal income in recent years, absence of criminal convictions, and paid taxes. The application is submitted online to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the law allows up to 48 months for a decision - in practice in 2026 this is approximately 2-3 years depending on the region. Thus, from the first residence permit to a passport through naturalization takes many years. This pathway suits those who plan to live in Italy anyway. Details are in the article Italian citizenship by naturalization.

Citizenship by marriage: possible, but not immediately

Marriage to an Italian citizen provides a benefit compared to ordinary naturalization, but does not make the passport a formality. European legislation long ago closed the loophole when a marriage stamp automatically opened the door to citizenship.

How it works in practice:

• 2 years of legal residence in Italy in marriage - and you can apply for citizenship.
• 3 years of marriage, if spouses live outside Italy.
• Timeframes are halved in the presence of common children (biological or adopted) - up to 1 year of residence in the country or 1.5 years abroad.

Additional requirements - Italian language proficiency at B1 level, absence of criminal convictions, valid and non-dissolved marriage at the time of decision, government fee of approximately 250 euros. Sham marriages are thoroughly checked, and in case of doubts about the authenticity of the relationship, citizenship will be denied. The decision is made by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, statutory review period is approximately 24-36 months.

Citizenship by birth: why Italy is not a jus soli country

Common misconception: "I give birth to a child in Italy - and he automatically becomes Italian." This is not the case. Italy operates on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), not jus soli (right of soil). The mere fact of birth on Italian territory does not confer citizenship.

How it actually works:

• A child of an Italian citizen is Italian by birth, regardless of where he was born. It is sufficient that at least one parent is a citizen.
• A child of foreigners born in Italydoes not acquire citizenship at birth. However, if he continuously resided in the country until age 18, he has the right to declare a desire to become a citizen within one year after reaching majority.
• Foundlings and cases where a child would otherwise be left without citizenship - separate grounds that protect against statelessness.

The topic of "citizenship by soil" in Italy is regularly discussed by politicians, but as of 2026, automatic jus soli does not exist in the country. Therefore, planning to obtain a passport "through giving birth to a child in Italy" as a family strategy is not advisable - this only works for children of actual citizens.

Italian citizenship for investment: it does not exist

Let us be clear: you cannot buy Italian citizenship for money. Unlike Caribbean programs or some other countries, Italy has no and has never had a "passport for investment" scheme. Any advertisement for "Italian citizenship for investment turnkey" is misleading.

What Italy actually has is residence permit for investment (investor visa). It provides a residence permit, but not a passport. Investment thresholds:

• 250,000 euros - in an Italian innovative startup.
• 500,000 euros - in shares of an operating Italian company.
• 2,000,000 euros - in Italian government bonds (BTP).
• 1,000,000 euros - charitable donation to a project of public interest.

First, preliminary approval (Nulla Osta) is obtained, then a visa and residence permit for 2 years with extension for 3. There is no minimum mandatory residence period at the start. However, this residence permit leads to citizenship only through general naturalization - that is, after 10 years of legal residence, language B1, and all other conditions. Money provides a comfortable start, but does not purchase a passport. Details on conditions - in the material Italian investor visa.

Residence permit and permanent residence: foundation for naturalization

For those without roots but with a desire to relocate to Italy, the path begins with a residence permit. It is important to understand the main point: purchasing real estate by itself does not provide a residence permit in Italy - there is no "golden visa for real estate" here. A separate legal reason for residence is needed.

On what grounds is it actually possible to obtain a residence permit:

• Investor visa - when investing from 250,000 euros (see above).
• Visa for financially independent persons (Residenza Elettiva) - for those living on passive income: pensions, annuities, dividends. Income guideline - approximately from 31,000 euros per year for one person, more for a family (verify at the time of application). You cannot work on this visa; you need housing in Italy. Popular among wealthy people and retirees.
• Digital nomad visa - launched in 2024 for highly qualified remote workers with income of approximately 31,000 euros per year and medical insurance.
• Work, study, family reunification - classic grounds.

After 5 years of legal residence, the status of long-term EU resident (permanent residence) opens - indefinite, with a requirement of Italian language proficiency at A2 level. And after more years - the right to naturalization.

Taxes in Italy and flat tax regime for the wealthy

Taxes in Italy - a topic of particular interest to wealthy people considering relocation. Standard rates in the country are high: IRPEF progressive income tax, up to approximately 43%, property tax IMU (not on a single main residence) and VAT (IVA) 22%. But there is a special regime for which millionaires relocate to Italy.

This is flat tax for new tax residents (non-dom regime). The essence: instead of regular tax on all foreign income, you pay a fixed annual amount, regardless of income size abroad. How the threshold changed:

• 100,000 euros per year - for those who transferred their tax residence to Italy before August 2024 (old participants retain the rate).
• 200,000 euros per year - for those who relocated after August 10, 2024.
• 300,000 euros per year - a benchmark for those becoming residents from January 1, 2026 (under budget law).

Plus approximately 50,000 euros per year for each family member. The scheme operates for up to 15 years. Important: Italian citizenship does not equal tax residency - flat tax is a tool for those who actually relocate and move their center of life here, not simply obtain a passport. The scheme conditions change, so verify current thresholds before making a decision.

Real estate in Italy: an important disclaimer

Italy is a dream for property buyers: Tuscan villas, apartments in historic centers, homes by the sea. Foreigners from non-EU countries buy property on a reciprocity basis - reciprocity exists with Russia, so Russian citizens can purchase. But an important and disclaimer is needed here.

Purchasing real estate in Italy does not in itself grant a residence permit. The country has no "golden visa for square meters" program. An apartment or villa is an asset, a place to live and relax, but not a ticket to residence status and certainly not to a passport. If the goal is status, real estate must be combined with a legal basis for residence.

A separate story concerns the famous houses for 1 euro (borghi programs in depopulated villages). They are real, but it's not a gift: the buyer takes on the obligation to renovate the house within a set timeframe, deposits a guarantee that is forfeited if not fulfilled, and pays for registration. When purchasing any real estate, taxes are paid (registration tax or VAT), as well as notary services. So real estate in Italy is about lifestyle, not a migration shortcut.

Italian citizenship for Russians and CIS citizens

For people from Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and other CIS countries, Italy is attractive for its EU passport, climate, and quality of life. But let's realistically assess the picture: there are no fast routes, and after 2022 complications have been added.

What a Russian citizen should know:

• Ancestry - the main chance, but rare: there is almost no Italian diaspora in the post-Soviet space, unlike Bulgaria or Greece. If an Italian ancestor exists and meets the two-generation rule - this is the best option.
• The realistic mass route is through a residence permit and naturalization, which means 10 years of residence and B1 language level. Long, but legal and reliable.
• Russia permits dual citizenship - you only need to notify the Ministry of Internal Affairs within the set timeframe (approximately 60 days after obtaining it).
• Enhanced compliance - after 2022, banks and authorities carefully verify the source of funds. Everything is strictly within EU law, with no sanctions-evasion schemes. Transparent documents are required.
• Visas and entry - rules for Russians have tightened, obtaining a Schengen visa is more difficult, this should be considered.

A detailed breakdown of all nuances for Russian citizens is in the article Italian citizenship for Russians.

Dual citizenship: you don't need to renounce your passport

One of the most frequent questions: "will I have to renounce my native passport for an Italian one". Good news - no. Italy recognizes dual (and multiple) citizenship without restrictions since 1992. This applies to all routes: both through ancestry, naturalization, and marriage.

That is, upon becoming a citizen of Italy, you:

• Retain your Russian, Kazakhstani, or Ukrainian passport.
• Are not obliged to renounce your previous citizenship before Italian authorities.
• Receive a full-fledged second EU passport in addition to your existing one.

The Italian side imposes no restrictions here - it's only a matter of what your home country's law says. Russia permits dual citizenship, requiring only notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Therefore, for most applicants, the path to an Italian passport does not mean losing the previous one. For details on what the document itself provides in practice, see the article Italian passport.

Requirements and documents: where to start and where to submit

Let's consolidate what you'll need, depending on your route. Preparation decides almost everything - applicants most often stumble on documents and incorrect assessment of their foundation.

Basic conditions by route:

• Through ancestry - proven lineage to an ancestor born in Italy (after the 2025 reform - parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents), plus legalized documents for each generation. Language and residence are not required.
• Through naturalization - 10 years of legal residence (4 for EU citizens, 3 for those of Italian descent), B1 language level, stable income, clean criminal record.
• Through marriage - 2 years in Italy or 3 abroad, B1 language level, valid marriage, state fee of approximately 250 euros.

Applications for naturalization and marriage are submitted online to the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Ancestry cases go through the consulate, Italian municipality, or court. Realistically plan for years, not months: even the fastest routes take 2-3 years to process.

Want to understand which route is really yours? Study the program page moving to Italy through investment and residence permits or proceed directly Submit an application for consultation We will assess your eligibility and prepare a plan with timelines.

Expert-verified: common mistakes and how to avoid them

Over years of practice, we see the same set of disappointments - and almost all stem from incorrect expectations rather than the path being impossible. We will break down what people most often stumble on.

Main applicant mistakes:

• Relying on roots through a great-grandfather. After the 2025 reform, this typically no longer works: you need an Italian ancestor within the grandparent generation. First, check if you qualify under the new rule.
• Looking for where to "buy Italian citizenship." There is no such path. There is an investor residence permit, which leads to a passport only after 10 years of naturalization.
• Buying a villa for a residence permit. Real estate itself does not grant residence status - a separate legal basis is required.
• Submitting with gaps in the family line. An undocumented generation - and the case is returned.

Current requirements and forms are best verified directly from the official source - Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes citizenship recognition procedures and consular rules: esteri.itAfter the 2025 reform, much of what was correct a couple of years ago looks different today - verify before submission.

How we handle Italian passport cases

Italian citizenship became more complex after the 2025 reform - which is why it is so important to assess your eligibility from the start rather than promise a passport to everyone. We begin with exactly this.

How our work begins:

• Eligibility assessment - whether you have roots within the grandparent generation, if your case fits the two-generation rule, or if pursuing residence permit and naturalization is more realistic.
• Document work - requests to Italian municipalities and archives, recovery of missing records, legalization and sworn translations.
• Building the family line without gaps so authorities have no questions and the case is not returned.
• Support until result - submission to the consulate, municipality, court, or Ministry of Interior and oversight at all stages.

We do not underestimate timelines and do not promise the impossible. If your roots do not meet the new requirements - we will tell you and offer real alternatives: residence permit for financially independent individuals, investor visa, residency-based pathway. If you have a valid basis - we will build a plan with clear stages. Write to usand we will begin with an assessment of your case.