Italy Merit Citizenship

Citizenship by Presidential Decree for eminent services to Italy or exceptional State interest.

Legal Basis

Article 9(2) of Law No. 91/1992 allows Italian citizenship to be granted by Decree of the President of the Republic, after consulting the Council of State and on the proposal of the Minister of the Interior together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to a foreigner who has rendered eminent services to Italy, or when it is in the exceptional interest of the State.

Advantages

• EU citizenship for the whole family
• No standard residence period required
• Granted at the highest level of State
• Lifetime citizenship transferable to children

Requirements

• Eminent services to Italy or exceptional State interest
• Clean criminal record
• Favourable opinion of the Council of State

Key Facts

• Decided by: President of the Republic, on ministerial proposal
• Processing time: Typically 12–24 months

About Italy

Italy is a founding member of the European Union and one of the world’s largest economies, renowned for design, fashion, engineering, food and an unrivalled cultural heritage.

Italian citizenship offers EU-wide rights and one of the most powerful passports in the world.

• Founding EU member, G7 economy
• One of the strongest passports globally
• World-leading culture, design and cuisine
• Excellent universities and healthcare

Citizenship by merit is discretionary: there is no fixed price or investment threshold, and every case is decided individually. See all citizenship by merit countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as Italian citizenship by descent?

No. Citizenship by descent depends on ancestry. Article 9(2) is a discretionary route for people who have rendered eminent services to Italy.