Notice of rejection of italian citizenship by residency: what to do

When submitting an application for Italian citizenship by residency, one usually expects a long but straightforward process. For this reason, receiving a notice of rejection may seem like a sudden and worrying setback. In reality, it is a tool provided by law—specifically by Article 10-bis of Law 241/1990—which allows the applicant to be informed of any issues that have emerged during the review process and to intervene before the administration adopts a final rejection. Therefore, it is not a refusal, but an opportunity to supplement documentation and provide clarifications, thus keeping open the possibility of obtaining Italian citizenship—and eventually an Italian passport—in the future.

Why a notice of rejection is issued

The notice is sent when the Prefecture identifies elements that, based on the current documentation, would prevent the granting of citizenship. The reasons may relate to income, the regularity of residency, or the presence of criminal records. Sometimes the issue arises from income considered insufficient according to the required thresholds, which vary depending on the composition of the household. In other cases, registry checks reveal a possible interruption of residency, even a short one, which puts into question the requirement of ten continuous years. Finally, information may emerge regarding convictions or criminal proceedings, even those involving cohabiting family members, prompting the administration to adopt a stricter evaluation.

How to address a notice based on income

When the uncertainty concerns the adequacy of income, it is essential to demonstrate one’s financial situation accurately. Often, the apparent insufficiency stems from incomplete or outdated data; therefore, it is useful to present recent tax returns, employment or contribution documentation, and anything else that may correct discrepancies. In other cases, it is possible to explain why income temporarily decreased—for instance, due to sudden job loss or extraordinary expenses—while still showing that the applicant’s overall situation remains stable. If cohabiting family members have adequate income, this may also be taken into account, provided that suitable documentation and authorization for data processing are attached.

A notice motivated by criminal records

Another sensitive issue is the presence of criminal records. In making its assessments, the administration takes into account the nature of the offenses, the time that has passed, the applicant’s subsequent conduct, and current level of integration. However, in practice, even situations that are not particularly serious may lead to a notice of rejection, which is why it is crucial to present an accurate reconstruction of the facts, showing any rehabilitative steps taken or clarifying mitigating circumstances. In such cases, the support of a professional is often decisive for drafting an appropriate legal statement.

When the issue is a gap in residency

It is quite common for the notice to be connected to alleged interruptions of residency. Sometimes a delayed registration of a move, poorly communicated address changes, or inconclusive registry checks can lead to an apparent discontinuity. To overcome this issue, it is helpful to explain the circumstances that caused the apparent irregularity and present evidence demonstrating actual continuous presence in Italy, such as employment contracts, rental agreements, utility bills, or other documents proving a stable and uninterrupted life in the country.

Effects on the procedure and next steps

Issuing the notice suspends the timeline of the procedure. The Prefecture will resume its activities after the submission of the applicant’s observations and, in any case, no sooner than ten days after their receipt or the expiration of the response period. After this stage, it is important to monitor the Ministry of the Interior’s portal to check whether the procedure has been reactivated. If there are no updates for an extended period, it is advisable for a lawyer to contact the Prefecture directly to verify the status of the review.

If citizenship is denied

If the observations are not deemed sufficient, the Prefecture will issue a final rejection of the application. In such a case, the only available option is to file an appeal with the competent Court. Before taking this step, it is wise to assess with an expert whether the grounds for rejection can be challenged or whether it is preferable to wait and submit a new application, especially when the personal situation has improved in the meantime.

A process requiring attention and expertise

A notice of rejection should not be interpreted as a negative end point, but as a moment in which it is still possible to intervene effectively. Properly completing or clarifying one's situation can make the difference between obtaining Italian citizenship by residency and having to initiate legal action. For those with family ties to Italian ancestors, it may be useful to remember that other avenues exist, such as citizenship by descent, which can sometimes be faster or more straightforward depending on personal circumstances.

In any case, addressing the notice promptly and with adequate professional assistance is the safest step toward continuing the journey toward full acquisition of Italian citizenship.

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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.