Italian Citizenship for Political Refugees: Requirements, Documents, and Application Process

Italy | Citizenship by Residence

Individuals who have been officially recognized as political refugees in Italy can apply for Italian citizenship after five years of legal residence, provided they meet other conditions established by Italian law.

According to Article 9(e) and Article 16(2) of Italian Law No. 91/1992, a recognized refugee may apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence in Italy. However, the rules differ for individuals with subsidiary protection (Protezione sussidiaria) or other types of residence permits.

Who can apply?

The applicant must be officially recognized as a refugee and must have completed the residency period required by law.

The five-year residency provision applies to the following:

• Individuals officially recognized as refugees.
• Individuals officially recognized as stateless persons (Apolidi).

Individuals with subsidiary protection (Protezione sussidiaria) generally must complete a ten-year legal residency period to qualify for citizenship by residence.

The period of residence must be calculated according to relevant legal standards. In necessary cases, the residency registration must remain continuous.

Required Documents

Individuals recognized as political refugees must prepare the following documents for their citizenship application.

1. Certificate of Refugee Status

An official document confirming recognition of refugee status in Italy.

2. Residence Permit (Permesso di soggiorno)

A valid residence permit.

3. Identity Document

A valid identity document or travel document.

4. Declaration in lieu of Birth Certificate

An Atto di notorietà prepared in the presence of two witnesses at the relevant court, containing the applicant's personal details and information regarding their parents.

5. Declaration in lieu of Criminal Record Certificate

An Atto di notorietà prepared in the presence of two witnesses at the court according to the requirements specified by the relevant government agency.

Given the difficulty recognized refugees may face in obtaining birth and criminal record certificates from their country of origin, the regulations allow these declarations to be used in place of original certificates.

6. Proof of Italian Language Proficiency

Generally, the applicant must certify knowledge of the Italian language at the B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Individuals with a qualified EU long-term residence permit and others exempted by law may be exempt from the language certificate requirement according to applicable rules.

7. Income Documentation

The applicant must submit income documentation for the last three years.

This may include CU, Modello 730, or Modello Redditi. According to applicable rules, the income of qualified family members residing in the same household may also be considered.

8. Application Fee

The required application fee is 250 Euros.

9. Stamp Duty

A 16 Euro stamp duty applies to applications submitted in Italy.

Required Income Conditions

The income thresholds published by Italian Prefectures are as follows:

• 8,263.31 Euros annually: For an applicant with no financially dependent family members.
• 11,362.05 Euros annually: For an applicant with a financially dependent spouse.
• An additional 516 Euros annually for each additional dependent child.

The applicable income condition must be met for each of the three years preceding the application. According to relevant rules, the income of qualified family members can also be included in the calculation.

How to apply?

Applications for Italian citizenship are submitted through the online portal of the Italian Ministry of the Interior.

The applicant must fill out the online form, upload the required documents, and submit proof of payment of the applicable fee.

Official Application Portal:

https://cittadinanza.dlci.interno.it

Before submitting an application, one should check the instructions issued by the relevant Prefecture.

How long does the application process take?

For applications submitted since December 20, 2020, the legally mandated period for completing the process is generally 24 months, which can be extended up to a maximum of 36 months.

The final decision is made based on the review of the application and whether legal conditions have been met.

Important Notice: This article is prepared to provide general information regarding Italian citizenship law. Before submitting an application, you should confirm the current applicable conditions and the list of required documents with the relevant Prefecture.