Category: Immigration services
One of the most common questions we receive is also the one that is hardest to answer with certainty: "How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship?". The answer depends on many factors, but in this article we try to clarify the real timelines — not just the theoretical ones — and what you can do to avoid slowing down the process even more.
Legal processing times
Italian law states that the Ministry of the Interior has up to 24 months to evaluate a citizenship application, both for residency and marriage. In some cases this period can be extended up to 36 months.
This means that, in the best scenario, you should expect about 2 years of waiting from the moment a complete application is submitted. In the worst case, three years.
But how long does it really take?
In practice, processing times vary depending on several factors:
- Completeness of the documentation: incomplete applications or incorrect documents may suspend the process and restart the timeline almost from zero
- Workload of the Prefecture responsible for the application
- Applicant's nationality: some nationalities require additional checks
- Period of submission: some times of the year receive more applications
Based on practical experience from recent years, the real average processing time ranges between 20 and 36 months in most cases.
Application stages: what happens after submission
Many people believe that once the application is submitted there is nothing else to do. In reality the procedure includes several stages:
Stage 1 – Prefecture review
The Prefecture checks the documentation submitted. If something is missing or incorrect, you will receive a request for additional documents. Responding quickly is essential to avoid delays.
Stage 2 – Ministry of the Interior verification
The file is sent to the Ministry, which carries out the checks required by law, including criminal background and public security verifications.
Stage 3 – Possible interview
In some cases you may be called for an interview or clarification. This is not always required, but it is important to be prepared.
Stage 4 – Citizenship decree
If the application is approved, you receive the Citizenship Decree. From that moment you have 6 months to go to your Municipality of residence and take the oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic.
Stage 5 – The oath
This is the final step: after the oath you officially become an Italian citizen. From that moment you can apply for an Italian ID card and, if you wish, an Italian passport.
The most common mistakes that delay the process
Over the years we have seen many applications delayed for avoidable reasons, including:
- Foreign documents not translated or sworn correctly
- Expired criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Insufficient or undocumented income for the last three years
- Missing Italian language B1 certificate
- Errors in the €250 government payment or missing receipt
- Incorrect document formats on the ALI portal
What you can do to speed up the process
You cannot influence the Ministry’s timelines, but you can avoid unnecessary delays:
- Prepare all documentation before submitting the application
- Ensure foreign documents are valid, translated and sworn
- Respond immediately to any request from the Prefecture
- Monitor your application status on the ALI portal
Professional support makes the difference
Italian bureaucracy can be complicated even for locals. For foreigners, navigating government portals, sworn documents and constantly evolving requirements can be even more challenging.
GR Servizi in Turin supports applicants in every phase: checking requirements, collecting documents, submitting the application, monitoring the process and preparing documentation for the oath.
📞 011 4366827 / 011 4319261 / 011 0266975
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📍 Via della Consolata 17/E – 10122 Turin
🕐 Mon–Thu: 09:00–17:00 | Fri: 11:00–15:00