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FlashItalyOctober 24, 2026

Italy Sees Rise in Student and Family Residency Permits, Fewer Citizenship Applications in 2025

PublishedEditorial policy

In 2025, Italy issued significantly more residency permits, particularly for students and family members. Conversely, applications for Italian citizenship, especially those based on descent (*jure sanguinis*), saw a notable decrease.

Italy immigrationItalian residencyStudent visa ItalyFamily reunification ItalyItalian citizenshipJure Sanguinis

Key takeaways

  • Italy issued more residency permits in 2025, especially for students and family reunification.
  • Applications for Italian citizenship, particularly *jure sanguinis*, decreased in 2025.
  • Applicants for student or family residency may find the process more active.
  • Those seeking citizenship by descent should verify current requirements, as conditions may have changed.
  • Source: The Local Italy — https://www.thelocal.it/20261023/italy-sees-huge-spike-in-new-residency-permits-a-citizenship-claims-fall

Italy's Immigration Trends in 2025: Residency Up, Citizenship Down

In 2025, Italy experienced a significant increase in the issuance of new residency permits (Permesso di Soggiorno). This growth was primarily observed in categories for students and family members, according to data reported by The Local. This indicates a shift in migration priorities towards education and family reunification.

Conversely, the number of applications for Italian citizenship saw a decrease. This decline was particularly pronounced for citizenship applications based on descent (*jure sanguinis*), where individuals with Italian roots seek to obtain a passport through their ancestors. The reasons for this decrease could include stricter requirements or a general shift in applicant interest.

What This Means for Applicants

For prospective applicants, these trends suggest that if you are applying for a residency permit as a student or for family reunification, the process may currently be more active. However, if you are considering citizenship by descent, it is crucial to thoroughly check current conditions and processing times, as relying on previous schemes might not be advisable.

  • Student and family reunification residency permits in Italy are currently trending upwards, potentially indicating a smoother or faster process for these categories.
  • Citizenship by descent is not automatic; the decrease in applications might reflect stricter criteria or a preference for residency permits over immediate citizenship.
  • Your choice between an Italian residency permit and citizenship should be based on your specific situation and current requirements, rather than general trends.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

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