Italian Citizenship by Marriage

If you are married to an Italian citizen, you may apply for Italian citizenship by marriage through a specific legal procedure. Below you can find the requirements and the main steps to apply.

1. Requirements for the Application

✔️Length of marriage and residence

• 2 years of legal residence in Italy after the marriage (reduced to 1 year if the couple has children, whether biological or adopted).
• 3 years from the date of marriage if you live abroad (reduced to 18 months if the couple has children).

✔️Valid and registered marriage

• The marriage must be registered in Italy, and the Italian spouse must still hold Italian citizenship at the time of the application.

✔️Knowledge of the Italian language

• A B1 level certificate is required, issued by a recognized institution (CILS, CELI, PLIDA or CERT.IT).

✔️No serious criminal record and no risk to State security

2. Required Documents

The main documents required are:

✔️Valid passport and residence permit (if resident in Italy).
✔️Marriage certificate extract issued by the Italian Municipality.
✔️Historical residence certificate (if you live in Italy).
✔️Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, with sworn translation.
✔️Italian language certificate (B1 level).
✔️Receipt of payment of the €250 government fee.
✔️€16 revenue stamp.

3. Submitting the Application

✔️Where is the application submitted?

• Online through the Italian Ministry of the Interior portal (ALI - Citizenship).
• After registration, you must complete the form, upload all required documents and send the application.

✔️Processing Times

• The Ministry of the Interior has up to 24 months to review the application (extendable up to 36 months in some cases).
• During this period, the Prefecture may request additional documents or invite you for clarifications.

4. Granting of Citizenship

✔️ If the application is approved, you will receive the Citizenship Decree.
✔️ Within 6 months of notification, you must go to the Municipality of residence to take the oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic.
✔️ After taking the oath, you officially become an Italian citizen! 🇮🇹