Italian citizenship by naturalization and the minimum income requirement

Italian citizenship by naturalization is one of the paths provided by law for foreign nationals who live permanently in Italy and wish to become full citizens. Among the fundamental requirements set out by the legislation, a central role is played by the applicant’s economic capacity, which must be demonstrated through the possession of an adequate minimum income.

The purpose of this requirement is clear: the Italian State seeks to verify that applicants for citizenship are able to support themselves independently and, where applicable, their family members, without systematically relying on public assistance. It should be emphasized that this obligation applies exclusively to citizenship by naturalization and does not apply, for example, to applications submitted on the basis of marriage, nor to cases of citizenship by descent, which follow different criteria.

Income parameters are not left to the discretion of individual offices but are established by the Ministry of the Interior on the basis of specific thresholds, which are updated periodically. These thresholds also take into account the composition of the household: the greater the number of dependents, the higher the required income, in order to ensure decent living conditions for all family members.

As regards the types of income accepted, not every form of income is considered suitable. Lawful, continuous, and verifiable income is viewed positively, such as that derived from salaried employment, self-employment, pensions, or other income regularly declared to the tax authorities. By contrast, occasional, non-traceable income or income lacking adequate tax documentation is unlikely to be deemed valid for the purposes of the procedure.

Another important aspect concerns the nature of the income to be declared. For citizenship purposes, the income taken into account is the taxable income for IRPEF purposes—that is, gross income—relating to the three years preceding the submission of the application. This allows the administration to assess not only the amount, but also the continuity of the applicant’s economic situation over time.

The reference thresholds provide for a minimum amount for a single applicant, a higher amount in the case of a dependent spouse, and an additional increase for each further family member. In support of the application, it is necessary to attach complete and consistent documentation, such as income tax returns for the last three years and certificates attesting to the composition of the household.

Correctly demonstrating the income requirement is an essential step in order to avoid delays or negative outcomes in the application process. Careful preparation of the application makes it possible to approach the path toward Italian citizenship with greater peace of mind, representing the first step toward obtaining fundamental rights such as an Italian passport and full integration into the country’s civil and social life.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

Our team is available to provide support and assistance regarding italian citizenship and immigration law! Contact us to schedule your first consultation! #Yourwaytoitaly

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, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.