Key Facts
- Marriage to an Italian citizen grants citizenship.
- Marriage date, residency, and children affect applications.
- Language, document validity, and Italian marriage registration are essential.
Marriage-based Italian citizenship eligibility
Marriage-based citizenship requires certain qualifications:
- Legally married to an Italian citizen (civil unions, not domestic partnerships).
- Maintain marriage without legal separation throughout application.
- Be together or have good reasons to be apart.
- Meet legal, language, and paperwork requirements.
Distinctions Based on Marriage Date
The rules for citizenship vary greatly by marriage date:
- Before April 27, 1983: Foreign women married to Italian men automatically acquired citizenship without the need for an application or language test.
- After April 27, 1983: The application process requires documentation, a language test, and a fee.
Application Waiting Period
Submission timeline depends on residency and children:
- 3 years after marriage if living abroad.
- 2 years after marriage if residing in Italy.
- This period can be shortened to 1.5 years or 1 year if minor children are involved.
Step 1: Ensure Marriage Registration
You must register your marriage in Italy. The foreign marriage certificate must be submitted to the Italian municipality where your spouse is registered through trascrizione.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Complete applications must include all required documents:
- Apostilled, translated birth certificate.
- Valid passport or official ID.
- Italian marriage certificate.
- Criminal background checks from all relevant nations.
- B1 Italian proficiency proof.
- Payment of the €250 application fee.
Document Validity
All documentation must be issued within six months of application submission to be current and legitimate.
Step 3: Pass the Language Test
A B1 level of Italian is required. Before applying, the test must be completed and certified by an accredited school.
Step 4: Submit Application Online
Submit your application through the Ministry of the Interior portal after preparing necessary documentation. This initiates the application.
Step 5: In-Person Appointment
After online submission, the consulate or prefettura will contact you for an appointment. Bring all original documents for verification; they’ll go to the Interior Ministry.
What Happens After Submission?
Processing times typically range from 2 to 3 years. During this period, additional documentation or clarifications may be requested.
Impact of Divorce or Separation
Divorce or separation before finalizing the citizenship application will deny it. If the Italian spouse dies during the procedure, the application can proceed under certain conditions.
Living Apart Considerations
Living at the same address is ideal but not required. To prove that living apart is transitory, a signed statement is needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to register the marriage in Italy.
- Avoiding required documentation, especially the B1 language certificate.
- Using outdated documents.
- Not disclosing criminal history.
Application for Pre-1983 Married Women
Women who married Italian men before April 27, 1983, have a simpler process with no language exam, fees, or background checks.
FAQ
What documents are needed for application?
Birth certificate, Italian marriage certificate, criminal background check, and language competency proof are required.
The application process takes how long?
Applicants can wait 2–3 years for processing.
I live away from my husband. Can I apply?
You can live apart, but the consulate must approve your justification.
If I divorce during application, what happens?
Divorce before finalizing the application will deny it.
Must everyone take a language test?
Yes, people married after April 27, 1983 must pass a B1 Italian test.
