Italians to Vote on Referendum Easing Citizenship Residency Rules

Key Takeaways

• Italy’s June 8–9, 2025 referendum proposes reducing non-EU citizenship residency from 10 to 5 years.
• Prime Minister Meloni opposes the referendum, urging abstention, while opposition parties support voter participation.
• Law No. 74/2025 limits citizenship by descent to two generations with a genuine link requirement.

Italy’s 2025 Referendum on Citizenship: An Analytical Overview

Purpose and Scope

This analysis examines the upcoming June 2025 referendum in Italy, which proposes to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to 5 years. The report covers the referendum’s background, the legal and political context, stakeholder positions, recent legislative changes, and the potential impact on immigrants and Italian society. It also presents key data, visual descriptions, and evidence-based conclusions, while noting the limitations and uncertainties that remain.

Methodology

This content draws exclusively on official government releases, statements from political leaders, recent legislative texts, polling data, and news reports. The analysis synthesizes these sources to provide a balanced, fact-based overview. Visual descriptions are used to help readers understand trends and comparisons, and all statistics and claims are attributed to their original sources. The structure follows a logical progression from context and procedures to implications and future outlook.

Key Findings Upfront

• Referendum Dates: Italians will vote on June 8–9, 2025, on whether to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens seeking citizenship from 10 years to 5 years.
• Political Divide: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposes the change and is encouraging abstention, while opposition parties and civil society groups support participation.
• Recent Law: Law No. 74/2025 has already tightened citizenship by descent, limiting it to two generations and requiring a genuine link to Italy.
• Public Opinion: Over half of Italians reportedly support a shorter path to citizenship, but low turnout could invalidate the referendum.
• Potential Impact: If passed, the reform could benefit hundreds of thousands of long-term residents and bring Italy in line with most other European countries.

Background and Historical Context

Italy’s citizenship law has long been one of the strictest in Europe. Currently, non-EU adults must reside legally in Italy for 10 years before they can apply for citizenship. This rule is among the longest in the European Union, where most countries require between 5 and 8 years of residence.

Previous attempts to reform Italian citizenship law have focused on children born or raised in Italy (known as ius soli or ius culturae), but these efforts have not succeeded in Parliament. The current referendum marks a shift, as it was triggered by a citizen-led initiative that collected over 500,000 signatures, surpassing the legal threshold for a national vote.

Recent Legislative Changes

While the referendum addresses naturalization by residency, Italy has recently enacted Law No. 74/2025, which restricts citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). This new law, effective May 24, 2025, limits citizenship by descent to two generations and requires applicants to show a genuine connection to Italy, such as recent residence or a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This move tightens access for those seeking citizenship through ancestry, contrasting with the potential easing of naturalization rules if the referendum passes.

Referendum Procedures and Requirements

For Voters:

• Eligibility: All Italian citizens, including those living abroad and registered with AIRE, can vote.
• Voting Dates: June 8–9, 2025, in Italy; ballots mailed in advance for Italians abroad.
• Voting Method: In-person at polling stations in Italy; by mail for eligible voters abroad.
• Quorum: At least 50% plus one of eligible voters must participate for the result to be valid. If turnout falls short, the referendum result is not legally binding.

For Citizenship Applicants (if the referendum passes):

• Legal Residence: Must have 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy (down from 10).
• Application: Submit the application to the relevant municipal office or Italian consulate.
• Documentation: Provide proof of residence, language proficiency, income, and integration, as required by existing rules.
• Processing: Local authorities review applications; processing times may vary.

For more details on voting procedures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇮🇹 provides official guidance on its referendum information page.

Visual Data Presentation

Summary Table: Key Facts

Visual Description: Imagine a horizontal bar chart comparing residency requirements for naturalization in major EU countries. Italy’s current bar stretches to 10 years, while most others (France, Germany, Spain) end at 5–8 years. If the referendum passes, Italy’s bar would shrink to match the EU average.

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

• European Context: Italy’s current 10-year requirement is one of the longest in the EU. Most countries, such as France and Germany, require 5 years. The proposed change would align Italy with these neighbors.
• Recent Tightening vs. Potential Easing: While Law No. 74/2025 makes citizenship by descent harder to obtain, the referendum could make naturalization by residency easier. This creates a contrasting trend: stricter rules for those with Italian ancestry, but a potentially smoother path for long-term residents.
• Public Engagement: The referendum was initiated through a digital signature campaign, reflecting increased use of direct democracy tools in Italy. This bottom-up approach is notable compared to previous, top-down legislative efforts.

Stakeholder Positions and Recent Statements

• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Strongly opposes the referendum, calling Italy’s current citizenship law “excellent” and “very open.” Meloni and her right-wing coalition are urging abstention to prevent the referendum from reaching the required quorum. She has stated she will not vote, framing abstention as a legitimate protest.
• Riccardo Magi (+Europa): Led the petition drive and describes the referendum as “a battle of civilisation.” He argues that a fairer, less discriminatory citizenship law is needed.
• Elly Schlein (Democratic Party Leader): Criticizes Meloni’s abstention campaign, accusing her of undermining democracy and the referendum process.
• Maurizio Landini (CGIL Union Head): Opposes the abstention campaign, calling it “dangerous and wrong,” and encourages participation.
• Other Supporters: The referendum is backed by the Democratic Party (PD), Five Star Movement (M5S), Green & Left Alliance (AVS), and the CGIL union.

Public Opinion and Participation

A recent poll found that more than half of Italians support a shorter path to citizenship. However, there is widespread concern that turnout may be too low to meet the quorum. The government’s abstention campaign is a strategic effort to block the change without directly voting against it.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

If the Referendum Passes:

• For Foreign Residents: The residency requirement for non-EU citizens to apply for Italian citizenship would be halved, from 10 years to 5 years. This would benefit hundreds of thousands of non-EU nationals who have lived, worked, and contributed to Italian society for many years.
• For Italian Society: Supporters argue that the change would promote integration and social cohesion, helping long-term residents feel more included and invested in Italy’s future.
• For Public Services: Some opponents worry that faster naturalization could strain public services or dilute Italian identity, though evidence from other EU countries does not support these fears.
• Legal Alignment: The reform would bring Italy in line with most other EU countries, making its citizenship policy less of an outlier.

If the Referendum Fails (or Quorum Not Met):

• The current 10-year residency rule remains in place.
• The recent tightening of citizenship by descent under Law No. 74/2025 remains unaffected.
• The debate over citizenship reform is likely to continue, especially as Italy faces demographic and labor market challenges.

Expert Analysis and Authoritative Perspectives

• Legal Scholars: Many note that the referendum, if successful, would harmonize Italy’s naturalization period with the EU norm. They point out that most European countries require 5–8 years of residence for citizenship.
• Migration Experts: Reducing the residency requirement could help integrate long-term residents and address Italy’s aging population and labor shortages. However, they caution that the move could provoke backlash from nationalist groups.
• Political Analysts: The government’s abstention strategy is seen as a calculated move to block the referendum without risking a direct defeat at the ballot box. This tactic has been used in previous Italian referendums.

Multiple Perspectives

• Proponents: Argue that the reform is a matter of fairness and European alignment. They emphasize the contributions of long-term residents and the need for social inclusion.
• Opponents: Believe the current law is sufficient and that rapid naturalization could undermine Italian identity and social cohesion.
• Neutral Observers: Highlight the citizen-driven nature of the referendum and the innovative use of digital signature collection.

Limitations and Uncertainties

• Turnout Risk: The biggest uncertainty is whether enough voters will participate to meet the quorum. If not, the referendum result is void, regardless of the outcome.
• Implementation Challenges: If passed, the government must update administrative procedures and ensure local authorities can handle a possible increase in applications.
• Legal Challenges: Any changes may face legal or administrative hurdles, especially given the polarized political climate.
• Data Gaps: While polling suggests support for reform, actual turnout and the impact on integration are harder to predict.

Future Outlook and Pending Changes

• Referendum Outcome: If the quorum is not reached, the law remains unchanged. If passed, the government must implement the reduced residency requirement.
• Long-Term Impact: The outcome could reshape Italy’s approach to citizenship, balancing stricter descent rules with potentially more inclusive naturalization.
• Continued Debate: Regardless of the result, the issue of citizenship is likely to remain a topic of public and political debate, especially as Italy confronts demographic shifts and the need for labor market reforms.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• For Voters: Check your eligibility and voting method. Italians abroad should ensure they are registered with AIRE and have received their ballots.
• For Potential Applicants: If the referendum passes, prepare documentation showing 5 years of legal residence, language skills, and integration. Monitor official government updates for changes to application procedures.
• For Stakeholders: Stay informed through official channels such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇮🇹 and your local Italian consulate.

Official Resources

• For the latest updates on the referendum and citizenship procedures, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• For non-partisan information on the referendum, consult Più Democrazia Italia.
• For citizenship application forms and requirements, refer to your local Italian consulate or municipal office.

Conclusion

Italy’s June 2025 referendum on citizenship represents a pivotal moment in the country’s approach to immigration and national identity. The proposal to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens from 10 years to 5 years has sparked intense debate, with strong arguments on both sides. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s call for abstention reflects deep divisions within Italian society and politics. The outcome will depend not only on public opinion but also on voter turnout, which remains uncertain.

If the referendum passes, Italy will join most of its European neighbors in offering a shorter, more accessible path to citizenship for long-term residents. At the same time, recent restrictions on citizenship by descent show a move toward stricter controls in other areas. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the balance between inclusion and restriction is at the heart of Italy’s current citizenship debate.

For immigrants, employers, and policymakers, the coming weeks will be crucial. Staying informed and prepared for possible changes is essential. The referendum’s result could shape Italy’s demographic and social landscape for years to come, making it one of the most significant immigration developments in recent Italian history.

Learn Today

Referendum → A direct vote by citizens on a specific policy or law change proposal.
Naturalization → The legal process by which a non-citizen obtains citizenship in a country based on residency.
Jus sanguinis → Citizenship acquired by descent from parent(s) who are citizens of a country.
Quorum → The minimum percentage of voters required to participate for a referendum to be legally valid.
Residency Requirement → The mandated continuous legal living period in a country before applying for citizenship.

This Article in a Nutshell

Italy’s 2025 referendum could halve naturalization residency from 10 to 5 years, aligning with EU norms. Political division surrounds turnout risks, while recent laws tighten citizenship by descent, highlighting Italy’s evolving citizenship policies amid significant social debate.
— By VisaVerge.com