Italy Passport: A Detailed Guide

An Italian passport will lead to greater privileges, providing visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to almost 90 percent of the world’s countries. In this article, we’ll delve into the practical benefits of an Italian passport, learn about the eligibility criteria, simplify the legal nuances, and provide you with a clear roadmap to obtaining Italian citizenship through investment.

Key Facts about the Italian Passport

Schengen Privileges

Italian passport holders enjoy significant privileges when traveling within the Schengen Area, thanks to Italy’s membership in this zone. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Here are the key privileges for Italian passport holders:

• Freedom of movement: Italian citizens can travel freely to any Schengen country without the need for a visa. This means they can enter, travel through, and stay in any Schengen country for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family without having to undergo border checks.
• Short-Stay travel: Italians can stay in any Schengen country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or visiting purposes without a visa. This is particularly advantageous for frequent travelers and business persons.
• Longer Stays and Residency: For stays longer than 90 days (such as for work, study, or long-term residency), Italian citizens may need to register with the local authorities in the host country but typically do not require a long-stay visa.

Global ranking

Currently holding the third position in the Global Passport Index, the Italian passport is recognized as one of the most powerful and sought-after travel documents globally. It grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 countries, including major destinations like Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, facilitating near-instantaneous global travel. Despite its high mobility score, Italian passport bearers still need visas for approximately 37 international destinations.

Types of passport

Italian passports come in several types, each serving a different purpose:

Ordinary passport (passaporto ordinario): This is the standard passport issued to Italian citizens. It’s burgundy red and is used for international travel. The ordinary passport contains personal information, a photo, and is machine-readable.

Temporary passport (passaporto temporaneo): Issued in emergency situations when an ordinary passport is not available. It has a limited validity period and is provided for urgent travel needs.

Diplomatic Passport (passaporto diplomatico): Issued to Italian diplomats, high-ranking officials, and sometimes their family members. This passport provides certain privileges and immunities in accordance with international laws and customs.

Service passport (passaporto di servizio): Given to Italian government employees and military personnel traveling abroad on official state business. It’s different from the diplomatic passport and doesn’t grant the same level of privileges.

Special passport (passaporto speciale): Issued under special circumstances to individuals such as politicians or government officials who don’t qualify for diplomatic passports but need a document for official international travel.

Collective Passport (passaporto collettivo): This caters to groups ranging from 5 to 50 members who are traveling together for purposes such as cultural, religious, sporting, tourist, or events of international significance. These passports remain valid for a duration of four months and are restricted to a single trip. It is mandatory for the group leader to possess a valid standard passport.

Emergency Travel Document (Documento di Viaggio Provvisorio): In the event of losing or having a standard passport stolen while abroad, individuals have the option to apply for an Emergency. It is primarily intended for a single journey back to Italy or to the holder’s place of residence. It offers a practical solution for those in urgent need of travel documentation under unforeseen circumstances.

Travel Documents for Stateless Persons, Aliens, and Refugees (Documenti di Viaggio per Apolidi, Stranieri, e Rifugiati): These are issued as equivalents to Italian passports and are designed for individuals who are unable to obtain a standard passport. This situation may arise for various reasons, such as statelessness, where the individual does not hold citizenship in any country. These travel documents facilitate international travel for those who might otherwise be unable to do so due to their unique legal status.

Benefits of the Italian Passport

An Italy passport is truly one of the top global passports offered to Italians living in Italy and abroad.

Visa-on-arrival and visa-free travel: Italian passport holders have 191 visa-on-arrival, visa-free, and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) countries to travel. As one of the 27 nations in the Schengen Area, Italian passport holders enjoy borderless travel to 26 countries within the Schengen zone.

Access to the EU: Italy is a member state of the European Union; therefore, along with an Italian passport, Italian passport holders gain an EU passport. This gives an Italian citizen the right to reside in any EU country. The expanded residency privileges also bring more job opportunities, options for education, and access to grants and scholarships available to EU citizens.

Transfer Italian citizenship to future generations: The law for Italian citizenship by descent has no generational limit. You can pass citizenship and the right to an Italy passport down to your descendants.

EU Work and residency rights: Italian citizens have the right to live, work, and study in any country within the European Union without the need for a work permit or study visa. This opens up a vast range of opportunities for employment, education, and residence in diverse and economically stable countries

Healthcare access privileges: Italian passport holders have access to high-quality healthcare services in Italy, which is known for its excellent healthcare system. Additionally, they can access healthcare in other EU countries, often under the same conditions as the nationals of those countries.

Educational advantages in the EU: Holding an Italian passport allows for easier admission to universities and educational institutions within the EU. In many cases, Italian citizens are eligible for lower tuition fees, similar to those charged to domestic students, and can access various EU-funded educational programs.

Flexibility of dual citizenship: Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning Italian passport holders can retain their Italian citizenship even if they become citizens of another country. This benefit is particularly valuable for those who want to live or work abroad without renouncing their ties to Italy.

Global Visa Requirements for Italian Passport Holders

Italian citizens enjoy a broad range of travel freedoms, with access to 149 countries without a visa, 30 countries offering Visa on Arrival (VOA), and 12 countries accessible through an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Each of these destinations has its own set of specific entry requirements. For a detailed understanding of these travel conditions, the following table outlines the visa requirements for each country accessible to Italian passport holders.

Italian Passport Cost

The cost of obtaining an Italian passport varies depending on the type you are applying for, reflecting the diverse needs of Italian citizens and their travel purposes. For most travelers, the standard passport is the go-to option, currently priced at €116. This fee is a combination of €42.50 for the passport itself and €73.50 for the administrative stamp.

In certain circumstances, such as the loss or damage of the original document, a replacement passport is necessary, which costs €73.50. For short-term or urgent travel needs, a temporary passport is available at a nominal fee of €5.20. Group travels, particularly for educational or organizational trips, can opt for a collective passport, which incurs a charge of €5.50 per person.

Additionally, specific documents like the travel document for stateless persons, aliens, and refugees are priced at €42.22, catering to unique residency and citizenship statuses. There are, however, exemptions from these passport costs for certain groups of individuals. These exemptions are primarily aimed at supporting Italian citizens who may be in less advantageous financial situations or have specific needs. These groups include:

1. Applicants who have emigrated for manual labor, small-scale trade, or to join family members who have moved abroad for work purposes.
2. Those residing overseas who require consular repatriation to undertake voluntary military service in Italy.
3. Individuals who are recipients of social welfare benefits.
4. Religious leaders or missionaries (proven by a declaration from the superior)

Such exemptions and varied fee structures reflect the Italian government’s effort to accommodate the diverse circumstances of its citizens while maintaining effective passport services.

Italian Passport Requirements

The following documents are required to submit Italian passport applications:

• A valid passport or Italian national ID card [e.g., driver’s license or Electronic Identity Card (eID card)]
• A passport application form issued by the Questura (local police headquarters) or by the Italian Consulate or Embassy in your home country
• Certified copies of your birth certificate
• Certified copies of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Two passport-size photos with a white background
• A Letter of Consent (if you are applying for minor children’s passports)
• The passport fee
• Your expired Italian passport (for renewal)

Italian passport photo requirements

• 45 x 35 mm in size
• Color with white background
• The head should fill 70 to 80 percent of the photo
• Prescription glasses only
• Taken within the last six months

Italy passport application process

Passport applications in Italy can be made both within the country and from abroad.

For those in Italy, applications can be submitted at the local police headquarters (questura) or through the police’s online passport portal. However, if you choose the online option, you will still need to schedule an appointment at a police station for fingerprint submission.

It’s important to note that fingerprinting is not required for applicants who are under 12 years old or those with physical impairments, provided they have a medical certificate to prove their condition.

The processing time for an Italian passport generally ranges from 1 to 6 weeks. There is an option for registered home delivery of the passport, which costs just under €10. Alternatively, you can opt to pick up your passport from the nearest post office.

Italy passport requirements require non-Italian nationals to apply for citizenship at the nearest Consulate or Embassy in their home country. Once you have completed the entire process for naturalization, you can request and submit an Italian passport application.

Italian dual nationals can apply for a passport at their nearest Italian Embassy, Consulate, or the Questura if they live in Italy.

Italian passport applications require fingerprinting to obtain one of the new electronic passports . Electronic passports are required by Italy passport visa-free countries like the US in order to gain entry under the visa waiver programs.

Important notes:

• Children twelve and under are not required to submit biometrics to be issued a passport.
• Children twelve and under are not required to attend an interview at an Italian Embassy, and their Italian passport applications can be sent via post.
• Italian law requires Italian nationals applying for passports for their children under 18 to obtain an official Letter of Consent agreement from the other parent.
• People with disabilities, expecting mothers, and those over 70 do not need to arrange appointments with the Italian Consulate in their home countries.

How to Get an Italian Passport

When looking to obtain an Italian passport, you have a few different options to consider:

Italy passport by birth

Birthright citizenship is how most people become Italian citizens. The Italian government considers those with Italian ancestors as nationals at birth. Provided you can present the proper documents for your ancestors, you can claim Italian nationality.

A child born in Italy and whose parents are unknown does not need to prove their birthright through Italian descent in order to obtain an Italian passport.

Italy passport by descent

Italy has a lenient system for citizenship that qualifies anyone with Italian ancestors for an Italian passport at birth. The transmission of Italian nationality is also not restricted by generations.

Italy passport by naturalization

Naturalization in Italy is available to foreigners who have lived in Italy for at least ten years, with the last five as permanent residents. Potential applicants must also spend no more than ten months outside Italy before applying for citizenship as well as earn a minimum annual income of €8,264 ($9,055). Italy passports can be granted, provided that permanent residents meet the eligibility criteria for naturalization.

Italy passport by marriage

The foreign spouse of an Italian citizen has the right to an Italian passport if they have lived in Italy for two years. They can also apply as non-residents after three years of marriage.

If the married couple with one Italian spouse has children, the foreign spouse can apply for citizenship after 12 months if they live in Italy and 18 months if they reside abroad.

Italy passport by investment

You can get an Italian passport through the Italian CBI (Citizenship by Investment), which is a program that grants Italian citizenship through making significant financial investments in the country. This program is designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate the Italian economy. Under the CBI scheme, investors and their families can gain citizenship by investing in specific areas such as government bonds, real estate, or local businesses, and in some cases by making a charitable donation to social and cultural projects.

Other ways to obtain an Italy passport

The following individuals can also obtain Italian citizenship and an Italy passport:

• An EU citizen who has lived in Italy for four years
• A refugee with a residency permit issued under refugee status and who has lived in Italy for five years
• The adopted child of an Italian citizen
• A foreign national who has served the Italian government for five years

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Process of Getting the Italian Passport through Investment

Applicants seeking residence and citizenship status in Italy have the option to participate in one of two programs:

Investor Visa Program

This program requires applicants to fulfill one of the following investment criteria:

• Invest a minimum of €2 million in Italian government bonds.
• Invest a minimum of €500,000 in Italian company shares, which is reduced to €250,000 for investments in innovative start-ups.
• Make a non-refundable donation of at least €1 million to projects of public interest in Italy, including areas like culture, education, environment, immigration management, research and development, as well as arts and heritage.
• The investment must be sustained throughout the visa’s validity. Additionally, the main applicant’s spouse, children, and dependent parents can also apply for a visa without any extra investment.

Elective Residence Program

Suitable for individuals with a stable and substantial annual income from foreign sources, this program requires proof of such income.

Process and duration of the Italy Golden Visa

The visa, initially granted for two years, can be renewed for an additional three years, provided the investment remains in place. The application process typically takes between 90 to 120 days from submission.

The investment must be completed within three months of entering Italy. For the Investor Visa Program, post-approval, investors are required to purchase or rent a residential property in Italy.

Under the Elective Residence Program, applicants need to demonstrate a stable income and secure residential property post-approval. Permanent residence is achievable after five years, assuming the investor relocates to Italy.

One notable advantage of these programs is the absence of a minimum requirement for physical presence in Italy.

Guide to applying for an Italian Investor Visa

The application process for an Italian Investor Visa involves two main steps:

Obtaining the Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment)

• Initiate the process by filling out forms on the official website.
• Electronically submit necessary documents.
• Electronically sign and submit the Final Declaration.
• The Investor Visa Committee Secretariat reviews the documents. If additional documents are needed, they will request them.
• The Investor Visa Committee, comprising various government representatives, evaluates your application.
• A decision is made within 30 days.

Applying for the visa at an Italian embassy or consulate

• With the Nulla Osta, apply for the visa within six months at an Italian Embassy or Consulate.
• Provide the Nulla Osta and all previously submitted documents, plus any additional ones required.
• Upon receiving the visa, you have two years to enter Italy.

Post-arrival procedures in Italy

• Upon arrival in Italy with the Investor Visa:
• Visit the Questura (Police Headquarters) to apply for an Italian Investor Visa Residence Permit, valid for two years from your entry date.
• Complete your investment or donation within three months of applying for the Residence Permit, or risk visa revocation.
• Maintain the investment to renew and retain your visa.

Required documents for the Italy Investor Visa

For the Nulla Osta application:

• Passport copy showing personal details and validity.
• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Proof of ownership and legality of investment/donation funds (e.g., bank statements, official bank letters).
• No criminal charges declaration from relevant authorities.
• A detailed description (max 1000 words) of the investment/donation and your experience in these areas.
• Consent from the investment/donation recipient.
• A signed Declaration of Commitment about your investment intentions and planned residence in Italy.

For the Visa application at the Embassy or Consulate:

• Nulla Osta and original copies of all previously submitted documents.
• Proof of accommodation in Italy.
• Proof of sufficient income (around €8,500) for healthcare expense exemption.
• A passport-size photo.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of residence in your home country.
• All documents must be in Italian or English, with certified translations where necessary.

Residency

The Italy Investor Visa grants a two-year validity period, during which holders can enter Italy and obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for two years, beginning from the date of entry into Italy.

Renewal is possible for an additional three years, provided you apply at least 60 days before the current permit expires. For renewal, you must demonstrate the maintenance of your investment or donation. The Investor Visa Committee evaluates the renewal application, focusing on whether the investment or donation has been sustained. After maintaining regular residency in Italy for five years, you become eligible to apply for long-term EU residency.

Citizenship

The Italian Golden Visa program does not directly lead to Italian citizenship. But after a minimum of 10 consecutive years of living in Italy, you can apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization.

Dual Citizenship in Italy

Italian dual citizenship refers to the ability to hold citizenship in Italy alongside citizenship in another country. Italy allows dual citizenship, which means that individuals can become Italian citizens without having to renounce their original nationality. This is particularly appealing to those of Italian descent, as well as to individuals who have established significant ties to Italy through residence, marriage, or investment.

Holding dual citizenship offers various benefits, such as the right to live, work, and study in Italy and other EU countries, access to healthcare and educational systems, and the ability to own property in Italy. It also means having the responsibilities and obligations of an Italian citizen, such as abiding by the laws of both countries and possibly being subject to taxation in both jurisdictions.a

Italian Passport Renewal

Here are the steps for renewing a passport for adult Italian citizens

Register with AIRE: You must be registered with the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad (AIRE).

Book your appointment: Use the Prenota Online system to schedule an appointment with your local Italian Consulate. Confirm the appointment to ensure it is properly booked.

Documents required for passport renewal:

Your current (even if expired) passport.

• A valid photo ID such as a driving license or national ID card.
• A recent passport photograph (less than six months old). Consult your local consulate for specific photo requirements.
• DS-82 form, if your passport was issued in the last 15 years and you were over 16 at that time. If not, complete the DS-11 form and include an emergency contact.
• A parental awareness form for applicants aged 16 or 17.

Collecting your renewed passport

Pick up your new passport at the office where you submitted your application or through a private shipping company.

Submitting your application in person in Italy

• After completing your application, book an appointment at an Italian Consulate or US Embassy. Links for appointments in Milan, Naples, Rome, and Florence are available.

Submitting your application by mail in Italy

• Use a mailing address in Italy to submit your application.
• Ensure your passport was issued in the last 15 years and you were at least 16 years old at that time.
• Complete a shipping order form.
• Mail your application to your local consulate. Processing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Important considerations when applying

• Plan ahead, allowing sufficient time for processing and receiving your passport, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Renew your passport up to six months before expiration to avoid travel issues.

Attending your appointment

Take the following paperwork along:

• Passport fee (payable via two USPS money orders)
• completed passport application, passport photos
• Official Passport, Driver License, Naturalization Certificate, from your country and if renewing, your Italian Passport.
• If you have children applying, bring 2 x Consent Agreements.

Special notes

• Children require a consent agreement from both parents for a passport.
• Minors under 14 traveling without parents need travel authorization from their local consulate.
• US citizens must present a naturalization certificate with their application.
• Non-residents in emergencies follow the same application process, obtaining clearance from the appropriate Consulate/Embassy.
• Minors over 12 must be present at the consulate for fingerprinting, accompanied by a parent, with similar documents required as for adults.
• Contact the consulate for assistance with lost or stolen passports and potential emergency travel documents.

Do I Need to Stay in Italy?

To apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization, including for those who have obtained residency through investment, you typically need to reside in Italy for 10 consecutive years. The citizenship by investment program initially grants residency, not citizenship. The path to citizenship requires a significant commitment to living in Italy to fulfill the residency requirement.

Is it Worth Having an Italian Passport?

It is highly valued due to its visa-free access to numerous countries, including those in the EU, and the benefits of being an EU citizen, like access to healthcare and education systems. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking global mobility and a connection to Italy’s rich cultural heritage.

How Global Citizen Solutions Can Help

Expats and foreign investors can encounter many difficulties when applying for second citizenship and a second passport, which is why it is worthwhile to have an expert on hand to provide personalized Italian citizenship assistance throughout the application process.

Our specialists can help you with the following:

• Minimize the visits you have to make to the designated country
• Have someone who works solely on your behalf
• Reduce the hassle associated with putting your application together
• Acquire insider knowledge from someone with years of experience in the market

Let’s get you moving forward in your quest to obtain Italian citizenship and an Italian passport. Get in touch with us to book a free consultation.