Italian Citizenship: All 4 Paths to Obtain it in 2026

Introduction: Why is Italian Citizenship Attractive?

Italy, a country with a rich history, culture, and high quality of life, attracts many people from around the world. Obtaining Italian citizenship not only grants the right to reside in one of the leading EU countries but also provides access to all the privileges of EU citizenship, including freedom of movement, work, and study in 27 countries. In 2026, Italian legislation continues to evolve, offering several main paths to acquire Italian citizenship, each requiring careful study and preparation.

For the affluent audience served by IKRA, an Italian passport can become a valuable asset, complementing a portfolio of lifestyle, travel, and investment privileges. In this article, we will thoroughly examine the four key paths relevant for 2026, considering the latest legislative changes, and answer the question of how to get Italian citizenship.

1. Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Italian citizenship by descent, or Jure Sanguinis (right of blood), is one of the most common ways for descendants of Italians. This path is based on the principle of transmitting citizenship from parents to children, regardless of birthplace. However, in 2025, significant changes came into effect that must be considered when applying for Italy citizenship by descent.

Key Changes in 2025

According to Decreto-Legge 36/2025, which came into force on March 28, 2025, consular claims for Italian citizenship by descent are now limited to two generations: applicants must have a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This means that for new applications filed after the specified date, claims through a great-grandparent via the consular route are no longer possible. Applications submitted before March 2025 are processed under the old rules, which do not limit the number of generations.

Conditions for Obtaining Citizenship by Descent:

• At least one parent or grandparent was born in Italy.
• The chain of citizenship was never broken by an ancestor’s naturalization before 1992, the birth of a female line before 1948 (for women born before 1948, citizenship was only passed down from the father), or foreign military service.
• All necessary documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, naturalization records) are available, translated, and apostilled.

Judicial Path (Tribunale di Roma)

For cases that do not fall under the new consular restrictions (e.g., great-grandparent claims after March 2025 or female line cases born before 1948), the judicial path through the Tribunale di Roma remains available. This route has a high success rate due to existing case law. The cost of such a process ranges from €8,500 to €18,000, with processing times varying from 18 to 36 months.

Timelines and Costs:

• Consular Path: 24-36 months, €2,800-€8,500 (including fees, translations, legalization).
• Judicial Path: 18-36 months, €8,500-€18,000.
• Residency and language proficiency are not required.

2. Italian Citizenship by Marriage

Italian citizenship by marriage to an Italian citizen is another popular route, regulated by Article 5 of the Citizenship Law (Law 91/1992 as amended). This method of obtaining citizenship requires fulfilling specific conditions related to the duration of marriage and residency.

Main Requirements:

• Duration of Marriage:
  • If spouses reside in Italy: 2 years of legal marriage from the registration date.
  • If spouses reside outside Italy: 3 years of legal marriage from the registration date.
• Presence of Children: The waiting period is halved if the couple has minor children (biological or adopted).
• Italian Language Proficiency: A confirmed B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. Testing is conducted at accredited CILS or CELI centers.
• No Criminal Record: The applicant must not have any criminal convictions incompatible with Italian citizenship policy.

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate with apostille and translation.
• Documentation proving the Italian spouse’s citizenship.
• Applicant’s birth certificate with apostille and translation.
• Certificate of no criminal record from each country of residence for the last 10 years.
• CILS or CELI B1 level language certificate.
• Government fee: €250.

Timelines and Costs:

• Processing Time: 24-36 months from the application submission. This is one of the slower paths due to the high volume of applications and the language test requirement.
• Total Cost: €1,500-€4,000, including translations and language certification.

3. Naturalization Italy (Through Residency)

For those without Italian roots or a marriage to an Italian citizen, the path to Italy citizenship is through naturalization, based on long-term and legal residency in the country. This is a discretionary procedure where the Ministry of Interior assesses various aspects of the applicant’s integration.

Residency Requirements:

• For non-EU citizens: 10 years of legal and continuous residency in Italy.
• For EU citizens: 4 years of legal residency.
• For stateless persons and children of former Italian citizens: 3 years of legal residency.
• For refugees: 5 years of legal residency.

Legal residency requires an initial visa or residence permit. It is important to maintain continuous residency and comply with tax obligations.

Additional Conditions:

• Italian Language Proficiency: B1 CEFR level is required. Exceptions may be made for individuals with severe medical limitations, confirmed by the national health system.
• Sufficient Income: The applicant must have sufficient income to support themselves. The minimum threshold is €8,264 for the previous year, but in practice, a higher income is desirable.
• No Criminal Record: As in other cases, a clean criminal record is a mandatory condition.
• Government Fee: €250.

Timelines and Costs:

• Processing Time: For applications submitted after December 20, 2020, the period is 24 months, with the possibility of extension to 36 months.
• Total Cost: €500-€2,000, plus costs for maintaining residency (visas, permits, taxes).

4. Italy Citizenship by Investment (Investor Visa)

While the investor visa does not directly grant citizenship, it is an effective path to obtaining a residence permit, which can then lead to naturalization Italy. This path is particularly attractive to wealthy investors seeking long-term residency in Italy, as well as those who want to obtain Italy citizenship by investment.

The Italian Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori), introduced in 2017 and modified in 2020, grants a two-year renewable residence permit that counts towards the overall period for naturalization.

Investment Options (2026 Rates):

Path to Citizenship via Investor Visa:

1. Investor Visa Application: Processing time 6-8 weeks.
2. Visa Issuance and Entry into Italy: Apply for a residence permit within 8 days of entry.
3. Residency in Italy: 10 years (at least 183 days per year to maintain tax residency).
4. Naturalization Application: In the 10th year of residency, with confirmed B1 level Italian language proficiency.
5. Citizenship Grant: 24-36 months after submitting the naturalization application.

Overall Timeline and Benefits:

• Total Time to Citizenship: Approximately 12-13 years from the initial visa application.
• Tax Benefits: A key advantage of the investor visa is the ability to become an Italian tax resident and benefit from the Nuovi Residenti flat tax regime. This allows paying €200,000 per year on all foreign-sourced income for up to 15 years, with the possibility of extending to family members for an additional €25,000 per year each.

Costs:

• Investment: From €250,000 to €2,000,000 depending on the chosen option.
• Government Fee: €250.
• Legal and Administrative Costs: €5,000-€15,000.

Comparison of Paths to Italian Citizenship (2026)

Conclusion

Obtaining Italian citizenship in 2026 remains an attractive goal for many. Regardless of the chosen path – by descent, through marriage, naturalization, or an investor visa – each requires careful preparation, document collection, and an understanding of current legal requirements. It is important to consider the latest changes, such as restrictions for consular applications by descent and language proficiency requirements for most paths. For affluent clients seeking an Italian passport, investment programs offer not only a path to citizenship but also significant tax advantages, making this option particularly appealing. Relocation and Italian Residency can be the first step towards obtaining citizenship. For up-to-date information and a personalized approach, it is recommended to consult with migration law specialists.

FAQ: How to Get Italian Citizenship

We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions about how to get Italian citizenship.

Can Russian citizens obtain Italian citizenship in 2026?

Yes, Italian citizenship for Russian citizens is available through all listed paths: by descent, marriage, naturalization, and the investor visa. The requirements and procedures are the same for citizens of all non-EU countries.

Is it possible to obtain Italian citizenship by purchasing real estate?

No, there is no direct path to Italian citizenship by purchasing real estate. However, acquiring real estate can facilitate obtaining a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), which can then serve as a basis for naturalization after the required period of residency. Thus, real estate purchase indirectly influences obtaining Italy citizenship.

What level of Italian language is required for Italian citizenship?

For most paths to Italian citizenship, such as by marriage or naturalization, a confirmed Italian language level of at least B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. Exceptions may only be made for serious medical limitations.

My great-grandfather was born in Italy. Can I apply for Italian citizenship by descent after March 2025?

If your great-grandfather was born in Italy and you are applying after March 2025, the consular path is closed to you due to new restrictions on two generations. However, you can still apply for citizenship through the judicial path (Tribunale di Roma), which continues to hear such cases and has a high success rate with complete documentation.

What are the processing times for Italian citizenship applications?

Processing times for Italian citizenship applications vary depending on the chosen path. For example, for Italian citizenship by descent (consular path), it is 24-36 months; for Italian citizenship by marriage and naturalization, it is 24-36 months. The path through the investor visa with subsequent naturalization takes approximately 12-13 years in total.

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