Is it possible to speed up the Italian citizenship application process?

Anyone who applies for Italian citizenship knows that the waiting period can turn into a long and often frustrating journey. It is not uncommon for the procedure to take several years before reaching a conclusion, especially for those who submitted their application during periods when the legal time limits were longer. Today, although processing times have been reduced compared to the past, the feeling of stagnation remains one of the main concerns for applicants.

In particular, for those who applied before the entry into force of the most recent regulatory changes, the waiting time can reach up to four years. Even for more recent applications, such as those submitted from 2021 onward, the law allows up to two years for the completion of the procedure, with the possibility of an additional extension. The real issue arises when, despite the time that has passed, the application is still stuck in its initial stages, suggesting that the legal deadlines may not be respected.

In these situations, a legitimate question naturally arises: is it really possible to speed up the process? The answer is yes, provided that action is taken correctly and with awareness. Italian law allows applicants to protect their rights when the public administration fails to comply with the established timelines. Through tools such as formal reminders or legal notices, it is possible to draw the attention of the authorities and encourage a faster review of the application.

This applies both to those applying for citizenship through marriage and to those following the path of Italian citizenship by residence, which involves particularly thorough checks regarding length of stay, social integration, and compliance with legal requirements. If, after one year from submitting the application, there has been no significant progress, taking action often becomes a strategic choice.

Another key aspect is ensuring that the application is accurate and complete from the very beginning. Formal errors, missing documents, or inaccuracies can lead to suspensions and requests for additional documentation, inevitably extending processing times. For this reason, the assistance of a lawyer specialized in citizenship and immigration law can make a significant difference, not only in preventing problems but also in intervening effectively when the application becomes stalled.

Legal assistance is not limited to sending written reminders. Continuous and targeted action, including direct contact with the competent Prefecture, can help prevent the application from being overlooked. In many cases, this approach allows applicants to significantly reduce waiting times and reach the final stage of the procedure sooner.

Speeding up the acquisition of citizenship is not merely about shortening an administrative process. For many applicants, it means finally gaining access to fundamental rights, such as full international mobility guaranteed by the Italian passport, as well as greater personal and professional stability in Italy and across Europe.

In conclusion, while there are no automatic shortcuts, there are effective legal tools to counter unjustified delays. With a properly prepared application, constant monitoring of its status, and—when necessary—the support of a qualified professional, speeding up the Italian citizenship process is not only possible, but often achievable.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.