Australian-Italian communities have multiple pathways to relocate to Italy, primarily through citizenship by descent or various visa options. The process has become more complex due to Italy’s 2025 citizenship reforms, which introduced stricter requirements for proving Italian heritage.

Moving to Italy as an Australian-Italian requires careful planning and legal expertise. New regulations mean that many people who previously qualified for citizenship may no longer be eligible without professional help.

Roots of the Australian-Italian identity

The first significant Italian community in Australia began to take shape at the end of the 19th century, particularly in Queensland, where Italian laborers were recruited to work in the sugar cane industry. Migration flows increased soon after, especially during the gold rush in Western Australia, when job opportunities attracted many workers from Italy.

It was during this period that the Italian community surpassed one thousand residents, thanks also to a bilateral treaty between the United Kingdom and Italy that granted Italians freedom of travel, residence and enterprise, a much more generous agreement than today’s Working Holiday Visa.

Early 20th Century: seeking a better life

In the early 1900s, particularly after World War I, more than 20,000 Italians, mostly men, migrated to Australia in search of better opportunities. Many came from southern regions and the northeast of Italy, escaping economic hardship and instability that affected much of Europe during that era. These migrants played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s agricultural and industrial workforce, especially in rural and mining areas.

The Post-War Boom: 1949–1959

After World War II, Italian migration to Australia reached unprecedented levels. Between 1949 and 1959, more than 200,000 Italians settled in the country, driven by the economic devastation in post-war Italy and the growing demand for labor in Australia. Following years of wartime restrictions, Australia reopened its doors to Italian immigrants, encouraged by strong diplomatic relations and its own need for skilled and unskilled workers.

This period marked the true migration boom, with thousands of Italian families arriving to build new lives and contribute to Australia’s post-war growth.

Migration remained steady until the 1970s, creating strong and lasting Italian-Australian communities that continue to shape the cultural and economic life of the country today.

Legal pathways to move: Italian citizenship by descent

Italian citizenship by descent for Australian-Italians works through jure sanguinis (citizenship by blood). This means you can claim Italian citizenship if you have an unbroken line of Italian ancestry. The process requires showing that your Italian ancestor did not renounce their citizenship before the next generation was born.

The new rules approved in 2025 (Law 74/2025) introduced an “effective ties” requirement, a new legal criterion introduced to demonstrate genuine connection with Italy. 

Australian-Italian applicants can apply through Italian consulates in Australia or directly in Italy. Consulate processing times vary widely and can take several years due to high demand, while applications in Italy may be faster but require legal residence first. Legal experts are strongly recommended, as interpretation of the 2025 reforms is still evolving.

Residency and visa options for non-citizens

Not everyone qualifies for citizenship by descent. Several visa options exist for Australian-Italian people who want to live in Italy. Each option has different requirements and benefits, and some can lead to permanent residence or citizenship. Many Italians in Australia were engaged in agriculture, market gardening, and food-related occupations, which helped them establish a strong economic foundation in their new communities.

The Elective residency visa is popular among retirees and remote workers who can support themselves financially without working in Italy. Applicants must show stable income from pensions, savings, or investments. Private health insurance valid in Italy is also required.

Work visas require sponsorship from an Italian employer under the annual decreto flussi (immigration quota decree). Business visas allow entrepreneurs to open companies or invest in Italy, while the investor visa for Italy grants residence to those investing at least €250,000 in startups or €500,000 in Italian companies. Understanding Italian immigration requirements is crucial for choosing the right visa pathway.

Student visas allow Australians to attend Italian universities or accredited language schools. Family reunification permits are available for spouses, children, and dependent parents of Italian or EU citizens. After five years of continuous legal residence, most non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residence, and after ten years, for citizenship by naturalization.

Where Australian-Italians are settling in Italy

Australian-Italian families are choosing different regions based on their needs. Both in Italy and in Australia, Italian communities have historically settled in specific regions, forming distinct groups that reflect their regional origins. Melbourne, for instance, has the highest concentration of people with Italian ancestry in Australia. Italian Australians constitute the sixth largest ancestry group in Australia. Each area offers unique advantages. The Italian community in Australia is not homogenous, with pre-war migrants primarily from northern Italy and post-war migrants from southern Italy.

Southern Italy attracts many families returning to ancestral towns. Calabria and Sicily offer affordable living and strong community connections, with groups often centered around shared heritage. These regions provide an authentic experience of traditional Italian settlement patterns.

Central Italy appeals to those wanting lifestyle and work opportunities. Tuscany and Lazio provide the perfect balance, and groups from various backgrounds find opportunities to connect.

Northern Italy suits business-minded Australian-Italian professionals. Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna are major innovation hubs, drawing groups interested in commerce and industry.

Local communities often welcome returning descendants. Many towns offer integration programs and support networks. The importance of understanding regional settlement patterns lies in providing effective community service and support tailored to the needs of different groups. Local groups and support networks play a key role in helping new arrivals integrate.

How Aprigliano International Law Firm can help

Aprigliano International Law Firm is Italy’s leading law firm specializing in immigration law. Founded in 2002 by Salvatore Aprigliano in Milan, we provide exclusive, personalized assistance to Australian-Italian clients seeking to enter the Italian market.

Our multidisciplinary team offers integrated solutions for complex cases. We specialize in all forms of Italian citizenship, including citizenship jure sanguinis, citizenship through maternal lineage court cases, and citizenship reacquisition.

We understand that time is essential to our clients’ success. Our services include Italian residence permits for investors and entrepreneurs, business incorporation, and commercial contracts.

Our multilingual team speaks fluent English and supports clients through every step of their journey. We focus on understanding and solving client problems with control, forecasting, and planning to increase benefits while containing costs.

Contact Aprigliano International Law Firm today to start your journey with Italy’s most experienced immigration law specialists.

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