Italian citizen through a work permit,
Yes, it’s possible in 2025 to eventually become an Italian citizen through a work permit, but it typically involves a multi-step process: work permit → long-term residence → naturalization. Here’s how it works in detail:
1. Work Permit & Legal Residence
In 2025, foreign nationals can enter Italy on various work-related visas, such as:
-
Employee visas (Lavoro Subordinato)
-
Self-employment visas (Lavoro Autonomo)
-
EU Blue Card visas
These require a valid job offer and often fall under the Decreto Flussi quotas, though Blue Cards are exempted.
Alone ReadersCenturo Global
Your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro) is usually valid for 1–2 years and can be renewed as long as you're legally working.
Alone ReadersCenturo Global
2. Long-Term Residence Permit (Optional Step)
After 5 years of continuous legal residence and employment on valid permits, you can apply for a Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo — the Italian long-term residence permit. Requirements include stable income, suitable housing, and integration (e.g., A2-level Italian).
Alone Readers+1
However, while this permit aids stability, it’s not mandatory for applying for naturalization.
Visa FalconMondaq
3. Citizenship by Naturalization
Standard Pathway
As a non-EU foreign national, you currently need 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy before applying for citizenship by naturalization. This includes holding valid residence permits and being registered in the local population registry (residenza).
MondaqVisa Falcon
Additional requirements:
-
Annual income at or above a legal threshold (approx. €8,263 for a single applicant)
-
Italian language proficiency, typically at B1 level
-
Clean criminal record
Mondaq+1Italian Citizenship Assistance -Visa Falcon
Processing can take years, often between 2 to 4 years, though delays up to 5 years aren't uncommon.
Reddit+1
Proposed Reform (Referendum)
In June 2025, Italians held a referendum to shorten the mandatory residency period from 10 years to 5 years for non-EU immigrants. However, the referendum failed due to low voter turnout and thus is not binding.
Financial TimesWikipediaThe Economic Times
So as of now, the 10-year rule remains in place.
Summary Table
Step | Duration / Requirement |
---|---|
Work Permit | Initially valid 1–2 years; renewable with employment |
Long-Term Residence Permit | Eligible after 5 years of legal, continuous residence |
Citizenship by Naturalization | Eligible after 10 years of legal, continuous residence |
Additional Requirements | B1 Italian, stable income (e.g., ~€8,260+), clean record |
Final Takeaway
-
Yes, you can obtain Italian citizenship through a work permit, but only after fulfilling additional requirements and timeframes.
-
The pathway typically looks like this: Work Permit → (optional) Long-Term Residence after 5 years → Citizenship after 10 years.
-
The proposed reduction to a 5-year residency requirement did not pass, so the 10-year rule remains as of 2025.
Comments
Post a Comment