How to get italian citizenship by marriage
Obtaining Italian citizenship by marriage is a valuable opportunity for foreign spouses of Italian citizens, granting them access to legal rights and privileges within Italy and the European Union. The process, however, involves specific eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and documentation requirements that vary based on residency status.
Additionally, language proficiency is a key factor in securing citizenship. This guide outlines the essential steps, requirements, and challenges involved in applying for Italian citizenship by marriage, ensuring applicants are well-informed and prepared for a smooth application process.
Eligibility for Italian citizenship by marriage
Spouses of Italian citizens are entitled to apply for Italian citizenship. The application process can begin after three years of marriage, or one and a half years if the couple has children. For those residing in Italy, the timespan is reduced to two years of marriage, or one year if the couple has children.
It is important to highlight two pieces of information:
- Italy recognizes same-sex marriage.
- If the Italian spouse passes away before the completion of the citizenship process, the surviving spouse cannot continue the application.
As of March 28, 2025, Italian citizenship laws are undergoing significant discussions and potential amendments. A draft law (Disegno di Legge) announced in the Council of Ministers No. 121 proposes restricting citizenship by marriage exclusively to spouses residing in Italy, impacting foreign applicants living abroad. While the existing framework allows spouses to apply after specific residency periods, pending legislative changes may introduce new limitations.
How long to get italian citizenship by marriage
Applicants must wait between 1 to 3 years before becoming eligible to apply, as outlined in the previous section. Once the waiting period has passed, the processing time for obtaining Italian citizenship by marriage varies depending on the applicant’s location.
- In most countries: 48 months from the day that the application is accepted.
- In Italy: Between 6 to 18 months.
Older cases
Women who married Italian citizens before April 27, 1983, are granted automatic recognition of Italian citizenship. However, specific conditions apply:
- Loss of Citizenship: If the Italian spouse passed away before April 27, 1983, the surviving spouse would lose their automatically obtained Italian citizenship.
- Divorce: Citizenship is lost if the divorce occurred or was registered in Italy before April 27, 1983.
- Naturalization: If the Italian spouse acquired another citizenship before May 19, 1975, the spouse would lose their Italian citizenship. Post-May 19, 1975, naturalizations do not affect the spouse’s Italian citizenship.
Requirements for Application
Applicants must demonstrate a B1 level of Italian proficiency certificate. All documents, including birth and marriage certificates, criminal records, and residency certificates, must be prepared and translated by a sworn translator and authenticated with an apostille.
The applicant must also present “Estratto per riassunto dai registri di matrimonio”, which is a certificate issued by the commune at the city of birth of the Italian spouse.
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How to apply for Italian citizenship as a spouse: Step-by-step application process
Foreign spouses of Italian citizens must file their citizenship applications based on their place of residence. Those living abroad submit their applications to the local Italian consulate where their Italian spouse is registered with AIRE (the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad). Spouses residing in Italy must file at the Prefettura (local government office).
The application involves two steps:
- Online submission through the ALI portal of the Italian Ministry of Interior.
- Final appointment at the consulate or Prefettura.
To apply, specific documents are required, including:
- Marriage certificate transcript.
- Criminal background checks.
- Certified birth certificate.
- Proof of residency.
- Signed declaration confirming the marriage is still valid.
- €250 wire transfer receipt for the application fee.
- Money order for consular translation legalization fees.
- Proof of B1-level proficiency in Italian.
All foreign-issued documents must be legalized with an Apostille and translated into Italian, with translations verified by the local consulate.
Upon submission, the application undergoes review, and applicants will be invited for an appointment where they present original documents and complete additional formalities. The application is then forwarded to the Ministry of Interior for processing.
It is important to highlight that one does not need Italian citizenship to live in Italy if married to an Italian citizen. Marrying an Italian citizen grants the right to live in Italy without Italian citizenship. Non-Italian spouses can obtain a “Carta di Soggiorno,” issued by the local “questura” (mayor’s office), with each office having its own document requirements.
Language proficiency test
The Italian language certification is a requirement for obtaining Italian citizenship through marriage. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency at a B1 level, which is considered an intermediate level of Italian. This ensures they can communicate effectively in daily life and engage with Italian society.
The certification must be issued by institutions officially recognized by the Ministry of Education (MIUR) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI). This requirement applies equally to applicants residing within Italy and those living abroad, as language proficiency is considered essential for integration.
To obtain the certification, applicants can enroll in courses offered by recognized institutions, such as Dante Alighieri Society, Italian Cultural Institutes, or accredited language schools. These courses prepare individuals for the official language exam, which assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
After successfully completing the exam, the institution provides an official certificate, which must be included in the citizenship application. Applicants are advised to plan ahead and schedule their exams early to avoid delays, as language proficiency is a non-negotiable component of the citizenship process.
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