Italian citizenship marriage

In this official guide we’re exploring how to get Italian citizenship through marriage.

You’ll learn more about the requirements and the documents, how to apply and the processing time for Italian citizenship marriage.

Italian citizenship through marriage overview

The Law n. 91 February 5th 1992 regulates Italian citizenship through marriage.

The foreign spouse of an Italian citizen has the right (and not the mere concession) to ask for Italian citizenship to the local Italian Prefettura after being married for 2 years, if the couple resides in Italy, and to the Italian Consulate or Embassy after being married for 3 years if the couple resides abroad.

The above periods are reduced by half if the spouses have biological or adopted children who are minors (under 18 years old).

Italian citizenship by marriage requirements 2025

Italian citizenship by marriage requirements are basically four:

• The marriage must have already been registered at the Town Hall in Italy;
• The couple must not be divorced or legally separated;
• The foreign spouse must prove they can speak Italian (at least B1);
• The spouse must not have a criminal record or any ongoing legal issues;

Italian citizenship by marriage documents needed

Once you know the basic Italian citizenship by marriage requirements you can easily understand what documents you need to get Italian citizenship after marriage:

1. Full marriage certificate (“Estratto per riassunto dai registri di matrimonio”) issued by the Comune in Italy where the marriage was registered.
   Only an original certificate will be accepted, not a copy.
2. Statement of no divorce or separation along with the copy of the Italian passport.
3. Original birth certificate. If you are born in the country where you’re applying, you may not have to legalize it.
   The certificate must be translated into Italian by a certified translator.
4. Italian language certification: in the next section I’ll explain to you how you can get Italian citizenship through marriage if you match this condition.
5. Criminal records or background check or certificate of good conduct: in the next section I’ll explain to you how to get Italian citizenship through marriage with this certificate.
6. Receipt of payment of €250 fee for Italian citizenship marriage.
7. Valid passport.
8. Proof of residency in the consular section if you’re applying abroad.
9. Printed copy of application form.

Italian citizenship marriage language documents

The language certification may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

1. A degree issued by a public instructional institution or equivalent in Italy or abroad, recognized by the Ministero dell’Istruzione dell’Università e della Ricerca, and by the Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale.
2. A certificate of knowledge of italian language at level b1 (or higher), issued by one of the following institutions:

• Università per stranieri di Siena;
• Università per stranieri di Perugia;
• Università Roma Tre;
• Società Dante Alighieri.

Italian citizenship marriage no criminal records documents

The proof of no criminal records may be demonstrated with documents issued by the Nation of origin and every previous residency starting from the age of 14.

Criminal Records and Certificates of Good Conduct and Background Check are only valid for 6 months.

Every document issued abroad, if you’re applying in your country or in Italy, must be legalized and translated into Italian.

Italian citizenship marriage cost

As required by art. 14 D.L. 113 of October 4th 2018 there is a fee of €250 to be paid by all applicants. If you apply abroad, you should pay through international bank transfer, following these guidelines:

Beneficiary

Conto corrente postale

“MINISTERO DELL’INTERNO D.L.C.I. – CITTADINANZA”

Piazzale del Viminale, 00184 – ROMA (ITALIA)

IBAN CODE : IT54D0760103200000000809020

SWIFT CODE: BPPIITRRXXX

Eurogiro: PIBPITRA

REFERENCE: NAME & LAST NAME “ISTANZA DI CITTADINANZA PER MATRIMONIO”

Italian passport through marriage

After you’ll get your Italian citizenship through marriage you can finally ask for your Italian passport through marriage.

If you’re abroad, you can get it from the Italian consulate. If you live in Italy, you can get it from the local Police (Questura), through the official website.

How many years to get italian citizenship marriage

If you reside abroad, you become eligible for Italian citizenship through marriage after three years of marriage to an Italian citizen or, if you’re already married, three years after your spouse acquires Italian citizenship.

The waiting time is reduced to two years if the couple lives in Italy and is cut in half in both cases if they have children.

The first “security decree” in December 2018 extended the Italian citizenship by marriage processing time from 730 days to 48 months.

Later, Decree-Law No. 130/2020 reduced this timeframe to 24 months (two years), with a possible extension to a maximum of 36 months (three years).

So, if you’re guessing how many years to get Italian citizenship marriage, from the moment you marry an Italian citizen, you might have to wait up to six years before getting your Italian passport.

How to apply for italian citizenship by marriage

Applicants should submit their application for Italian citizenship marriage directly online.

Following the submission of the documentation, the applicant will be contacted for the deposit of the original documents and payment of the other fees.

After reviewing the submitted application the Consulate may accept the request, request additional documentation or reject the application.

FAQ – Italian citizenship marriage