Category: Immigration services
Italian citizenship by residence is one of the most complex and at the same time most important procedures a foreign national can undertake in Italy. The requirements are precise, the documentation required is extensive, and the waiting times are long. For this reason, it is essential to approach the process with the right information and, if possible, with the support of professionals who know it well.
This guide is designed for those who want to understand whether they meet the requirements, what documents they must prepare and how the procedure works step by step.
Who can apply for citizenship by residence?
Italian citizenship by residence can be requested by foreign citizens who have legally and continuously resided in Italy for a minimum period that varies depending on nationality and personal circumstances:
| Case | Years of residence required |
|---|---|
| Non-EU citizen | 10 years |
| EU citizen | 4 years |
| Stateless person or recognized refugee | 5 years |
| Descendant of an Italian citizen (up to 2nd degree) | 3 years |
| Born in Italy | 3 years |
| Person who has served the Italian State | 5 years |
Residence must be legal and continuous: significant interruptions of stay or periods without a valid residence permit may compromise the calculation of the required years.
Requirements to meet
In addition to residence, the following requirements must also be satisfied:
Minimum income
You must demonstrate sufficient income over the last three years. The indicative amount is at least €8,263.31 per year (plus possible increases for dependent family members). Income may come from employment, self-employment, pensions or other lawful sources.
No serious criminal record
A check is carried out on pending charges and criminal records, both in Italy and in the country of origin. There must be no convictions for crimes that prevent the granting of citizenship.
Knowledge of the Italian language — B1 level
Since December 2018 it has been mandatory to demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language at B1 level of the Common European Framework, through a certificate issued by a recognized institution.
The recognized certification bodies are:
- CILS – University for Foreigners of Siena
- CELI – University for Foreigners of Perugia
- PLIDA – Società Dante Alighieri
- CERT.IT – Roma Tre University
In Turin, the CILS B1 citizenship exam can be taken at the Intercultural Centre of the City of Turin (Corso Taranto 160) and at other accredited centers.
Important: the B1 certificate for citizenship is different from the standard B1 used for work or academic purposes. Make sure you take the version specifically for citizenship.
The following people are exempt from the exam:
- Those who obtained a school qualification in an Italian school (from primary school onwards)
- Those who hold equivalent qualifications recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education
- Those who hold a long-term residence permit (however this does not guarantee exemption in all cases — always verify)
Documents to submit
The required documentation is the most demanding part of the application. Here is the complete list:
- Valid identity document
- Valid residence permit (or long-term residence permit)
- Historical residence certificate issued by the Municipality showing all periods of residence in Italy
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin with sworn translation (must be recent — validity is limited)
- Birth certificate from the country of origin with sworn translation (valid indefinitely)
- Income documentation for the last 3 years (CU, Model 730 or Model Unico tax return)
- Italian language certificate (B1 level)
- Receipt of payment of the €250 state contribution (via postal payment or PagoPA)
- €16 revenue stamp
- Any additional documentation requested by the Prefecture
How to submit the application
The citizenship application must be submitted online through the Ministry of the Interior portal, in the ALI – Citizenship section (alicittadinanza.interno.gov.it).
The procedure includes:
- Registering on the portal using SPID or CIE
- Completing the application form
- Uploading all required documents in the specified formats (PDF, with specific size and resolution)
- Submitting the application
An error in file formats or a missing document can block the application and restart the waiting time from zero. It is essential to prepare everything correctly before submitting.
How long does it take?
The Ministry of the Interior has up to 24 months to decide on the application, extendable to 36 months in particular cases. In Turin, the actual waiting time is generally between 24 and 36 months. During this period, the Prefecture may request additional documents or call the applicant for an interview.
The decree and the oath
If the application is approved, you will receive the Citizenship Decree. From that moment you have 6 months to go to your municipality of residence and take the oath of loyalty to the Italian Republic. Only after the oath do you officially become an Italian citizen.
Common mistakes that block the application
- Foreign criminal record certificate expired at the time of submission
- Insufficient income or incomplete documentation
- Undeclared interruptions of residence in Italy
- Missing B1 certificate or certificate not recognized
- Application submitted with incorrect document formats
- Failure to respond promptly to requests for additional documents from the Prefecture
GR Servizi supports your entire application
GR Servizi in Turin assists applicants at every stage: verification of requirements, collection and verification of documents, submission of the application with the correct formats, monitoring of the process and preparation for the oath ceremony.
📞 011 4366827 / 011 4319261 / 011 0266975
✉️
📍 Via della Consolata 17/E – 10122 Turin
🕐 Mon-Thu: 09:00–17:00 | Fri: 11:00–15:00
Sources: Ministry of the Interior – ALI Citizenship portal | Legislative Decree 5 February 1992, No. 91 and subsequent amendments.