Italy’s Citizenship Law: A New Path for Millions of Foreigners?

Sophie -

Italy may soon see a transformative change in its citizenship laws, offering hope to millions of non-EU nationals currently living in or aspiring to move to the country. At the heart of the matter is the ongoing campaign to shorten the residency requirement for citizenship eligibility. Currently, non-EU nationals must live in Italy for a minimum of 10 years before they can apply for citizenship by residency. However, a new push led by opposition politicians and organisations like Oxfam Italia seeks to reduce this requirement to just five years.

Progress Towards a National Referendum

On Tuesday, significant strides were made when campaigners announced that they had gathered the 500,000 signatures required to qualify for a national referendum. This referendum would ask the public to vote on halving the residency requirement for citizenship, bringing Italy in line with other European nations such as France, Germany, the UK, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Riccardo Magi, an opposition lawmaker and one of the leaders of this movement, shared his enthusiasm on social media, declaring: "We did it! In very few days, 500,000 citizens signed for the #CitizenshipReferendum."

The changes proposed by the campaign would affect approximately 2.5 million foreigners living in Italy. Magi expressed that this movement seeks to embrace a more inclusive Italy, one that welcomes those who choose to live, study, and build their futures in the country.

The Path to Italian Citizenship by Residency

For foreigners aspiring to obtain Italian citizenship by residency, the process is meticulous. Once the required residency period has passed—or after two years of marriage to an Italian citizen—applicants can apply online through the Ministry of the Interior. However, they must provide a range of documents, including an authenticated and translated birth certificate, criminal records from their country of origin, proof of residency in Italy, and a B1 language proficiency certificate. The application also incurs a €250 fee.

Importantly, under the current law, even children born in Italy to non-EU parents are not automatically granted citizenship. These children must wait until they turn 18 to apply for citizenship themselves, unless their parents have already obtained Italian citizenship, in which case minors automatically become citizens.

Before the referendum can take place, Italy’s two highest courts must approve the proposal. Additionally, for the result to be valid, a 50% voter turnout is required. If successful, the changes would be a historic shift, impacting millions of foreigners who have long called Italy home.

However, not everyone is on board with the proposed reforms. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party stands firmly against the changes. Known for its strict anti-immigration stance, Meloni reiterated that 10 years of residency is a "reasonable period" for citizenship and emphasized that she saw "no need to change" the current law.

A Step Towards Inclusivity

For campaigners and supporters, this potential change in the law represents more than just a reduction in residency requirements; it symbolizes a more inclusive Italy that recognizes the contributions and futures of its immigrant population. While legal and political hurdles remain, the movement has taken a major step forward. If the referendum succeeds, it could open the door to citizenship for millions, reshaping the lives of non-EU nationals living in Italy and transforming the country’s social and cultural fabric.