Following recent changes to the Italian Citizenship law that took effect on May 24, 2025, many individuals who now find themselves ineligible to apply for Italian citizenship by descent are looking for alternate routes of acquiring Italian citizenship. In fact, this new legislation allows those with Italian ancestry to the second degree (parent or grandparent) to apply for citizenship after just two years of legal residence in Italy. This article will walk you through the process, from obtaining a visa to submitting your application.

Citizenship by Descent

On March 28, 2025, the Italian Council of Ministers issued the Tajani Decree, which significantly revised the requirements for acquiring Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). After a parliamentary review, the decree was enacted into law (Law No. 74/2025) on May 24, 2025.

Under this new law, individuals born abroad, either before or after May 24, 2025, may be recognized as an Italian citizen if they have an Italian-born parent or grandparent. Alternatively, eligibility can be established if the individual’s parent or adoptive parent legally resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the individual’s birth or adoption.

Additionally, there is a provision for applications submitted to an Italian consulate, municipality, or filed in court before 11:59 PM Rome time on March 27, 2025, or those who had already received an appointment confirmation by that time, in which case their application will be assessed under the previous eligibility rules.

Citizenship by Residency

Due to the stricter requirements introduced by Law No. 74/2025, many people are no longer eligible to claim Italian citizenship by descent, but may have an expedited path to citizenship through residency because of their Italian ancestry. Individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent can apply for citizenship after only two years of legal residence in Italy, which is a reduction from the previous three-year requirement. Even more significantly, this is a reduction from the 10-year residence requirement for non-EU citizens who have no Italian ancestry. This path can be used even if you do not qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, for instance, there was a break in the lineage due to your ancestor’s naturalization. You would need to establish and maintain uninterrupted legal residence in the Italian municipality where you choose to live for the entire two-year period.

Legal Residence

To legally reside in Italy for more than the 90-day period permitted for non-EU citizens, you’ll need both a long-stay visa and a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Several types of long-stay visas are available depending on your situation, including the Elective Residence Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Visa, and Student Visa. The Elective Residence Visa (Retirement Visa) is designed for individuals with stable passive income who can support themselves without working in Italy. The Investor Visa (Golden Visa) is intended for those making a significant financial investment in the Italian economy. The Digital Nomad Visa, recently introduced in 2024, is targeted at highly skilled remote workers or self-employed professionals who meet specific eligibility criteria. Also, a Student Visa is available to individuals enrolled in educational programs in Italy, valid for the duration of their studies. 

To begin the process, you’ll apply for the appropriate visa at your nearest Italian consulate abroad. Upon arrival in Italy, you must convert your visa into a residence permit by submitting your application at the local post office. They will then schedule an appointment for you at the local police headquarters (questura) to finalize your permit. Most residence permits can be renewed, provided you continue to meet the necessary conditions. 

Living in Italy 

When moving to Italy, securing accommodation is an important step, whether you choose to rent or buy. It’s important to remember that non-EU citizens are allowed to purchase property even before obtaining residency or citizenship. However, owning property does not grant automatic residency or extend your legal stay beyond the 90-day visa-free period. 

Housing costs can vary widely based on location. Cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence tend to have higher prices, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable. To rent or purchase a home, you will need a codice fiscale, the Italian tax identification number. Similar to a US Social Security number, the codice fiscale is required for essential activities in Italy, such as opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone plan, and accessing the public healthcare. 

You can obtain the codice fiscale either at your local Italian consulate abroad or at an Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) once in Italy. Keep in mind that if you reside in Italy for more than 183 days in a calendar year, which is a requirement to maintain your residence permit, you will be considered a tax resident and be required to pay taxes in Italy.

Citizenship Application Process 

To qualify for Italian citizenship through residency you must also demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language at the B1 level, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is considered an intermediate level, and you’ll need to present an official certificate as part of your citizenship application. Language exams are administered by one of the following recognized institutions:

• University for Foreigners of Siena
• University for Foreigners of Perugia
• Roma Tre University
• Dante Alighieri Society 

ICA offers Italian language courses specifically designed to help you prepare for the B1 exam. Contact us to learn more! 

Once your 2-year residency is complete, compile the required documentation along with the fee of €250.00, and submit the application for Italian citizenship to the Italian Ministry of the Interior. Required documents typically include identification (valid passport), your birth certificate and vital records of your Italian ancestors (birth, marriage, death certificates), all legalized with an apostille and translated into Italian. Additionally, criminal background check certificates from each US state where you’ve lived and a federal (FBI) background check will be required. Processing time varies but generally ranges from 24 to 36 months. 

For more information on relocating to Italy or Italian citizenship, be sure to visit italiancitizenshipassistance.com, subscribe to our Podcast, or contact us directly.