Italian Citizenship by Marriage: Eligibility and Requirements

Foreign spouses of Italian citizens can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage after two years of marriage if living in Italy, or three years if living abroad, with reduced timelines for couples with children.

Recent legal updates, including the reaffirmed B1 language requirement and stricter fraud checks, have reshaped the application process in 2025.

This article covers:

• What are the new rules for Italian citizenship by marriage?
• What are the qualifications for Italian citizenship by marriage?
• How to apply for citizenship through marriage in Italy?
• How long is the process to get citizenship through marriage in Italy?
• What are the pros and cons of Italian citizenship by marriage?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What are the changes in Italian citizenship by marriage?

In 2025, legislative proposals such as DDL 1450 and enforcement of Decree-Law 36/2025 (Tajani Decree) have introduced significant potential changes to how Italy citizenship by marriage may work.

Below is what is known so far:

• Elimination of citizenship by marriage from abroad
  DDL 1450 proposes that foreign spouses who live outside Italy would no longer be able to apply simply after three years of marriage. Instead, citizenship would only be requestable after two years of legal residence in Italy. (i.e. marrying an Italian alone would no longer suffice unless you live in Italy).
• Strict deadlines for processing and judicial decisions
  The draft sets maximum time limits: 48 months to complete administrative procedures and 12 months to enforce final court decisions (for example, transcription of certificates) after a formal request.
• Abolishment of oath or witness statements as evidence
  DDL 1450 intends to prohibit use of witnesses or oaths as evidence in citizenship recognition processes, tightening evidentiary standards.
• Increased consular costs
  Under the proposal, consular fees for citizenship applications made via consulates would rise from €600 to €700.

Because these changes are still under parliamentary review (DDL 1450 is not yet law), there is uncertainty. Especially important is whether these new rules will apply retroactively or only to future applications.

The intention is to align marriage-based citizenship more closely with the concept of a genuine connection to Italy.

How do you get citizenship if you are married to an Italian?

Foreign spouses can apply for citizenship in Italy after:

• Two years of marriage if living in Italy, or
• Three years of marriage if living abroad.

These periods are reduced by half if the couple has biological or adopted children.

Italian citizenship application process:

1. Submit an online application through the Italian Ministry of Interior’s portal (ALI system).
2. Provide supporting documents, including marriage certificate, criminal record checks from all countries of residence, proof of language proficiency (B1 level), and identification.
3. The file is reviewed by the local prefecture (if in Italy) or the Italian consulate (if abroad).
4. Once approved, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance to the Italian Republic before the prefect or consular authority.

What are the requirements for Italian citizenship through marriage?

To qualify for citizenship by marriage to an Italian, applicants must meet:

• Legal marriage recognized under Italian law.
• Valid residence permits or visas if living in Italy.
• No serious criminal record in Italy or abroad.
• Proof of financial stability (income or employment).
• Language certification from an approved institution.

Supporting documentation must be translated into Italian and legalized with an apostille where required.

What language do you need to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage?

Applicants must demonstrate B1 level Italian proficiency for citizenship, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This rule, introduced in 2018, ensures integration and the ability to participate in Italian civic life.

Accepted certificates include:

• CELI (Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana)
• CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)
• PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri)

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship through marriage?

Standard application time for marriage citizenship in Italy is about 24–36 months.

• Applications with children: may be expedited
• Complex cases: can take longer if additional background checks or missing documents are involved

The Ministry of Interior must finalize applications within 36 months by law.

What are common reasons for Italian citizenship denial?

Applications for becoming an Italian citizen by marriage may be rejected due to:

• Incomplete or incorrectly filed documentation
• Failure to demonstrate B1 language proficiency
• Criminal convictions or ongoing legal proceedings
• Suspicion of marriage fraud or lack of genuine family ties
• Insufficient financial means

How powerful is an Italian passport?

The Italian passport is among strongest in the world, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 190 countries, along with full EU citizenship rights.

According to the Henley Passport Index (2025), Italy is ranked 4th globally, while the Arton Passport Index (2025) places Italy at 3rd, and the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index (2025) lists it in the top 5, factoring in taxation, dual citizenship, and global mobility.

Holders of an Italian passport can live, work, and travel freely across the EU and Schengen Area, and enjoy access to Italy’s strong healthcare, education, and social security systems.

Is it good to have Italian citizenship?

Yes, the perks of having Italian citizenship include:

• Access to one of the world’s most powerful passports
• The ability to live and work across the EU
• Strong healthcare, education, and social welfare systems
• Cultural and family ties in Italy

For expats with long-term plans in Europe, it represents a valuable asset.

Are there any downsides to Italian citizenship?

While generally advantageous, there are some potential drawbacks to citizenship in Italy:

• Bureaucracy: Italy is known for lengthy administrative procedures
• Tax obligations: Citizens are subject to worldwide income tax if considered tax residents
• Residency obligations: Some pathways (such as naturalization) require physical residence before applying
• Language and cultural adaptation: Integration can be challenging for non-Italian speakers

Conclusion

Citizenship by marriage in Italy remains one of the most accessible ways for expats to become Italian nationals, provided all requirements are met.

With its powerful passport, EU-wide rights, and cultural advantages, Italian citizenship offers long-term benefits.

However, applicants should be prepared for a lengthy process, strict documentation standards, and language requirements.

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