How to get an Italian citizenship for your spouse

Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and high quality of life have drawn people from around the world to seek Italian citizenship. One increasingly popular route is through marriage. Whether you’re currently living abroad or in Italy with your Italian spouse, the process to obtain Italian citizenship by marriage can be straightforward—if you know the rules and avoid common pitfalls. This article breaks down everything you need to know, from eligibility to required documents, timelines, and tips for a successful application.

Italian Citizenship by Marriage vs. Italian Citizenship by Descent

Before diving into the process, it’s important to clarify the difference between citizenship by marriage and how to get Italian citizenship by descent. Italian Citizenship by Descent (jure sanguinis) is based on having Italian ancestry—typically passed through your parents or grandparents. Citizenship by marriage, on the other hand, is for foreign nationals legally married to an Italian citizen and looking to acquire citizenship through that union.

Who Can Apply for Italian Citizenship by Marriage?

To apply, you must meet the following core eligibility criteria:

• Be legally married to an Italian citizen (civil unions are recognized, but domestic partnerships are not).
  
• Remain married and not legally separated throughout the application process.
  
• Reside with your spouse or have a valid reason for living apart.
  
• Meet language, legal, and document requirements.
  

💡 Important: If you are divorced or legally separated before your application is finalized, your request for citizenship will be automatically denied.

Key Distinction: Marriage Before or After 1983

The year you got married plays a crucial role:

• Before April 27, 1983: Foreign women who married Italian men automatically obtained citizenship—no application, language test, or fees required. This process is retroactive and handled entirely by the consulate or municipality.
  
• After April 27, 1983: The spouse must formally apply for citizenship, submit all documents, pass a language test, and pay a €250 fee.
  

Application Waiting Period

The timeline for when you can apply depends on your residency and whether you have children:

• 3 years after marriage: If living abroad.
  
• 2 years after marriage: If residing in Italy.
  
• Shortened to 1.5 years (abroad) or 1 year (in Italy) if the couple has minor children.
  

These periods must be fulfilled before submitting the application.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Marriage Is Registered in Italy

If you were married outside of Italy, simply having a marriage certificate from another country is not enough. You must first have your marriage registered in Italy through a process known as trascrizione.

• Your Italian spouse must be registered with AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad).
  
• You must register your foreign marriage certificate at the local comune (municipality) in Italy where your spouse is registered.
  
• Without this registration, your application will be rejected automatically.
  

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

You must present a complete file with all documents at the time of application. Incomplete submissions will be rejected.

Mandatory Documents Include:

• Birth certificate of the foreign spouse (apostilled and translated into Italian).
  
• Valid passport or official photo ID.
  
• Marriage certificate registered in Italy (estratto per riassunto dell’atto di matrimonio).
  
• Criminal background checks from:
  
  • Country of birth.
    
  • All countries of residence since age 14.
    
  • The current country of residence.
    
  • All background checks must be apostilled and translated into Italian.
    
• Proof of language proficiency at B1 level.
  
• €250 application fee, paid by bank transfer.
  

Document Validity

All documents must be issued within the six months preceding the application submission date.

Step 3: Pass the Italian Language Test (Level B1)

As of 2018, Italian language proficiency at the B1 level is mandatory for citizenship by marriage. This is a lower-intermediate level that tests basic communication and comprehension.

Key Notes:

• The test must be taken before submitting the application.
  
• Tests are only accepted from institutions approved by the Italian government (e.g., Dante Alighieri Society, Università per Stranieri di Perugia or Siena, and CELI).
  
• You cannot apply and submit the certificate later. If it’s not included at submission, your application will be rejected.
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Once all documents are ready, the application must be submitted via the official portal of the Italian Ministry of the Interior:

• Access the portal via the website of your local Italian consulate.
  
• Create an account and upload the required documents.
  
• Once submitted, this marks the official start of the application process.
  

Step 5: Attend the In-Person Appointment at the Consulate or Prefettura

After you submit your online application, the consulate (if abroad) or the prefettura (if in Italy) will contact you for an appointment.

• Bring all original documents.
  
• The consulate or prefecture acts only as a facilitator; your documents will be forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior in Rome.
  
• During this appointment, the consular officer will verify your paperwork.
  

What Happens After Submission?

The Ministry of the Interior will process the application. According to Italian law:

• Minimum time: 2 years
  
• Maximum time: 3 years
  

During this period, they may request clarifications or additional documents.

Once approved, the consulate will invite both spouses for a final in-person meeting where:

• You will sign documents affirming you are still legally married and not separated.
  
• If all is confirmed, the citizenship certificate is issued.
  

What If You Get Divorced or Separated During the Process?

If you divorce or legally separate at any point before the final approval, the process is automatically voided. You must remain married for the entire duration of the process.

However, if the Italian spouse passes away during the process, the application can continue. A recent court ruling allows surviving spouses to complete the application even after their partner’s death, provided all other requirements were met.

What If You Live in Separate Residences?

While it’s preferred that both spouses reside at the same address, it’s not mandatory. If living apart:

• You must provide a signed statement explaining the reason (e.g., work assignments).
  
• The consulate must be satisfied that this is a legitimate and temporary arrangement—not a sign of marital breakdown.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not registering the marriage in Italy before applying.
   
2. Failing to include the B1 language certificate at the time of application.
   
3. Using documents older than six months.
   
4. Assuming a criminal record won’t matter—even minor offenses must be disclosed.
   
5. Believing you can file with incomplete documentation and send the rest later (you can’t).
   

Application for Women Married Before 1983: Simplified Path

Women who married Italian men before April 27, 1983, can benefit from a streamlined process:

• No language test.
  
• No application fee.
  
• No background check required.
  
• The process is retroactive to the date of the marriage.
  
• Application is handled at the consulate or comune, not the Ministry of Interior.
  

⚠️ Note: This simplified path does not apply to men married to Italian women before 1983 due to the historical nature of Italian citizenship law at that time.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply Alone or with Legal Help?

While many applicants manage the process on their own, hiring an attorney can help ensure success—especially for complex cases (multiple residencies, document issues, or criminal records).

Citizenship attorneys can:

• Review your documentation for completeness.
  
• Assist with translations and apostilles.
  
• Prepare you for the language test.
  
• Communicate with the consulate or prefettura on your behalf.
  

Given that the process can take 2–3 years, avoiding errors from the start saves time, money, and frustration.

Want to know more about how to get Italian citizenship by descent instead?
Check out our guide on how to get Italian citizenship by descent and see if your heritage qualifies you.