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How to Obtain Italian Citizenship: Current Ways to Obtain an Italian Passport

Home » blog » How to Obtain Italian Citizenship: Current Ways to Obtain an Italian Passport

Pizza, Colosseum, Fellini – not the only reasons why the query “how to get Italian citizenship” consistently holds high positions in search engines. An Italian passport provides freedom in 190 countries, access to top European healthcare, and full rights in the EU. Obtaining it is a complex process with clear conditions, deadlines, and legal nuances.

Citizenship by Descent

The most direct answer to the question of how to get Italian citizenship sounds simple: prove the presence of Italian ancestors. Sounds easy, but in practice, it’s a quest involving archives, apostilles, and tons of legal details.

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The scheme is based on the principle of “jus sanguinis” – right of blood. The law allows obtaining Italian citizenship through lineage even if ancestors emigrated more than a century ago. The key is to prove the continuous transmission of citizenship status through generations.

Key conditions:

  • direct descent from an Italian citizen (before 1948 – only through the male line);
  • absence of ancestor’s naturalization before the birth of the next generation;
  • full set of supporting documents: birth, marriage, death certificates, naturalization proof (or its absence).

Example: Marco Ricchio, born in Buenos Aires in 1985, obtained Italian citizenship in 2021. He proved that his great-grandmother emigrated from Tuscany in 1903 without losing citizenship before his grandfather’s birth.

Marriage to an Italian Citizen

Love for a citizen of the Italian state not only offers a chance for family bliss but also for an Italian passport. The state requires passing the test of time and language proficiency.

How to get Italian citizenship through marriage:

  • officially marry;
  • live in marriage for at least 2 years in the country or 3 years – outside it;
  • demonstrate Italian language proficiency not lower than B1;
  • provide evidence of cohabitation and stability of the marriage.

Fact:
 After submitting the application, the country’s Ministry of Interior considers the case for about 2 years. It can be faster, but more often – longer. The program includes a mandatory check for the authenticity of the relationship.

How to Obtain Italian Citizenship through Naturalization

Naturalization in Italy is the longest but most reliable path to citizenship. This option is suitable for those who have already gone through the immigration process and intend to link their life with this country. To obtain citizenship, one must live in the country for 10 years, have a stable income above the minimum, and have no criminal record. Authorities also require proof of integration into society. This is expressed in paying taxes, official employment, and active participation in social life. Knowledge of the Italian language at level B1 is a mandatory condition, confirmed by certification. From 2023, the document submission process is fully digitized. Applications are sent through an online platform after passing the identification procedure through SPID or CIE.

Investments as a Gateway

Some investors wonder how to obtain Italian citizenship even without roots or partners in the country. The answer is the country’s investment residency program.

Scheme:

  1. Invest in the economy – from €250,000 (startup) to €2,000,000 (government bonds).
  2. Obtain Italian residency for up to 2 years.
  3. Live in the country for a minimum of 10 years.
  4. Apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization.

The investment residency does not guarantee automatic citizenship status. It allows a legal start towards it with accelerated residency conditions.

Birth on Italian Soil: Exceptions and Nuances

The principle of “jus soli” does not automatically apply in the country. In certain cases, children born on Italian soil to foreign parents are given the opportunity for naturalization.

How to obtain Italian citizenship by birth:

  • be born in the Italian state to foreign parents legally residing;
  • submit an application after turning 18, provided continuous residence in the country since birth.

In 2021, the government was considering a reform to simplify the process, but it has not yet come into effect.

Full List of Documents

To apply for Italian citizenship regardless of the basis, you will need to prepare an extensive document package. In practice, successful cases are handled by lawyers, considering strict requirements for translation, apostille, and notarization.

Mandatory list:

  • passport and ID card;
  • Italian residency permit (if applicable);
  • birth, marriage, divorce certificates (depending on the basis);
  • certificate of no criminal record;
  • income proof for the last 3 years;
  • B1 certification;
  • payment receipt of €250 fee;
  • proof of tax payments.

More on How to Obtain Italian Citizenship

The law clearly outlines five legal paths. Each requires an individual approach, compliance with conditions, and a precise strategy.

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  1. By Descent. Granted to descendants of Italians who retained citizenship before the birth of the next generation. Distant lines of kinship are allowed if the applicant can document the entire chain. Female line – only after 1948.
  2. By Marriage. Union formalized after 2 years of cohabitation in the country or 3 years outside it. Mandatory language proficiency (B1 level), no criminal records, legal union.
  3. By Naturalization. Possible in the country after 10 years of legal residence. Requires stable income, language proficiency, no offenses, and full integration.
  4. By Investments. Italy’s investment residency program requires investments from €250,000 to €2,000,000. After 10 years, the opportunity to apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization.
  5. By Birth. Citizenship granted to migrant children born and continuously residing in the country until 18 years old. Application must be submitted before turning 19.

How to obtain Italian citizenship is a question that is answered only with strict compliance with all requirements. Each path leads to an Italian passport but requires precision, time, and legal preparation.

Conclusion

How to obtain Italian citizenship is not rhetoric but a clear action plan. There are many options: lineage, love, investments, patience, or integration. Italian citizenship has become a reality for more than 123,000 people in just the past year. Success depends not on love for the country but on the ability to meet legal requirements and complete the process.

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Mortgage in Italy for Foreigners: Everything You Need to Know

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners serves as an entry point into one of the most stable markets in Europe. Thanks to the liberal approach of banks, lack of citizenship does not restrict access to financial products. The housing segment offers a variety, from rural villas to apartments in metropolises. The average interest rate ranges from 3.1% to 4.2%, the term reaches 30 years, and the down payment is 30-40% of the property value.

Mortgage conditions in Italy for foreigners: legal framework and real figures

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners requires compliance with three key conditions, among them:

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  1. Legal status in the EU territory (visa, residence permit, permanent residency).

  2. Financial transparency — income must be confirmed outside Italy.

  3. Readiness for a down payment (usually from 35%).

The maximum loan amount is 60-70% of the property value. The average loan term is 20 years. The income part is strictly evaluated: the monthly payment should not exceed 30-35% of stable income. This rule ensures protection for both the investor and the bank.

Banks in Italy: who actually approves mortgages for foreigners

Among the largest players are:

  • Intesa Sanpaolo — offers flexible products for rent and personal use.

  • UniCredit — actively works with citizens of CIS countries.

  • Banca Monte dei Paschi — tailors offers for “investors without EU citizenship.”

Each institution uses its own risk calculation formula. The loan is processed faster with a local account, registration address, and tax number (codice fiscale).

Documents for a mortgage

The basic list includes:

  • passport;

  • income statement for 24 months;

  • tax return;

  • bank statements for 6-12 months;

  • purchase-sale contract or preliminary agreement;

  • taxpayer number in Italy (codice fiscale).

Sometimes, proof of registration at the place of residence is added to the list, especially if the borrower is renting housing in the EU. Translation of all documents is mandatory, with an apostille if submitted from abroad.

Format, types, and purposes of mortgages

Mortgages in Italy for foreigners are classified by purpose, type, and payment method.

By purpose:

  • purchase for personal use;

  • purchase with subsequent rental;

  • investment with a view to resale;

  • use under residence permit/permanent residency.

By type:

  • fixed rate (more reliability, higher initial load);

  • floating rate (lower rate, higher risks);

  • mixed product (fixed for the first 5 years with subsequent adjustment).

By payment method:

  • annuity (uniform payments);

  • linear scheme (reduction of loan amount each year);

  • bullet mortgage (interest payment monthly, principal at the end of the term).

Each format suits a specific purpose. For rental, bullet or annuity is more beneficial, for resale — linear format, accelerating debt reduction.

Calculations and indicators: how banks assess reliability

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners is calculated based on the standard banking formula: the ratio of monthly payment to regular income. The threshold is set at 30-35%. The average annual income for mortgage approval of €100,000 should be at least €30,000 after taxes. The property is evaluated based on market value by an independent appraiser accredited by the bank.

The down payment reduces the credit leverage. For properties in Northern Italy, a 40% down payment increases the approval chance by almost 60%. For southern provinces, banks require higher — up to 50%, especially in the absence of tax residency. Organization commission is 1-2% of the amount, registration is 0.5%, notary expenses range from €2,000.

Mortgage interest rates: range and dynamics

Mortgage interest rates for foreigners in Italy range from 3.1% to 4.9% depending on the term, credit profile, and borrower’s status. Banks offer two main options:

  • fixed rate — from 3.8% (up to 25 years);

  • variable rate — from 3.1% (tied to EURIBOR).

Sometimes, a combined model with a floating parameter, fixed after three years, is available.

Buying property in Italy on credit: mechanics and risks

The process involves four stages:

  1. Signing a preliminary purchase agreement (compromesso).

  2. Obtaining mortgage approval.

  3. Property appraisal and legal check.

  4. Signing at the notary and transferring funds.

The risk of default is mitigated by the collateral insurance system. In case of non-payment, the bank has the right to the property without judicial proceedings. Therefore, a mortgage in Italy for foreigners requires strict adherence to deadlines and payments. A delay of over 90 days activates the recovery procedure.

Investing in Italian real estate: arguments and benefits

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners serves not only as a way to buy housing but also as an investment tool. This is especially relevant in second-tier cities — Trieste, Verona, Bologna. There, price growth exceeds the average inflation rate by 2-3% annually. The average rental yield is 4-5% per year with stable occupancy.

Foreign investors receive an additional bonus — the opportunity to obtain a residence permit with investments from €250,000. The status simplifies the process of obtaining subsequent loans and reduces the rate by 0.5-0.7% upon renewal. Permanent residency requires registration of a permanent address and no outstanding debts.

Mortgage for non-residents in Italy: features and limitations

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners without resident status includes increased risk for the bank. Therefore:

  • the rate increases by 0.8-1.2%;

  • the term decreases to 15-20 years;

  • the down payment rises to 45-50%;

  • the monthly payment is fixed in euros.

Additionally, banks require either a resident’s guarantee or opening a deposit account for 6-12 months in advance.

Mortgage benefits and additional mechanisms

Some regions in Italy offer mortgage benefits to foreign investors, including:

  • waiver of registration tax in rural areas;

  • subsidy on part of the interest rate (up to 1%) for purchasing historical properties;

  • compensation for notarial expenses for the first purchase.

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A mortgage in Italy for foreigners becomes particularly advantageous when using these mechanisms. Activation of the program requires application through the local cadastral service and approval by the regional administration.

Conclusion

A mortgage in Italy for foreigners forms a stable platform for long-term property ownership in the EU. Banks do not require citizenship but assess payment ability, income, and purchase goals. Each stage — from application to approval — requires discipline and financial transparency. At the same time, the market offers flexibility: a variety of schemes, rates, and properties ensure an individual approach.

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Why buying real estate in Italy is like getting a ticket to a new life

Real estate in Italy is a combination of ancient walls absorbing the warmth of the sun and modern elegance of interiors. Unique architecture – from baroque buildings in Rome to cozy stone houses in Tuscany – creates a space where every morning becomes the beginning of new inspiration.

## Buy an Apartment in Italy and Live “Under a Roof Full of Emotions”

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The land of Vesuvius is a whole world filled with scents of basil and orange trees, sounds of gondolas, and history that permeates every corner. Settling here means not just acquiring housing, but absorbing this color, becoming part of everyday beauty that locals no longer notice. The street where mopeds rush by, market vendors’ cries, street musicians playing on the central square – all this romance becomes part of existence.

## Life on the Coast: Real Estate in Italy by the Sea as an Embodiment of a Dream

Endless enjoyment of the events on the shores of the magical Mediterranean Sea. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water, gentle breeze. When the windows are open, and you hear the sound of the waves, everything else fades. It is more than just a view from the window; it is a new way of life. The peninsula offers choices – from luxurious villas on the Amalfi Coast to quiet cozy houses in Apulia, where you can truly relax from the city bustle and enjoy harmony with nature.

## Golden Beach or Rocky Coast: How to Choose Your Place on the Coast?

When choosing seaside real estate, it is important to consider not only the price but also the character of the coast. Ligurian beaches are rocky coves and pine forests, while Calabria offers long sandy stretches. Resorts on the Amalfi Coast are suitable for active leisure enthusiasts, and for those who prefer solitude, cozy corners can be found in the south of the country, where you can meditate to the sound of the surf and enjoy the tranquility.

**Advantages of Living by the Sea:**

1. Crisp air and sea breeze.
2. Opportunity for water sports.
3. Sunset views every evening.
4. Healthy lifestyle and favorable climate.

## Investing in Real Estate in Italy: Capital Protection and Profit

The creative heart of Europe is famous for its cultural and historical wealth, which invariably attracts millions of tourists from around the world. This demand provides property owners with the opportunity to earn a stable income from rentals.

The average yield is around 4-6%, significantly higher than bank deposit returns. Investing in real estate properties is an investment in stability and the future, where a seaside home or an apartment in the center of Rome becomes not only a residence but also an asset that appreciates over time.

## Difference in Yields: How to Choose the Right Region for Investments?

When choosing a region for property investments, it is important to consider several factors: popularity among tourists, infrastructure development, and average housing prices. For example, real estate prices in Italy from Milan to Rome will be higher due to high demand, while investing in properties in Tuscany or Sicily may yield higher rental returns due to increasing interest in these regions.

**Factors Affecting Price:**

1. Geographic location.
2. Proximity to landmarks and attractions.
3. Infrastructure development and transportation accessibility.
4. Type: luxurious villa, modern apartments, or ancient house.

## Elite Real Estate in Italy: Luxury and History in One Bottle

A true gem for connoisseurs of refined wealth and historical significance. High-class homes are works of art, creating an atmosphere of aristocratic grandeur. Villas in Tuscany surrounded by endless vineyards, palazzos in Venice with mosaic floors, mansards overlooking the Vatican embody history and style that cannot be replicated. Contrary to stereotypes, luxury-class properties are accessible: many Italian banks offer favorable conditions for purchase, allowing the dream of luxury to become a reality.

### Tuscan Villa or Venetian Palazzo: Which Style Suits You Best?

Each region of the peninsula offers its unique style:

1. Tuscany – spaciousness, vineyards, and sunsets that make the heart stand still. For those who love sunny hills and wine.
2. Venice – the luxury of water, canals, and centuries-old buildings that tell the tales of the former maritime empire. Suitable for those who want to experience the magic of water cities.

## Italian Real Estate with a Mortgage

A real opportunity to fulfill the dream of a home on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Italian banks offer mortgage programs available to foreign citizens, with interest rates ranging from 2 to 4%. To apply for a loan, minimal documents are required, and banks are willing to finance up to 70% of the property’s value. This accessibility makes purchasing real estate in Italy attractive even for those who want to preserve capital for other purposes.

### Buying a House or Villa in Italy or Apartments: Pros and Cons of Each Option

A house provides freedom, the opportunity to create your own garden, and seclusion. It is an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and inspiration, especially in regions like Tuscany or Sardinia.

Apartments, on the other hand, offer the convenience of urban hustle, access to infrastructure, and minimal maintenance costs. The choice depends on preferences: space and nature or the dynamics surrounded by cultural landmarks and fashionable boutiques.

## Italian Historical Sites and Their Role in the Market

The land of Ancient Rome is rich in ancient sites, many of which significantly influence the value and attractiveness of residences. Areas near iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Square, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa have high demand for rentals. Tourists visit these places year-round, making investments in real estate near Italy’s legendary attractions a wise decision.

### Is It Worth Overpaying?

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The historical value of the area guarantees that the property will not lose value. On the contrary, the value only increases, as demand for rentals remains high. Moreover, living near culturally significant sites creates a special atmosphere that cannot be described in words: every day is like a little journey into the past, blending with modernity into a unique symphony.

## Real Estate in Italy – a Ticket to a New Reality Full of Emotions and Discoveries

Warm climate, stunning nature, sea, historical monuments – all this makes the kingdom of olive groves an ideal place for permanent residence, where every day is filled with inspiration. By buying real estate in Italy, you not only get a place to stay but also the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life.

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