The Italian government reaffirmed on Friday (28) that it is in negotiations with Spain to allow Italian citizens residing in that country to acquire Spanish citizenship by naturalization without having to renounce their Italian citizenship.
The response was given by the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Tripodi, during a session of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. following a question from congresswoman Federica Onori (Azione), elected in Europe.
Currently, Spanish law does not allow dual citizenship in cases of naturalization, except for citizens of certain countries with which it maintains specific treaties, such as France, Portugal and Andorra. Italy is seeking an agreement that would extend this same right to its citizens who live and work in Spain.
Currently, the Italian community in Spain numbers around 325 people. including thousands of Italian descendants from South America.
Tripodi explained that the topic was addressed in two meetings between Deputy Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Spanish Undersecretary Fernando Martinez Belio, held in Madrid and Rome between May and June 2025. "During these meetings, we requested a response to the Italian proposal."
The Undersecretary reported that the Italian government formalized the request in September. “The request was reiterated in a formal letter from the Deputy Minister to Undersecretary Belio, in which, highlighting the strength, depth, and opportunities of the bilateral economic relationship, the Italian government reaffirmed its interest in concluding a convention on dual citizenship. We request an official response from the Spanish authorities as soon as possible.”
She also highlighted the diplomatic work in Madrid. "The importance of this agreement for our country, benefiting the increasingly numerous and significant Italian community residing in Spain, has been repeatedly emphasized by our ambassador, including in a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Presidency, Diego Rubio Rodriguez."
Tripodi assured that the issue will remain a priority. “Thanks to the support of Parliament and useful parliamentary diplomacy initiatives, such as the conclusions of the IV Spain-Italy Parliamentary Forum, held in October 2024, the government will continue to maintain a constant and direct dialogue with the Spanish government. We continue to closely monitor the developments of this dossier, trusting in the commitment of the Madrid government. This is in the interest of our citizens who live and work in Spain, contributing every day to strengthening the ties between our countries,” he concluded.
Congresswoman demands more clarity on deadlines.
Congresswoman Federica Onori She stated that she was “partially satisfied” with the government’s response. “We would have liked to hear more concrete results regarding the deadline, but we recognize the work that the government has been doing, including in the most recent dialogues with the Spanish government.”
She argued that Italian citizens living and contributing to the Spanish economy should be able to become naturalized citizens without losing their original citizenship. “It’s important to base relations with Spain on the principle of reciprocity. We believe it is appropriate for the Spanish government to review its law on this matter, so that Italian citizens can feel integrated into the country where they live and to which they contribute, also within a broader vision of European citizenship.”
Onori highlighted that Parliament has been working to accelerate the process. “From Parliament’s side, we have done and will continue to do everything possible. It is no coincidence that, at the IV Italy-Spain Forum, held in October 2024, the delegations approved, at my proposal, a joint declaration urging both governments to move quickly towards this agreement.”
"We will not stop demanding concrete actions," he concluded.
The agreement sought by the Italian government does not alter the recognition of citizenship by origin. jus sanguinisHowever, it would allow these citizens to acquire Spanish nationality without relinquishing their Italian nationality, in cases of voluntary naturalization.
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