In 2024, UK citizens will need to apply for ETIAs to access Italy and 30 other EU countries. To begin your journey towards Italian citizenship, it’s crucial to understand the Italian passport requirements. This guide will delve into the specifics, offering you a comprehensive overview. Discover the steps to obtain an Italian passport and embark on the path to becoming a citizen of Italy.

What are the Italian passport requirements?

You will need to be a citizen of Italy to apply for an Italian passport. Applying for an Italian passport and Italian citizenship are different processes. An Italian passport is a travel document provided to citizens of Italy. If you are not a citizen of Italy yet, you will have to apply for citizenship and be recognized as a citizen of Italy first before you can apply for an Italian passport.

What are ways to get Italian citizenship?

There are many benefits to becoming an EU citizen, and there are several ways to become an Italian citizen if you have an Italian background, such as through your grandparent or great-grandparent, by marrying an Italian citizen, or by being born in Italy or living there for a certain period of time. Explore your options below:

Italian citizenship by Descent

Do you have an Italian background? Italian citizenship is passed from parent to child without limitation of generation, as long as none of the ancestors has ever renounced their citizenship. Italian law follows the “Jure Sanguinis,” meaning “right of blood,” which refers to individuals who are Italian by descent. If you can establish a strong case with a direct line of lineage connecting you to Italian citizenship, you have the opportunity to apply for Italian citizenship and petition the Italian government for recognition. Learn more about Italian citizenship by descent here.

Italian citizenship by Marriage

Marrying an Italian citizen can also provide you with a pathway to Italian citizenship. There are basic requirements:

– If you are a non-Italian married to an Italian citizen and currently residing in Italy, you can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage after being married for 2 years, including same-sex civil unions.

– For foreign nationals residing outside of Italy, eligibility for citizenship through marriage exists, but the application can only be made 3 years after the date of marriage or civil union with an Italian citizen. 

Learn more about Italian citizenship by marriage here.

Italian citizenship by naturalization (residency)

Even without an Italian family or Italian ancestor, it is still possible to acquire Italian citizenship through residency and apply for citizenship. To be eligible, individuals must meet criteria such as the duration of residency, language proficiency, and knowledge of Italian culture and history.

a) 10 years for non-European Union foreigners.
b) 5 years for a foreigner who has worked for five years in Italy for the public administration, an Italian-based company, or abroad representing the Italian state.
c) 5 years for an adult foreigner adopted by an Italian citizen.
d) 5 years for a stateless foreigner.
e) 4 years for a citizen of the European Union.
f) 3 years for a foreigner who is a direct descendant (up to the second degree) of an Italian citizen and is unable to acquire citizenship through jus sanguinis or other specific cases, or for a foreigner born in Italy with continuous residence.

These residency requirements are specified by Article 9 of Law No. 91/1992.

Learn more about Italian citizenship by residency here.

Obtain Italian citizenship: special cases

Italy offers various pathways to Italian citizenship, including special cases based on exceptional circumstances. While some cases may not directly grant you Italian citizenship, they do provide an opportunity to obtain Italian residency. After residing in Italy for a minimum consecutive number of years, you can then apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization. Seek advice from immigration lawyers for Italian citizenship assistance.

How to apply for an Italian passport in the UK?

If you have been granted Italian citizenship, and your birth certificate is formally registered with the Italian authorities, the next essential step is to apply for an Italian passport.

1. You will need to complete an application form and prepare documents.

2. Book an appointment with the Italian consulate nearest to you online.

3. Attend the appointment and submit all required documents.

Please note that children under 12 are not required to attend the consulate in person for biometric data collection. Applications for children under 12 must be sent exclusively by post. Need help with your Italian passport? Contact us.

Does Italy and the UK allow dual citizenship?

Yes, both Italy and the UK allow dual citizenship. Therefore, if you are a citizen of the UK and would like to obtain a second citizenship, you can become a dual citizen of both countries.

Can you obtain an Italian passport while having a British passport?

Yes, since Italy and the UK allow dual citizenship, you can have two passports. You can travel to Italy and other EU countries without restrictions, receive EU benefits, retire in Italy, or pass on your citizenship to your children.

Why is it important for UK citizens to get an Italian passport?

There are many benefits that come with having an Italian passport. You will be able to work and live in Italy and other EU countries without restrictions. Learn more about the Italian passport requirements and the application process to obtain an Italian citizenship. Contact us for help with your Italian citizenship application.

Will you need a visa to enter Italy from the UK in 2024?

Starting in 2024, all UK citizens will need to apply for an online travel authorization called “ETIAS” before entering Italy and the other 30 EU/Schengen member countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

However, please note that ETIAS is a travel authorization and not a visa. The cost of ETIAS is €7 for applicants aged 18 to 70. Minors and applicants over 70 receive ETIAS free of charge. With ETIAS, UK citizens can stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Learn more about ETIAS here.

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