How Much Does It Cost to Get Citizenship in Italy?

If you've ever dreamed of sipping espresso in a sun-dappled Italian piazza as a full-fledged Italian citizen, you're not alone. Italy's rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture have made it a coveted destination for many. But how much does it really cost to become an Italian citizen? The answer to this question is more complex than it might initially appear, as the cost of obtaining citizenship varies depending on the route you choose, your circumstances, and other factors.

Understanding Italian Citizenship

Italy offers several different pathways to citizenship, and each one comes with its own unique costs. The main ways to obtain citizenship in Italy are through descent (Jure Sanguinis), marriage, or naturalization. Each of these processes involves legal fees, documentation costs, and other expenses. Let's dive deeper into each route and its respective costs.

1. Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

One of the most popular routes for many foreigners, especially those from countries like the U.S., Canada, or Argentina, is obtaining Italian citizenship through descent, known as Jure Sanguinis. This route is available for individuals who can prove they have Italian ancestors, no matter how many generations back.

Costs Involved:

• Documentation and Translation: To apply for citizenship by descent, you'll need to gather a series of documents proving your ancestral lineage, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates from both Italy and your home country. These documents need to be officially translated into Italian, which can cost between €200 to €500.
• Legalization and Apostille: Some documents will need to be legalized or apostilled (a type of international certification) to be accepted by Italian authorities. This can cost an additional €100 to €200 depending on your country.
• Application Fee: The Italian government charges a fee for processing citizenship applications. As of 2024, the fee stands at €300.
• Legal Assistance: While it’s possible to go through the process independently, many people opt to hire a lawyer or consultant to help them navigate the complex bureaucracy. Fees for legal services can range from €1,000 to €5,000, depending on the complexity of your case and the professional you choose.

In total, applying for citizenship through descent can range from €1,600 to €6,000, depending on how much assistance you need and how many documents you need to gather.

2. Citizenship by Marriage

Another route to Italian citizenship is through marriage to an Italian citizen. After being married to an Italian citizen for at least two years (or one year if you live in Italy), you can apply for citizenship.

Costs Involved:

• Application Fee: The application fee for citizenship by marriage is €250.
• Language Proficiency Test: As of 2018, applicants must pass a B1-level Italian language exam. If you need Italian lessons to pass this test, expect to pay around €300 to €1,000 for a course, depending on the intensity and duration.
• Documentation: Similar to citizenship by descent, you'll need to submit various documents, including your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and proof of your spouse’s Italian citizenship. Again, these documents must be translated and legalized, which can cost between €100 to €300.
• Legal Fees: If you decide to hire a lawyer or consultant to assist with the process, legal fees can range from €1,000 to €3,000.

Overall, applying for citizenship by marriage can cost between €650 to €4,550, depending on the complexity of your case and the services you use.

3. Citizenship by Naturalization

For those who don’t have Italian ancestors or an Italian spouse, citizenship by naturalization is another option. This route requires living in Italy for a specified period of time, usually ten years, though shorter periods apply to those with certain connections to Italy (e.g., EU citizens).

Costs Involved:

• Residence Permit Fees: During the time you are living in Italy, you will need to renew your residence permit periodically. The cost of a residence permit ranges from €80 to €100 per year.
• Application Fee: The fee for naturalization applications is €300.
• Language Test: Just like the marriage route, you’ll need to pass a B1-level Italian language test. The cost of language lessons can range from €300 to €1,000.
• Legal Assistance: Given the long-term nature of the naturalization process, many applicants choose to hire legal assistance. Legal fees for naturalization cases can range from €1,000 to €4,000.
• Cost of Living in Italy: While not directly related to the application process, it’s important to remember that living in Italy for ten years comes with its own financial considerations. The cost of living varies by region, with major cities like Rome and Milan being more expensive than smaller towns. On average, expect to spend around €1,000 to €2,500 per month for rent, utilities, food, and other expenses.

In total, the cost of naturalization can range from €4,000 to €10,000 or more, depending on how long it takes you to qualify and how much legal and language assistance you need.

Additional Hidden Costs

While the above figures give a rough estimate of the direct costs involved in applying for Italian citizenship, there are other potential costs to keep in mind:

• Travel Expenses: If you live outside of Italy, you may need to travel to Italy multiple times during the process, whether to submit documents, attend interviews, or take the language test. Depending on where you live, this could add thousands of euros to the total cost.
• Time and Bureaucracy: While this isn’t a direct financial cost, it’s important to remember that dealing with Italian bureaucracy can be a slow and frustrating process. Applications can take years to be processed, and there’s always the possibility that you’ll need to re-submit documents or deal with unexpected delays.

A Breakdown of Potential Costs

Route to Citizenship	Approximate Costs
Jure Sanguinis (Descent)	€1,600 to €6,000
Marriage	€650 to €4,550
Naturalization	€4,000 to €10,000+
Travel (if applicable)	€500 to €5,000+
Language Lessons	€300 to €1,000

Is It Worth It?

For many, the financial investment of obtaining Italian citizenship is more than worth it. Not only does Italian citizenship provide the right to live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, but it also offers visa-free travel throughout the European Union, access to excellent healthcare, and the ability to pass citizenship on to future generations.

Moreover, becoming an Italian citizen can open doors to new opportunities, whether they be personal, professional, or educational. Many people find that the cultural and lifestyle benefits of Italian citizenship far outweigh the financial costs.

Conclusion

While the cost of obtaining Italian citizenship can vary widely depending on your route and personal circumstances, it’s clear that it’s not a cheap process. Between legal fees, documentation, language tests, and travel, you should be prepared to invest both time and money into your application.

However, for those with a deep connection to Italy, whether through ancestry, marriage, or long-term residency, the rewards of Italian citizenship can make the investment well worth it. After all, who wouldn't want the freedom to live, work, and thrive in one of the world’s most beloved countries?