On June 8 and 9, 2025, Italian citizens were called to the polls to vote on five referendum questions, one of which held particular significance for foreign residents living in Italy: the proposed reform of the country’s citizenship laws. The key proposal aimed to reduce the required period of legal residence in Italy from 10 to 5 years for individuals seeking Italian citizenship.
The referendum was seen as a potentially transformative step for many foreigners who have established their lives in Italy, particularly for those integrated into the workforce, educational institutions, and local communities.The proposal drew attention as it would have made access to citizenship faster and potentially more inclusive.
However, the referendum failed to reach the required quorum—a minimum threshold of voter turnout necessary for the results to be valid. As a result, the proposed modification was not adopted, and the current law requiring 10 years of legal residence remains in effect.
This outcome has renewed discussions on the accessibility of citizenship and the broader question of the rights and recognition of long-term foreign residents in Italy.