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Italian citizenship by marriage

Italian citizenship by marriage or civil union: two years of residence in Italy (three abroad), halved in the presence of children, documents and the online application.

Quick answer

The foreign spouse of an Italian citizen can apply for citizenship after two years of legal residence in Italy from the marriage date, or after three years if resident abroad. The terms are halved where the couple has children, and Italian at B1 level or above is required.

The marriage or civil union must be valid, with no legal separation or divorce: these points are verified during the procedure.

Applicants living in Italy apply online through the Ministry of the Interior; those living abroad apply at the Italian consulate.

Who this guide is for

Spouses or civil partners of Italian citizens considering a citizenship application.

What you need

  • Marriage or civil union record registered in Italy (or abroad)
  • Residence certificate for the required period
  • Italian language certificate at B1 level or above, unless exempt
  • Criminal record and pending charges certificates
  • Documents for the Italian spouse (citizenship, civil status)

Step-by-step process

  1. 1. Check the timeline

    Count two years (in Italy) or three years (abroad) from the marriage; with children the terms are halved.

  2. 2. Check your registry residence

    Applicants in Italy need documented anagrafe registration covering the relevant period.

  3. 3. Apply

    Online via the Ministry of the Interior portal, or at the consulate if you live abroad.

  4. 4. Wait for the decree

    Once documents are assessed, the competent authority issues the granting decree and the acquisition is completed with the required formalities.

Documents

  • — Marriage or civil union record and its registration
  • — Residence certificate for the required period
  • — Certificate of citizenship of the Italian spouse
  • — Italian language certificate at B1 level, unless exempt
  • — Criminal record and pending charges certificates
  • — Birth certificate, translated and legalised
  • — Contribution receipt and revenue stamp

Generate a printable checklist for your situation

Indicative costs

Amounts published by official sources
Item Amount Notes
Application contribution €250.00
Revenue stamp €16.00

Amounts are those published by official sources on the review date and may change: always check the current amount before paying.

What happens next

  • Keep your application number to track the file.
  • Check whether your children need a separate procedure.
  • Update civil status records once citizenship is recognised.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Applying before the marriage is properly registered.

Better approach: Make sure the record is registered before starting the procedure.

Mistake: Overlooking the language requirement.

Better approach: Obtain your B1 certificate before applying, unless an exemption applies to you.

Documents for citizenship

Applications generally require: a foreign birth certificate translated and legalised, criminal record and pending charges certific…

Read the guide

How to file a citizenship application

Citizenship applications are filed exclusively online through the Ministry of the Interior portal: you need SPID or CIE access (de…

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Family reunification

Family reunification allows a legally resident non-EU citizen in Italy to bring over certain family members (generally a spouse, m…

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Italian language requirement: B1 level

For the main citizenship routes — residence and marriage — Italian at B1 level or above under the Common European Framework is req…

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Citizenship route checker

Helps you navigate citizenship routes and shows requirements and official sources.

Open the tool

Official sources

This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.

  • ALI Portal — Citizenship (Ministry of the Interior)

    Ministero dell’Interno — DLCI · in italiano

    Portale telematico ufficiale per presentare e consultare la domanda di cittadinanza italiana (accesso con SPID o CIE).

    Link last verified:

  • Prefectures — Territorial Government Office

    Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano

    Portale delle Prefetture, competenti su cittadinanza, sportelli unici per l’immigrazione e nulla osta.

    Link last verified:

  • Normattiva — Italian legislation database

    Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri · in italiano

    Banca dati ufficiale del testo vigente delle norme italiane, incluso il Testo Unico sull’immigrazione (D.Lgs. 286/1998).

    Link last verified:

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

    MAECI

    Sito istituzionale della Farnesina: rete consolare, visti, legalizzazioni e servizi per i cittadini stranieri.

    Link last verified:

Important notice

The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.

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