Introduction

When applying for Italian citizenship, the Ministry of the Interior provides applicants with an online portal where, under the section “Check your application”, you can follow the progress of your case. Each step is linked to a specific phrase that corresponds to a different stage of the procedure.

To check the status of your Italian citizenship application, you must log in at https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it using your SPID credentials and the code K10 or K10/C

But first, let us clarify one important point: the stages displayed on the portal should not be considered entirely reliable. While the system is meant to update automatically, in practice this happens rarely. Very often, the status shown online does not reflect the real progress of the application. Accessing the official records may reveal discrepancies.

This is why monitoring the case carefully and, when necessary, submitting reminders (solleciti) is crucial to ensure the procedure does not remain stagnant.

Phase 1 and 2: Initial Verifications (Unified)

“Sono in corso verifiche istruttorie ed elementi acquisiti relativi a chiarimenti e integrazioni con altri uffici.”

The process begins with the collection of documents, usually assisted by a professional, and continues into the first two phases, which are considered unified. At this stage, the authorities conduct investigations and verifications with different offices.

This initial phase is notorious for its length. It can last several months or even years, with applicants often obliged to send reminders to the administration in order to stimulate progress. Delays are common due to the workload at the prefetturaand the questura.

Patience is necessary here, but legal assistance can make a real difference in preventing the case from getting lost in bureaucratic inertia.

Phase 3: Acquisition of Investigative Elements

“Sono stati acquisiti elementi istruttori e cognitivi oggetto di necessari accertamenti utili alla definizione del procedimento.”

At this stage, the authorities acquire all the investigative and cognitive elements required for the definition of the procedure.

This phase generally appears in applications that are actively monitored and well supported from a legal standpoint. A properly managed file, often prompted through professional intervention, tends to reach this step more promptly.

Phase 4: Evaluation of the Application

“Sono stati acquisiti tutti gli elementi informativi necessari, la pratica è in fase di valutazione. Iniziano le valutazioni e i pareri necessari rilasciati dai vari uffici.”

Here, the application formally enters the evaluation phase. Various offices begin to issue their assessments and opinions.

It is one of the most delicate stages, as the future of the application is decided through the analysis of all previously collected information.

Phase 5: Conclusion of Evaluations

“La procedura relativa alla pratica in questione è conclusa ed il relativo provvedimento è stato inviato agli organi competenti per i conseguenti adempimenti e determinazioni.”

Once all evaluations are completed, the application is transmitted to the competent authorities.

A positive outcome means the decree of approval is issued and sent to the prefettura (or, for applicants abroad, to the consular authority). A negative outcome, on the other hand, leads to a formal notice of rejection.

This step effectively closes the evaluation process and determines whether the procedure will continue toward citizenship or end with a refusal.

Phase 6: Positive Outcome and Decree

Italian: “L’istruttoria si è conclusa in modo favorevole, è in corso la trasmissione del provvedimento di concessione alla prefettura che lo notifica; se estero il provvedimento è inviato al Consolato.”

When the outcome is favorable, the concession decree is sent for notification:

• If the applicant resides in Italy, the prefettura is responsible for the notification.
• If the applicant lives abroad, the notification is sent through the consulate.

At this point, the applicant can book the appointment at the municipality for the oath ceremony (giuramento).

Phase 7: Final Communication and Oath

Italian: “La cittadinanza è stata concessa e l’ufficio competente lo notifica all’interessato: arriva comunicazione e si può prenotare l’appuntamento.”

This is the final step: the granting of Italian citizenship. The competent office notifies the applicant, who can then schedule the oath ceremony at the local municipality (comune).

It is important to note that Italian citizenship becomes legally effective only once the oath has been taken.

The Offices Involved

Throughout the procedure, different offices are involved depending on the phase:

• Phases 1 and 2: only the prefettura and the questura.
• From Phase 3 onward: the Ministry of the Interior (Ministero dell’Interno).
• For applications abroad: the consular authority also plays a role.

For this reason, relying solely on the portal’s updates is risky. Accessing the official records and verifying the real progress of the case is always advisable.

Why Professional Support Matters

Access to documents and careful legal monitoring are crucial in the citizenship process. A professional can ensure the application is properly followed, delays are addressed, and reminders are submitted when necessary.

Without such support, many cases risk remaining at the same stage for years, creating unnecessary frustration. With expert assistance, applicants can safeguard their rights and significantly improve the chances of moving their case forward efficiently.