Italy Approves Referendum on Citizenship Reform: National Vote Set

Italy's Constitutional Court gave a green light to a referendum that could significantly impact the country's naturalization process. The proposed measure aims to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens seeking Italian citizenship from ten to five years.

The grassroots effort gathered over 500,000 signatures, leading to the Court’s Judgment No. 11/2025. This ruling confirms the legal validity of a proposal to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU applicants from ten years to five while keeping language standards and criminal record checks in place.

The Debate Over Citizenship Reform

If it passes, the referendum could potentially benefit an estimated about 2.5 million foreign residents who have already spent years in Italy. Supporters argue that the adjustment would align the nation with other European states and assist long-term residents who have built their lives and careers on Italian soil.

However, the referendum has also faced opposition, with some political figures expressing concerns about potential abuse of the system and the need to maintain strict control over the naturalization process.

Voting Timeline and What Comes Next

The government is now expected to set a date for a nationwide vote, likely taking place between April 15 and June 15, 2025. At least 50% plus one of the eligible voters must participate for the referendum to be valid, with a simple majority needed to approve the change.

The country now faces a crucial decision that could have far-reaching implications for its approach to citizenship and the lives of millions of foreign residents.