Italian Far-Right Party Proposes Doubling Citizenship Wait to 20 Years, Mandating Fluent Italian Exam

Proposed Changes to Italian Citizenship Requirements

The Italian far-right party Futuro Nazionale has introduced a legislative proposal aimed at significantly tightening the requirements for Italian citizenship. The bill suggests increasing the standard residency period from the current 10 years to 20 years.

Additionally, the proposal includes a mandatory requirement for applicants to pass an official exam demonstrating fluent Italian language proficiency, moving beyond mere conversational ability. A more vaguely defined requirement for 'assimilation with Greco-Roman civilization' is also part of the proposed changes.

It is crucial to note that this is currently a party proposal and not yet law. However, it indicates a potential direction for future immigration policy in Italy.

What This Means for Applicants

For individuals already on the path to Italian citizenship or those planning to apply, this proposal, if enacted, could significantly alter timelines and requirements. An applicant who has already resided in Italy for 10 years and was preparing to submit documents might face an additional decade of waiting.

While the proposal's legislative journey could be lengthy or it might not pass, it serves as a clear signal of potential future changes. Those currently in the application process should verify current requirements with their local municipality. For prospective applicants, it's prudent to consider a worst-case scenario of a 20-year residency period.

• The residency requirement for citizenship could double from 10 to 20 years.
• Fluent Italian language proficiency may become mandatory and require official examination.
• This is a party proposal, not yet law, but it highlights a potential trend in Italian citizenship policy.