Key facts
| Italian-Australians | Around 1 million people report Italian ancestry. |
|---|---|
| Entering Italy | Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. |
| ETIAS | No confirmed start date yet (the EU postponed it; expected in 2027). |
| Apostille | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). |
| Italian consulates | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, plus the Embassy in Canberra. |
| Working holiday | Yes: Italy–Australia working holiday visa for young people, up to 12 months (we confirm the current age limit). |
| Social security | Italy–Australia agreement in force. |
Italian citizenship by descent in 2026
Since 28 March 2025, people born abroad with another citizenship only qualify by descent if they filed by 27 March 2025, if a parent or grandparent held only Italian citizenship, or if an Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before their birth. Many post-war Italian migrants to Australia are the parents or grandparents of today's applicants, so the "grandparent" route is often relevant.
Working holiday in Italy
Young Australians can travel and work in Italy for up to 12 months, with limits on how long you can work for the same employer. It's an easy way to test life in Italy before committing to a longer permit.
Other routes
- Elective residence for retirees and people with passive income.
- Digital nomad visa, student visa and EU Blue Card.
- Citizenship by residence: 2 years if a parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth.
Australian documents
| Document | Where |
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage and death certificates | State or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry |
| Proof of non-naturalisation | Department of Home Affairs citizenship records |
| Criminal record | AFP National Police Check |
| Apostille | DFAT |
Frequently asked questions
My nonno migrated to Australia after WWII. Can I get citizenship?
Possibly: if your grandparent held only Italian citizenship (never naturalised Australian) the 2025 law still allows it. We check his records.
Can I do the working holiday visa and then stay longer?
Sometimes, by switching to a work or study permit if you meet the requirements. Plan it early.
Do my Australian super contributions count in Italy?
The Italy–Australia social security agreement can help with pension eligibility; the details depend on your case.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.