Exploring the Advantages and Considerations of Dual Citizenship in Italy: A Complete Guide 2025
Dual citizenship arouses great interest among those who have ties to more than one nation. If you are a foreigner and want to learn more about the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship, you are in the right place!
This guide aims to thoroughly examine the main features of dual citizenship, offering clear and precise answers to all your questions. We will explore together the advantages and factors to consider when contemplating applying for dual citizenship.
Before introducing the topic of dual citizenship, let’s talk about Italian citizenship.
Italian citizenship represents the bond between an individual and the Italian State.
In Italy, the law on citizenship is mainly found in Law 91/1992.
What criteria allow you to obtain Italian citizenship?
In our country, it is possible to obtain Italian citizenship through:
- Jus sanguinis: Italian citizenship by jus sanguinis is acquired when at least one biological or adoptive parent is an Italian citizen. However, if the adoption is revoked due to the adoptee’s actions, the latter will lose Italian citizenship only if they have another citizenship or reacquire one afterward. In all other cases of adoption revocation, the adoptee will retain Italian citizenship.
- Jus soli: obtaining Italian citizenship through jus soli is allowed for:
- individuals born on Italian territory who cannot acquire their parents’ citizenship because the law of the parents’ country of origin excludes that a child born abroad can obtain their citizenship;
- individuals born in Italy to unknown or stateless parents, or parents without any citizenship;
- individuals who are the children of unknown parents and are found abandoned in Italian territory, and for whom it cannot be proven by any interested party that they possess another citizenship.
- Recognition or judicial declaration of parentage: The law also provides, according to Article 2, another way to acquire Italian citizenship through the recognition or judicial declaration of parentage by the father or mother who are Italian citizens while the child is still a minor. If this recognition or declaration occurs when the child is already an adult, they can choose whether to keep their current citizenship or opt for the one deriving from the parentage, through a specific declaration to be presented within twelve months from the recognition or judicial declaration of parentage or from the declaration of effectiveness in Italy of the foreign ruling if the parentage determination occurred abroad.
Who else can obtain Italian citizenship?
- Foreigners or stateless persons with Italian origins: the possibility for foreigners or stateless persons with Italian origins to acquire Italian citizenship is an important aspect of Italian citizenship legislation. This allows individuals with historical and family ties to Italy to establish an official connection with the country, providing a mechanism to obtain Italian citizenship. Specifically, the law provides that those who have a descendant up to the second degree who is an Italian citizen by birth can apply for Italian citizenship. However, to obtain citizenship, certain specific requirements must be met, and an explicit declaration of intent to obtain Italian citizenship must be submitted. Among the required conditions, there is the need to have served in the military on behalf of the Italian State or hold a public employment position with state entities, even abroad. It is essential that the declaration of intent is submitted in advance and is accompanied by the necessary documentation to prove the fulfillment of the requirements.
- Another way to obtain Italian citizenship is for foreigners born in Italy who have legally resided there continuously until adulthood. In this case, they can apply for Italian citizenship within one year of reaching the age of majority, subject to an explicit declaration.
Now let’s focus on dual citizenship
Law 91/1992 allows for the possibility of obtaining dual citizenship, thus maintaining a connection with more than one country.
This applies both “outbound” and “inbound”: for Italian citizens who move abroad and want to obtain the citizenship of the foreign country in which they live, and for those who come to Italy without wanting to renounce their origins.
Loss of Italian citizenship occurs only if expressly requested, and this renunciation can occur in two ways: voluntarily, when the Italian citizen consciously decides to renounce their Italian citizenship, or by imposition of the law of the foreign country that requires renunciation of previous citizenship as a condition for obtaining the new citizenship.
It is worth noting that choosing to renounce Italian citizenship can have significant impacts, as it entails giving up the rights and benefits associated with Italian citizenship and may require obtaining new permits or authorizations in the country where the new citizenship is obtained.
When is dual citizenship possible?
The issue of dual citizenship is complex and varies greatly from country to country, and its granting depends on the laws and policies of each nation. In some countries, like China, dual citizenship is not allowed at all. This means that if an individual obtains citizenship of another country while being a Chinese citizen, they will automatically lose their original citizenship.
The reasons behind these policies can vary and range from protecting national identity to preventing capital and talent flight. However, it is important to emphasize that the legislation on the matter can change over time and that there may be exceptions or special provisions in certain cases. For example, some countries allow dual citizenship only in specific circumstances, such as when the second citizenship is obtained through marriage. Others may allow dual citizenship but limit the exercise of certain rights, such as the right to vote or access certain job positions.
Pros and cons of dual citizenship
Those who wish to obtain dual citizenship will have access to many advantages, including immediate access to the job market without specific permits, the freedom to move in Italy and Europe without a visa, since they have a dual passport, and the possibility of exercising the right to vote.
A disadvantage, on the other hand, could be being subject to taxation in both countries concerning one’s income.
Procedure for obtaining dual citizenship
To obtain Italian citizenship, it is necessary to have all the required documentation (depending on the route chosen to obtain it).
You are invited to read this article related to the topic: link to article
The documents must be submitted:
- To the Prefecture or the municipality where you intend to reside (if residing in Italy)
- To the Consulate of your country of residence (if residing abroad)
How long does it take to obtain dual citizenship?
The time required to process the application can vary depending on various factors. For example, processing times for recognition through a consulate or municipality can extend for several months.
On the other hand, the time for the citizenship granting process, i.e., the waiting period after submitting the application on the government website, can be around a couple of years.
Conclusions
As you can see, obtaining dual citizenship allows you to have a wonderful opportunity, that is, to belong to more places without having to give up your roots.
We hope we have clarified your doubts! In any case, feel free to contact one of our lawyers specializing in Italian citizenship whenever you want to request a consultation.