Italian Citizenship Through Marriage: Everything You Need to Know

Italian citizenship through marriage is one of the most common ways to acquire Italian nationality by naturalization. The process is available to those married to an Italian citizen, provided that certain legal and time-related requirements are met.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about Italian citizenship by marriage, including timelines, required documents, language requirements, waiting periods, risks of losing citizenship, and updated statistics.

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Who is eligible for Italian citizenship by marriage?

To be eligible for Italian citizenship through marriage, the marriage must be properly registered in Italy. Only civil or religious marriages that have been officially transcribed are recognized by law. Civil unions or domestic partnerships are not accepted for this type of citizenship.

Additionally, the Italian spouse must have their information updated in the AIRE (the civil registry for Italians residing abroad), including marital status and any minor children.

Attention: Women who married Italian men before 1983 automatically acquired Italian citizenship.

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How long must you be married to apply?

The minimum duration of the marriage depends on the couple’s place of residence and whether they have children together:

Without children:

• 3 years of marriage if residing outside of Italy
• 2 years of marriage if residing in Italy

With children:

• 1.5 years of marriage if residing outside of Italy
• 1 year of marriage if residing in Italy

These timelines are counted from the date the marriage was registered in Italy.

Italian Citizenship through gay marriage

Since 2016, Italy has recognized civil unions between same-sex couples under Law No. 76.

• If a same-sex couple marries civilly in a country where same-sex marriage is legally permitted, that marriage can be registered at the Italian Comune (the local civil registry office).
• Once transcribed, the foreign spouse has the same right to apply for Italian citizenship through marriage, just as in the case of heterosexual couples.

Is Italian language proficiency required?

Yes. Since 2018, proof of Italian language proficiency is mandatory. The minimum required level is B1, which corresponds to an intermediate level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The certificate must be issued by an institution recognized by the Italian government, such as the Università per Stranieri di Perugia or Società Dante Alighieri.

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What documents are required?

The application for Italian citizenship by marriage is submitted online through the portal of the Italian Ministero Dell´Interno. The required documents include:

• Completed application form
• Valid identification document
• Proof of residence
• Applicant’s birth certificate (translated and apostilled)
• Criminal background checks from all countries where the applicant has lived since the age of 14
• Marriage certificate transcribed in Italy
• Proof of payment of the €250 fee
• Italian language proficiency certificate (B1 level)

Once approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the Italian Constitution in an official ceremony.

What happens in case of divorce or separation?

A common question is: “Will I lose my Italian citizenship by marriage if I get divorced?”

• If the divorce occurs before citizenship is granted, the process is automatically canceled.
• If the divorce occurs after citizenship is granted, the Italian nationality is retained.

Therefore, the marriage must remain valid throughout the entire process until the final oath is taken.

How long does the process take?

For applications submitted through the administrative route, the average processing time after submitting all required documents is between 18 and 48 months. However, this timeline may be longer in some cases, especially if additional documentation is requested or if the application is handled by consulates with high demand.

Summary: Italian Citizenship for Spouses

Is it worth applying for Italian citizenship by marriage?

Absolutely! Italian citizenship by marriage is a real and solid opportunity for those who have built a life with an Italian citizen. With the correct documentation, patience, and attention to legal requirements, the dream of becoming Italian through marriage can become a reality — without giving up your original nationality. It also gives you access to an Italian passport, one of the most powerful in the world.

Need help with the process? Contact our team of consultants specialized in Italian citizenship by marriage and get all your questions answered with clarity and security.