Italian Republic
Italian Republic settlement & citizenship
Italy separates residence security from citizenship. Skilled workers and Blue Card holders first renew residence permits, can generally build toward EU long-term residence after 5 years, and non-EU nationals usually need 10 years legal residence for citizenship by naturalisation.
Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
EU Blue Card / work residence permit
Permit duration depends on contract and residence-card rules
- Who qualifies
- Highly qualified workers sponsored by an Italian employer through the Blue Card process.
- Key gate
- Employer clearance, national visa where needed, and residence-permit application after arrival.
- Linked visas
- EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)
- 2
EU long-term residence permit
Long-term residence status after sustained lawful residence
- Who qualifies
- Third-country nationals meeting Italy/EU long-term-resident residence, income, integration, and document requirements.
- Key gate
- Build at least 5 years lawful residence and meet the long-term-resident criteria.
- 3
Italian citizenship by naturalisation
Usually 10 years legal residence for non-EU foreign nationals
- Who qualifies
- Residents meeting Italian citizenship residence, language, income, conduct, and public-security requirements.
- Key gate
- MAECI cites 10 years legal residence for ordinary non-EU naturalisation and B1 Italian for certain citizenship applications.
Physical presence
EU long-term residence generally uses a 5-year lawful residence base; ordinary non-EU naturalisation usually requires at least 10 years legal residence in Italy.
Language level
Italian B1 is required for many citizenship applications; verify the exact route and exemption rules.
Test / oath
Naturalisation takes effect after the citizenship decree and oath of allegiance to the Republic.
Dual citizenship
Italy recognises the possibility of multiple citizenship; origin-country rules still matter.
Typical full timeline
EU Blue Card/work permit -> EU long-term residence after about 5 years -> citizenship usually after 10 years legal residence.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Italian citizenship after first arriving in Italy?
EU Blue Card/work permit -> EU long-term residence after about 5 years -> citizenship usually after 10 years legal residence.
How many days a year must I physically be in Italy to qualify?
EU long-term residence generally uses a 5-year lawful residence base; ordinary non-EU naturalisation usually requires at least 10 years legal residence in Italy.
What language level do I need for Italian citizenship?
Italian B1 is required for many citizenship applications; verify the exact route and exemption rules.
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Italy recognises the possibility of multiple citizenship; origin-country rules still matter.