B1 Italian Language Test and Citizenship: Who Is Exempt? The New 2025 Exemptions

29 May B1 Italian Language Test and Citizenship: Who Is Exempt? The New 2025 Exemptions

Since 2018, anyone applying for Italian citizenship — whether by marriage or by residence (naturalisation) — must demonstrate a minimum B1 level of Italian, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

However, not everyone is required to take this exam. The exemptions are broader than many people realise — and in 2025, the Constitutional Court extended them further with a landmark ruling.

What Is the B1 Requirement?

B1 level corresponds to an intermediate knowledge of Italian: the ability to understand the main points of clear speech, to produce texts on familiar topics, and to interact in everyday situations. It is an accessible level, not advanced.

Certification must be issued by one of the institutions recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education, including: the Dante Alighieri Society, the University for Foreigners of Siena, the University for Foreigners of Perugia, and Roma Tre University.

Alternatively, the requirement is considered met through a qualification issued by a recognised Italian public or private educational institution.

Who Was Already Exempt Before 2025

Before the 2025 ruling, the following were already exempt from the B1 test:

• Holders of an EU long-term residents’ permit valid for Italy
• Those who had signed the Integration Agreement
• Those holding a qualification from a recognised Italian public or private institution (in Italy or abroad)
• Those applying for citizenship iure sanguinis (by descent): the language requirement has never applied to this category

Please note: holders of a Carta di Soggiorno (not to be confused with the EU long-term residence permit) are NOT exempt: they must demonstrate B1 to submit a citizenship application.

The 2025 Development: Constitutional Court Ruling No. 25/2025

On 7 March 2025, the Italian Constitutional Court deposited ruling No. 25/2025, declaring the generalised B1 requirement unconstitutional insofar as it provided no exemption for people who are objectively unable to learn Italian.

The Court ruled that imposing a language requirement on those who cannot meet it for certified medical or health reasons violates the principle of equality enshrined in the Italian Constitution.

Who Benefits from the New Exemption?

Thanks to the ruling, the following are now also exempt from the B1 test:

• People with severe cognitive disabilities that prevent language learning
• People with certified conditions that significantly limit their language learning capacity
• Elderly people with learning difficulties supported by medical documentation

IMPORTANT: The exemption is not automatic. To benefit from it, a certificate from a public health authority (ASL or equivalent) must be submitted, attesting to the limitations on language learning due to age, illness or disability. A certificate from a GP is not sufficient.

How to Obtain the Medical Certificate

The process for obtaining the exemption involves:

• Contacting your local ASL or public health authority
• Requesting a specific certificate attesting to the limitations on language learning due to age, illness or disability
• Attaching this certificate to the citizenship application in place of the B1 language certificate

If you live abroad, as is the case for those living in the UK, the medical certificate must be translated into Italian and, if necessary, legalised.

My Application Was Rejected for Lack of B1 — What Can I Do?

Those who have already submitted a citizenship application that was rejected for lack of the language requirement, and who fall within the new exemption categories, may request a review of their case in light of ruling No. 25/2025. It is advisable to consult a lawyer specialising in immigration and citizenship law to assess your situation.

How We Can Help

If you are preparing an Italian citizenship application and need translated documentation — such as the medical certificate to present in place of the B1, or any other foreign document required for the process — Words at Hand is here to help.

• Certified translation of medical certificates and health documents
• Translation of foreign documents for citizenship by marriage or by residence applications
• Document verification before submission
• Urgent service available

Contact us: cristina@wordsathand.com | WhatsApp: +44 7824 347667 | wordsathand.com/contact