IT-CH 1998 Exchange of Notes (dual-citizenship facilitation)
Citizenship in Italy
- Eligibility
- Scambio di Note IT-CH 24 aprile / 1 maggio 1998 (executive-level, not full treaty). Resolved reciprocity asymmetry: Switzerland allowed dual nationality since 01/01/1992; Italy extended same treatment to Swiss naturalizers. Companion military service convention 2008 (RS 0.141.145.42). NOT EU 4y reduction (Switzerland non-EU).
- Timeline
- Medium
- Renunciation
- Not required
Example scenarios
ELIGIBLE for Italian naturalization; IT-CH 1998 Exchange of Notes guarantees no Swiss renunciation requirement.
10y residence satisfies Art 9 c.1 lit.f. Swiss is NOT EU member so 4y EU reduced route inapplicable.
ELIGIBLE for Swiss naturalization (Swiss procedures) without losing Italian citizenship per Legge 91/1992 Art 11 + IT-CH 1998 Exchange of Notes.
Swiss federal naturalization typically requires 10y residence. Italian retention guaranteed by Art 11 + bilateral instrument.
Apply Convenzione IT-CH 2008 military service convention RS 0.141.145.42: military obligations in only ONE state based on residence, with option declaration mechanism.
Separate from 1998 Exchange of Notes. 2008 convention resolves dual military service.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-05-25.
Track changes to this route
Descent and naturalization rules change. We'll email you in plain English when anything affecting Italy updates — no spam.