Italy Prepares for a Key Referendum on Citizenship by Residency

The Constitutional Court gives the green light to a referendum that could reduce residency requirements for non-EU foreigners.

On January 20, 2025, Italy's Constitutional Court declared admissible the abrogative referendum proposing a significant reform of the process to obtain Italian citizenship. The initiative, which seeks to reduce the legal residency requirement for non-EU foreign adults from 10 to 5 years, has garnered support from over 500,000 citizen signatures, marking a pivotal moment in the debate on integration and immigrant rights in Italy.

A referendum with social and political impact

The Constitutional Court’s decision enables Italian citizens to vote on this proposal in a national referendum, scheduled to take place between April 15 and June 15 of this year. The exact date will be announced in the coming weeks, sparking anticipation in both political circles and civil society.

The initiative proposes a significant change to the current legislation, which requires a minimum residency period of 10 years for non-EU foreign adults to apply for Italian citizenship for residency. Reducing this period to 5 years aims to accelerate integration processes and reflect a more inclusive Italy in a globalized context where mobility and migration play a central role.

Reactions to the measure

The referendum's admissibility has elicited diverse reactions. On one side, proponents of the proposal emphasize that reducing the residency period is a necessary step to facilitate the inclusion of those who are already active contributors to Italian society. They argue that a 10-year wait is excessive, especially for immigrants who have made significant economic, social, and cultural contributions to the country.

On the other hand, critics believe the measure could weaken integration requirements, arguing that the current period ensures a stronger commitment to Italian values and traditions before granting citizenship.

The path to the vote

If approved, the referendum would represent a substantial shift in Italy’s migration policies and set a significant precedent in Europe, where several countries face similar debates on the timelines and criteria for naturalizing foreigners.

As the voting date approaches, the coming weeks will be crucial for information campaigns and public debates that will shape the opinion of Italian citizens. At stake is not just the amendment of a legal requirement but also an opportunity to reflect on Italy’s identity and inclusive future.

This referendum is poised to become a key event in assessing Italian society’s stance on integration and citizenship, with potential repercussions beyond its borders.

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