Italian Citizenship by Marriage: Legal Q&A Guide

Italian citizenship by marriage is one of the most accessible ways to become an Italian citizen. If you’re married to an Italian national, you may be closer than you think to holding an Italian passport. But to get there, you need to meet a few key requirements and follow the process carefully.

This Q&A guide breaks down everything you need to know as a foreign spouse, from timelines and language requirements to the documents involved and what happens after you apply. Whether you’re living in Italy or abroad, this guide will help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

1. Can I Apply for Italian Citizenship by Marriage if I Live Outside Italy?

Yes, the new Conversion into Law of Decree 36/2025, in its final version, only modified requirements for application to Citizenship by Descent (jure sanguinis) and by Residence. It’s still possible to apply for Naturalisation by Marriage while living abroad, and the competent authority will be the Italian Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

2. How Long Must I Be Married Before I Can Apply?

The timeline depends on whether you and your Italian spouse have children together, and how your Italian spouse acquired Italian Citizenship.

Standard Requirement for Spouses of Italian Citizens by Birth (jure sanguinis):

• 3 years after marriage, if residing abroad.
• 2 years after marriage, if residing in Italy.

Standard Requirement for Spouses of Naturalised Citizens or Those who Reacquired Italian Citizenship:

• Minimum 3 years of marriage from the date when the spouse was naturalised/reacquired Italian Citizenship, if residing abroad.
• Minimum 2 years of marriage from the date when the spouse was naturalised/reacquired Italian Citizenship, if residing in Italy.

With Children in Common (biological or adopted):

• The minimum duration of the marriage is reduced by half if the couple has had children in common (either their biological children or lawfully adopted children).

3. Is There A Language Requirement?

Yes, applicants for Italian citizenship by marriage are required to demonstrate at least B1 level proficiency in the Italian language. This is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The language requirement ensures that applicants are able to integrate into Italian society and communicate effectively.

Who is Exempt?

You may be exempt from the language requirement if:

• You have a long-term EU residence permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo).
• You hold a recognized Italian academic qualification (e.g. a degree from an Italian university).

In these cases, you must submit official documentation confirming your exemption during the application process.

How Do I Prove Language Proficiency?

If you’re not exempt, you’ll need to:

• Pass an official B1-level Italian language exam.
• The exam must be issued by an approved institution, such as:
  • Università per Stranieri di Perugia
  • Università per Stranieri di Siena
  • Società Dante Alighieri
  • Università Roma Tre, and
  • Authorised institutes of Italian language and culture abroad

The language certificate must be valid and submitted in its original format with your application. Without it, the application will be considered incomplete.

4. What Documents Are Required For The Italian Citizenship by Marriage Application

When applying for Italian citizenship by marriage, you must submit a complete and legally compliant set of documents. Below is a list of the core requirements:

Core Documents:

• Valid identification document 
• Marriage certificate issued or transcribed in Italy
• Proof of legal residence in Italy (e.g. certificato di residenza storico)
• Proof of cohabitation with your Italian spouse (e.g. joint residency registration, utility bills)
• Birth certificate from your country of origin
• Criminal record certificates
• Language certificate at B1 level (unless exempt)

Important Notes:

• All foreign documents (e.g. birth and criminal record certificates) must be:
  • Apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of issue.
  • Officially translated into Italian by a certified translator or with a sworn translation (traduzione giurata).
• Criminal record certificates must be recent (issued within 6 months of your application).
• The marriage must still be valid and ongoing at the time of application and during processing.

If you include any missing or outdated documents, it can result in delays or rejection of your Italian citizenship by marriage application, so it’s essential to prepare and verify each requirement carefully.

5. How Do I Get Italian Citizenship By Marriage?

The application for Italian citizenship by marriage can be submitted entirely online through the official portal of the Italian Ministry of the Interior. The process is centralized but also involves local authorities at various stages. Below is a step-by-step overview of the steps required.

1. Create an Account on the Ministry of the Interior Portal

Visit portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it and register for a personal account. Once registered, you can access the citizenship application system.

2. Complete the Online Application Form

Upload your supporting documents, including scanned copies of your birth certificate, criminal record, marriage certificate, residence permit, language certificate, and proof of cohabitation.

3. Pay the Government Fee

A non-refundable fee of €250 must be paid by bank transfer or postal order. You must include your receipt in your application.

4. Application Review by the Local Prefettura or Italian Consulate

After submission, your Italian citizenship by marriage application is assigned to the Prefettura in the province where you reside or to the competent Consulate if resident abroad. They will verify your residence, cohabitation, and legal compliance before forwarding the file for processing.

5. Track and Manage your File Online

You can log in to the Ministry’s portal to monitor the status of your application. Occasionally, applicants may be asked to attend an in-person appointment or provide additional documents.

To ensure accuracy and avoid delays, it’s strongly recommended to have your file reviewed by a legal expert before submission.

6. How Long Does The Process Take?

Under current Italian law, the Ministry of the Interior has a maximum of 24 months (2 years) to process and respond to an application for citizenship by marriage. This timeline starts from the date of formal submission and applies only if the application is complete and compliant.

What if There’s No Response Within 2 Years?

If the administration fails to issue a decision within the two-year legal deadline, the applicant may take formal action. This includes:

• Filing a judicial appeal with the Administrative Regional Court (TAR) for unjustified delay
  Requesting a formal update or response through legal counsel.

In such cases, having a lawyer involved from the beginning can help enforce your rights and push the authorities to act within the legal timeframe.

Delays are Common, but not Final

While delays are not unusual, especially in high-volume regions, they do not mean your Italian citizenship by marriage application has been rejected. It’s important to monitor your application status and be proactive if the legal deadline passes without a response.

7. Does The Italian Citizenship by Marriage Process Differ For Couples With Children?

Yes, the timeline to apply is shorter if you and your Italian spouse have children together, but the rest of the process remains the same.

What Changes?

If you have biological or adopted children, the required minimum time of marriage to apply is reduced by half. This applies even if the children were born before the marriage or adopted during the marriage, as long as they are legally recognized.

What Stays the Same?

All other requirements remain unchanged, including:

• Submission through the Ministry of the Interior portal
• Proof of cohabitation
• Language certification at B1 level (unless exempt)
• Criminal record documentation
• Review by the local Prefettura or Consulate abroad

While having children reduces the timeline, it does not guarantee that your application will be approved. You must still meet all the legal and procedural criteria like any other applicant.

8. Are Same-Sex Marriages or Civil Unions Recognized?

Yes. Italy’s citizenship law is grounded in legal equality, so your sexual orientation does not affect your eligibility or the processing of your application.

Foreign spouses in a legally registered civil union (unione civile) with an Italian citizen are treated equally to opposite-sex married couples.

Equal Legal Treatment

Applicants in same-sex unions follow the exact same rules as those in traditional marriages, including:

• The same marriage duration requirements
• The same language proficiency standards
• Access to family reunification and citizenship rights

The key condition is that the civil union must be legally registered in Italy or transcribed in the Italian civil registry if entered into abroad.

9. What Happens After Italian Citizenship by Marriage Is Granted?

Once your application is approved, you’ll be notified through the Ministry of the Interior portal and invited to complete the final step: the citizenship oath ceremony.

What Does the Ceremony Involve?

• The ceremony takes place at the Consulate or at the Prefettura, depending on your place of residence.
• You must attend in person within 6 months of receiving the approval notice.
• During the ceremony, you will take an oath of loyalty to the Italian Republic and sign the official citizenship register.

This oath is a legal requirement and must be completed to finalize your acquisition of Italian citizenship. If you miss the deadline without providing valid justification, it can result in delays or even the cancellation of the initial decision.

When Does Citizenship Become Effective?

Your citizenship becomes legally effective from the date you take the oath, not from the date of approval. Once you have taken the oath, you can apply for an Italian passport and request updates to your civil records (such as ID documents and residency status).

10. What Happens If My Application is Delayed or Rejected?

If your application for Italian citizenship by marriage is delayed beyond the legal deadline or rejected, you have the right to challenge the outcome through formal legal channels.

In Case of Delay:

• The Ministry must issue a decision within 24 months of receiving a complete application.
• If this deadline is missed, you can file a judicial appeal with the Administrative Regional Court (TAR) for “administrative silence”.
• This legal action pushes the administration to respond or justify the delay.

In Case of Rejection:

• You will receive a written decision explaining the reasons for refusal.
• You may appeal the decision within 60 days by filing a case before the TAR.
• Grounds for appeal typically involve procedural errors, misinterpretation of documents, or incorrect legal assessment.

If your application is either delayed or rejected, having legal representation significantly increases your chances of success in the long run. A qualified lawyer can review the reasons for delay or rejection, prepare a strong appeal, and represent you before the administrative court.

For assistance with citizenship delays, rejections, or appeals, you can reach out to us for free via our Italian Citizenship page.

Ready to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Marriage?

Applying for Italian citizenship by marriage is a structured legal process with clearly defined requirements. From marriage timelines and language certification to cohabitation proof and document compliance, each step must be handled with care.

At Lexidy, our immigration lawyers specialize in guiding foreign spouses through every stage, whether you’re preparing your application, seeking an exemption, or facing a delay or rejection.

Fill out the form below to speak with our Italian immigration experts today to ensure your application is complete, compliant, and set up for success.