Campaigners in Italy have been successful in gathering enough signatures to qualify for a national referendum, which could potentially reduce the required residency time for non-EU nationals to obtain citizenship from 10 years to five years. This change in the law would affect around 2.5 million foreigners living in Italy. The move is being supported by opposition politicians and non-profit organizations like Oxfam Italia, who believe that halving the residency period would bring Italy in line with other European countries. The goal is to make the citizenship process simpler for those who choose to live, study, love, and grow in Italy, allowing them to be recognized as Italian citizens.
Children of non-EU nationals born in Italy are currently not eligible for citizenship until they turn 18, unless their parents acquire Italian citizenship. The request for a referendum to reduce the residency time for obtaining citizenship must now be approved by two of Italy’s highest courts, and a 50 percent voter turnout is required for the result to be valid. Despite the efforts of campaigners, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party does not support easing the current rules. The right-wing party maintains a strict anti-immigration stance and believes that the existing 10-year residency requirement is reasonable and does not need to be changed.
If the changes to the citizenship law are passed, non-EU nationals living in Italy would only need to reside in the country for five years before becoming eligible for Italian citizenship. They would be required to submit an online application through the Italian Ministry of the Interior once the required residency period has been met, or two years after marrying an Italian citizen. The application process involves providing various documents, including a translated and authenticated birth certificate, criminal records from the countries of citizenship, proof of residency in Italy, and a certificate of B1 language proficiency. The application fee is €250.
Since 1999, there have been several attempts to challenge Italy’s citizenship laws, but none have been successful until now. With the support of 500,000 citizens who signed the petition, a national referendum to reduce the residency time for obtaining citizenship has become a possibility. The campaigners believe that the current laws are unjust and that those who choose Italy as their home should have the opportunity to become Italian citizens more easily. This change would not only impact the lives of millions of foreigners living in Italy but also align the country with European standards regarding citizenship requirements for non-EU nationals.
By pushing for a reduction in the residency time required to obtain citizenship, campaigners are advocating for a more inclusive and fair policy that recognizes the contributions of foreigners who have made Italy their home. The potential change in the law would open up opportunities for non-EU nationals to fully integrate into Italian society and participate more actively in the community. The campaign for the citizenship referendum represents a significant step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for foreigners in Italy, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and recognition of their rights as residents of the country.
