Italy Citizenship by Special Contribution (2025)

What is Italy Citizenship by Special Contribution?

As of March 7, 2025, Italy does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, under Article 9, Paragraph 2 of Law No. 91/1992, citizenship can be granted "by special merits" to foreigners who have rendered eminent services to Italy or when there is an exceptional state interest. This discretionary pathway, approved by a Decree of the President of the Republic upon proposal by the Minister of Interior and Foreign Affairs, recognizes outstanding contributions—economic, cultural, scientific, or social—without requiring standard naturalization conditions like residency or language proficiency. Benefits include EU citizenship, visa-free travel to ~188 countries, and access to Italy’s social systems.

This guide covers 2025 eligibility, the process, costs, and examples of special contributions. Ready to explore this elite EU citizenship route? Let’s dive in!

Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Special Contribution?

This pathway targets individuals whose contributions significantly benefit Italy, regardless of nationality or residency. Key criteria for 2025:

Core Requirements

• Eminent services to Italy (e.g., economic, cultural, scientific, or diplomatic contributions).
• No residency or Italian language requirement—merit overrides standard rules.
• Clean criminal record (home country and Italy).
• Evidence of contribution (e.g., awards, economic impact reports, testimonials).
• Approval by the President, proposed by Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs, with Council of State opinion.

Eligible Applicants

• Foreign nationals or stateless persons with exceptional achievements for Italy.
• Examples: Major investors, artists, athletes, or scientists enhancing Italy’s prestige.
• Dependents not typically included—case-by-case consideration.

Examples of Special Contributions in 2025

No fixed monetary threshold exists—merit is qualitative and tied to national interest:

• Economic Impact: Investments (e.g., €10M+ in tech or infrastructure) creating jobs or innovation.
• Cultural Excellence: Global achievements (e.g., Oscar-winning contributions to Italian cinema).
• Sports Prestige: Olympic medals or championships elevating Italy’s profile.
• Scientific Advancement: Breakthroughs supporting national goals (e.g., medical innovations).

Note: Contributions must be deemed “eminent” or serve an exceptional state interest—e.g., Tom Hanks’ 2020 citizenship for cultural ties.

Steps to Citizenship by Special Contribution

The process is discretionary and varies, typically taking 6-24 months:

1. Document Contribution: Compile evidence of your service (e.g., economic reports, awards, media).
2. Gather Support: Obtain endorsements from Italian institutions or notables (optional but helpful).
3. Submit Proposal: File with the Ministry of Interior (via legal proxy or consulate) with passport, criminal record, and merit proof.
4. Ministerial Review: Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs assess with Council of State (6-18 months).
5. Presidential Decree: Citizenship granted via decree (3-6 months)—effective after oath within 6 months.
6. Passport Issuance: Apply at a comune or Italian consulate.

Pro Tip: Hire a lawyer (€1,000-€5,000) to build a strong case and navigate bureaucracy.

Costs of Citizenship by Special Contribution

Costs vary based on the contribution’s nature (2025 estimates):

• Contribution: Variable (e.g., €0 for cultural feats, €10M+ for economic projects).
• Application Fee: €250 (standard naturalization fee may apply).
• Legal Fees: €1,000-€5,000 for representation.
• Passport Fee: €116.
• Total (Minimum): ~€1,366+ (excluding contribution value).

Expert Tips for Success

• Prove Eminence: Quantify benefits (e.g., jobs created, global recognition gained).
• Leverage Support: Secure backing from Italian entities or prominent citizens.
• Hire Experts: Lawyers boost approval odds (€1,000-€5,000).
• Align with Interests: Tie your merit to Italy’s priorities (e.g., culture, economy).
• Dual Citizenship: Allowed—confirm with your home country’s laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References & Resources

• Ministry of Interior - Citizenship details.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Consular guidance.
• Henley & Partners - Passport rankings.