Italian Citizenship 2-Year Residency Option for Children and Grandchildren of Italians
Author: Dr. Mark Masi
Key Details
- Law 74/2025 has made citizenship by descent much harder to obtain for many people.
- An often-overlooked provision in the law allows children and grandchildren of native born Italians to become citizens after just two years of legal residence in Italy.
- This route applies regardless of whether the Italian parent or grandparent ever became a naturalized citizen elsewhere.
- It requires a valid long-term visa, continuous residence, passing the B1 Italian language exam, and having a clean criminal record.
- Without Italian heritage, the residency requirement is 10 years, making this a major advantage for those with close Italian ancestry.
The New Law and Its Impact?
When Law 74/2025 was introduced, it was met with disappointment and frustration by many Italian descendants worldwide. The law drastically narrowed the eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), limiting it to applicants with an Italian-born parent or grandparent who maintained Italian citizenship exclusively.
For countless people, especially those tracing citizenship through a great-grandparent or further back, this meant their applications were no longer possible under the standard process. The change closed the door for many who had dreamed of reclaiming their Italian nationality and building a stronger connection to their heritage. While most of the attention around the law has focused on what was lost, one often unmentioned part of the legislation actually opened a new pathway to citizenship for certain individuals.
The 2-Year Residency Route for Children and Grandchildren of Italians
Under the new law, children and grandchildren of Italians can apply for citizenship after just two years of continuous legal residence in Italy, regardless of the naturalization status of their Italian parent or grandparent. This means that even if your Italian parent or grandparent became a citizen of another country, you could still apply for Italian citizenship by living in Italy for two years.
Why This Matters
The typical residency requirement for foreigners with no Italian heritage is 10 years. This provision cuts that requirement by 80% for those with close Italian ancestry, giving many people a realistic and achievable alternative to citizenship by descent.
It’s also important because it provides hope for individuals who felt the new law had permanently shut them out of the process. With careful planning, the residency route can be a viable path to the same goal, full Italian citizenship, and all the benefits that come with it.
Requirements for the 2-Year Residency Path
To qualify for citizenship through this route, you must:
- Prove your relationship to an Italian parent or grandparent.
- Obtain a long-term visa to live in Italy. Common options include:
- Elective Residency Visa (for those with sufficient independent income)
- EU Blue Card (for highly skilled workers)
- Investor Visa
- Student Visa
- Maintain continuous legal residence in Italy for two years.
- Pass the B1-level Italian language exam (basic intermediate proficiency).
- Provide a clean criminal background check.
Steps to Consider if This Path Appeals to You
- Evaluate your eligibility by confirming your direct relationship to an Italian parent or grandparent.
- Research visa options and determine which one fits your situation best.
- Plan your move to Italy, considering housing, income, and integration into the community.
- Begin language preparation early, so you’re ready for the B1 exam.
- Track your residency period carefully to ensure you meet the 2-year requirement without interruptions.
Final Thoughts
While Law 74/2025 has been largely bad news for many seeking Italian citizenship, the 2-year residency route for children and grandchildren of Italians stands out as a silver lining. For those willing and able to relocate to Italy, it offers a faster and more accessible path to citizenship than is available to most foreigners.
If you believe you may qualify or want to explore whether this is a realistic option for you, our team can guide you through every step, from confirming eligibility and securing the right visa to preparing your application for citizenship. Schedule a call below to learn more about how this pathway could help you achieve your goal of becoming an Italian citizen.