Italy

Dual Citizenship Italy

Allowed

Italian citizenship is primarily regulated by Law no. 91 of 1992, which was amended by Decree no. 113, commonly referred to as the "Salvini Decree," in effect since October 4, 2018.

Recent developments in Italian citizenship law are under discussion, with proposed reforms that aim to update the current regulations. These potential changes, still subject to legislative debate, reflect Italy's effort to update its citizenship framework and strengthen cultural ties. The outcome of these discussions will determine how citizenship by descent and other pathways are adjusted to meet evolving demographic and societal needs.

While the core principle of Italian citizenship is based on ius sanguinis (right of blood), there are several pathways to obtaining it.

The three most common routes are ancestry (ius sanguinis), marriage and naturalisation.

1. Ancestry (ius sanguinis): Italian citizenship is acquired at birth, based upon the principle of “jure sanguinis” (by right of blood). Therefore, a child born to an Italian parent, is an Italian citizen, regardless of the place of birth.
2. Marriage or civil union (Same-Sex): Spouses of Italian citizens, including those in same-sex civil unions, may acquire Italian citizenship through marriage or civil union.
3. Naturalisation (by residency): Obtaining citizenship by residency (naturalization) is more challenging as it is granted at the discretion of the public authorities. Applicants must show the proof of having lived legally in Italy for at least ten years; demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language and provide proof of sufficient income produced in Italy.

Following the enactment of the law in 1992, Italian citizens acquiring a second citizenship do not lose their Italian citizenship, unless a formal request for renunciation is submitted.

Additionally, since 2010, Italy has adhered to the Strasbourg Convention, allowing its citizens to hold dual citizenship without any restrictions or consequences regarding their original nationality.

Thus, Italian nationals can hold dual or multiple citizenship without needing special conditions.