What's Happening?
The Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Tuscany has issued a ruling that significantly impacts the process for foreigners seeking Italian citizenship through naturalization. As of January 15, 2026, the court has determined that applicants must demonstrate
uninterrupted enrollment in the municipal population registry, known as 'anagrafe,' for the entire 10-year qualifying period required for citizenship. This decision means that alternative proofs of residence, such as employment contracts, utility bills, or continuous tax payments, are no longer sufficient to establish 'legal residence.' This ruling aligns with Interior Ministry circulars from 2024, which emphasized the importance of municipal registration over economic presence, thereby creating a more uniform but stricter standard for citizenship applications.
Why It's Important?
This ruling has significant implications for thousands of pending citizenship applications in Italy, particularly for those who have relied on work records or other non-registry documents to prove their residency. The decision could potentially derail many applications, as it resets the 10-year residency clock for those not properly registered. This change places additional burdens on individuals and companies, especially those sponsoring key talent for naturalization, as they must now ensure compliance with the new documentation requirements. The ruling may lead to increased legal fees and longer lead times for processing citizenship applications, affecting both personal and corporate mobility strategies.
What's Next?
Legal experts anticipate that the decision may be appealed to the Council of State, Italy's highest administrative court. Until a higher court provides a ruling, it is expected that prefectures across Italy will adopt the Tuscany court's precedent. Companies and individuals involved in the naturalization process will need to adjust their strategies, ensuring that all necessary municipal registrations are completed promptly. This may involve revising HR onboarding processes to include town-hall registration within 90 days of arrival and maintaining comprehensive records of residency documentation.
