Italian citizenship by residence: requirements and timelines in 2026
For people settled in Italy, applying for citizenship based on residence is a common route. Citizenship is not granted automatically: the state reviews each application against specific requirements for length of residence, income and language ability. Here is what you need to know before applying in 2026.
How long you need to have lived in Italy
The number of years you need depends on your circumstances:
10 years of continuous legal residence for non-EU citizens
4 years for EU citizens
5 years for refugees and stateless people
3 years for people born in Italy to foreign parents, or direct-line ancestors of Italian citizens
In every case, you must remain legally and continuously registered as a resident until you take the final oath. Even a simple oversight, such as failing to notify the registry office when you move, can result in your removal from the residents’ register and put your application at risk.
Income requirement
As well as meeting the residence requirement, you must show an annual income of at least around €8,263. Depending on the Prefecture handling your application, you may need to provide proof of income not only for the year you apply, but for earlier years too.
Italian language requirement
Since 2018, applicants have had to show at least B1-level Italian under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), through an accepted certificate or a qualification obtained in Italy.
How long it really takes
By law, applications must be processed within 24 months, or up to 36 months in more complex cases. In practice, the time depends heavily on the Prefecture handling your application. Some finish in just over a year; others take up to three years, especially if the documents submitted are incomplete or incorrect.
That is why the quality of your application often matters more to the timeline than the legal deadline. Missing documents, translations that do not meet the requirements and expired certificates are the most common causes of delays.
If your application is refused
If your application is refused, you can appeal to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) within 60 days of being notified. If you receive advance notice of a refusal, you usually have 10 days to submit any missing documents before a final decision is made.
How Etnopoint can help you
Applying for Italian citizenship through residency takes care at every stage, from checking eligibility and gathering and legalising documents to tracking your application after submission. Etnopoint Immigrazione guides you through it all, helping you avoid mistakes and delays while taking the most complicated work off your hands.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your circumstances. Laws and processing times may change. Contact our team to discuss your situation.
