Italian citizenship by residence: how to complete the Ministry of the Interior questionnaire

Obtaining Italian citizenship by residence is a process that requires care and preparation. One of the key tools in this procedure is the questionnaire prepared by the Ministry of the Interior, designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and institutions. Completing it correctly is essential, as it represents a crucial stage in the evaluation of the application.

The questionnaire was introduced in 2021 with the aim of making the citizenship acquisition process more rigorous. Before that date, it was sufficient to demonstrate—along with adequate income, the absence of a criminal record, and an intermediate knowledge of the Italian language—that one had resided in Italy for at least ten years in order to submit an application. Today, however, the twenty questions that make up the form allow the authorities to assess in greater detail the candidate’s familiarity with Italian history, culture, the Constitution, and democratic values.

Filling out the questionnaire requires particular attention: answers may be written either in Italian or in English, but it is essential that they are clear, complete, and concise. The commission that reviews the application may reject the form if the answers are incomplete or inaccurate. For this reason, it is advisable to prepare the questionnaire carefully, checking every detail and ensuring that all responses are accurate.

The questionnaire must be submitted through the Ministry of the Interior’s online portal before the official submission of the citizenship application. It is possible to download the form in PDF or Word format, complete it by hand or digitally, and then upload it directly to the platform. This ensures that the documentation is complete and compliant with regulatory requirements. It is important to note that those applying for citizenship through marriage are not required to complete this questionnaire: the obligation applies exclusively to applications based on residence.

Among the information requested by the questionnaire are details about the applicant’s stay in Italy, the reasons for choosing Italy as a place to live, marital status and family composition, employment activities carried out, and the educational situation of children, if any. In addition, applicants are asked to indicate how they learned the Italian language, whether they participate in local initiatives or associations, their knowledge of Italian political and administrative structures, and the fundamental principles of the Constitution. There are also questions related to respect for civil laws and personal conduct, aimed at verifying the applicant’s integration into Italian society.

Approaching the questionnaire with awareness also means reflecting on one’s life path in Italy and on the relationship with the community and institutions. It is therefore advisable to prepare in advance by gathering documentation, recalling personal and professional experiences, and studying elements of Italian history, culture, and law. This approach not only facilitates completion of the form but also increases the chances of a successful application.

In summary, the questionnaire for Italian citizenship by residence is much more than a simple form: it represents a tool through which the Ministry of the Interior assesses the applicant’s level of integration and their knowledge of the fundamental values of the Republic. Completing it correctly, with precise and comprehensive answers, is an essential step for anyone who wishes to become an Italian citizen and obtain Italian citizenship and an Italian passport.

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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.