How Filipino citizens can apply for Italian citizenship by residency
If you’re a Filipino citizen living permanently in Italy, you can apply for Italian citizenship based on residence. Here are the main steps.
1. Check your 10 years of residence
As non-EU citizens, Filipinos must have lived in Italy legally and continuously for at least 10 years.
Before you apply, check that your registered residence has no gaps or errors.
2. Check the other requirements
You will generally also need to show:
adequate income, duly declared for the past three years;
Italian language proficiency of at least B1, unless you qualify for an exemption;
a valid residence permit;
no serious criminal or security concerns.
Meeting the requirements lets you apply, but citizenship is not granted automatically.
3. Gather your documents
The main documents you need include:
- passport and identity document;
- residence permit;
- tax returns for the past three years;
- B1 Italian language certificate;
- receipt for payment of €250;
€16 electronic revenue stamp.
Philippine documents usually need:
- PSA birth certificate;
- criminal record certificate NBI Clearance;
- Apostille issued by the DFA;
- certified Italian translation.
If you have lived in other countries, you may also need criminal record certificates from those countries. You can find information about Apostilles on the Italian Embassy in Manila website.
4. Apply online
Apply through the Ministry of the Interior Services Portal using SPID or CIE.
After you submit your application, the Prefecture will review it and may ask for additional documents. Check the portal and your email regularly.
5. Wait for the decree and take the oath
The process can take 24 months, with an extension of up to 36 months. If approved, you must take the oath at your local municipality within six months of notification.
Check your personal details
Your first name, surname, date and place of birth must match across all documents. If your surname changed after marriage, you may need additional documents to explain the difference.
Need help?
Etnopoint helps you check your eligibility, prepare your PSA and NBI documents, arrange Apostilles and translations, and submit your application correctly.
Contact Etnopoint and start your Italian citizenship application today.
This is general information. Your circumstances must be assessed against your documents and current rules.
