Italian Citizenship: Reflections and Data Ahead of the Referendum on June 8–9

Press Release

Milan, May 26, 2025

Over 217,000 individuals with a migrant background acquired Italian citizenship in 2024. This is highlighted by ISMU Foundation, which also notes that, according to the latest Istat data, for the third consecutive year, acquisitions of Italian citizenship have exceeded 200,000.
But how much do we really know about citizenship? What data truly matter? What biases influence the debate on this issue in Italy? And what are the positions of political parties in our country? These questions were discussed on May 26, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, during the webinar Towards the Citizenship Referendum: Not How Many, but When and Why?, organized by ISMU Foundation in preparation for the June 8–9 referendum, when voters will decide on the acquisition of Italian citizenship by individuals with a migrant background.

The webinar, organized as part of the “RISE: Responsible Involvement in Society and Elections” project – which aims to counter false narratives and provide accurate information and tools to fight disinformation – featured the participation of: Nicola Pasini, Secretary General of ISMU Foundation; Sara Morlotti, Researcher in the Legislation Department of ISMU Foundation; Giorgia Papavero, Researcher in the Statistics Department of ISMU Foundation; Sumaya Abdel Qader, writer and sociologist. The discussion was introduced and moderated by Ennio Codini, Head of the Legislation Department at ISMU Foundation.

In preparation for the referendum, ISMU Foundation has also dedicated a section of its website to analyses, commentary, and reflections on the topic of granting citizenship to people with a migrant background (https://www.ismu.org/referendum-acquisizione-cittadinanza), along with an anonymous quiz to test your knowledge (link available here).

Below are some of the key data points shared and analyzed during the webinar.

An increase in Italian Citizenship Acquisitions

ISMU Foundation highlights that, based on Istat demographic balance data from 2002 to 2024 (with the most recent figures being provisional), there has been a new increase in the number of Italian citizenship acquisitions by individuals with a migrant background: in 2024, there were 217,117 such acquisitions. For the third consecutive year, the number has exceeded 200,000. The past three years have recorded the highest figures ever.

How Italian Citizenship was acquired. Istat data from 2023 shows that just under half of new Italians acquired citizenship through means other than residency, including: transmission of citizenship to minors by parents who became Italian, the choice made by newly turned 18-year-olds born and residing in Italy who become citizens upon reaching adulthood and ius sanguinis (citizenship by descent from Italian ancestors).

Meanwhile, 40% acquired citizenship through residency or naturalization – after 10 years of continuous legal residence (5 years for refugees and stateless persons, 4 for EU citizens). The remaining 12% acquired citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen.

Over the past 10 years, the number of people acquiring citizenship through transmission, choice at age 18, and descent has nearly tripled: from 39,000 in 2013 to over 103,000 in 2023. Naturalization involved 85,000 people in 2023, marking a 127% increase since 2013. The number of new citizens through marriage has remained relatively stable (around 24,000 annually), but its share of total acquisitions has dropped from 24% to 12% in 2023.

A Young Population of New Italian Citizens. 48% of new Italian citizens are under 30. Those aged 20 or younger represent the largest group, with over 78,000 citizenships granted in 2023 – accounting for 37% of all acquisitions. Among those under 20, the most common paths to citizenship are transmission from parents and the choice at age 18. For older age groups, residency is the main route – around 70% for those over 40. Among those over 60, 15% acquired citizenship through descent (ius sanguinis).

The Webinar. These are some of the key data points that were analyzed during the webinar organized by ISMU Foundation, where the main issues were explored in depth and answers were provided to some frequently asked questions – helping participants approach the upcoming vote well-informed.

Program:

TOWARDS THE CITIZENSHIP REFERENDUM.
Not How Many, but When and Why?
May 26, 12:30–2:00 PM

Moderator and Introduction: Ennio Codini