Italian Citizenship by Marriage: How It Works and Why You Should Act Now

20 May Italian Citizenship by Marriage: How It Works and Why You Should Act Now

Are you married to an Italian citizen and have been thinking about applying for Italian citizenship, but keep putting it off? Now is the time to stop waiting. Recent changes to Italian citizenship law are shifting the rules — and in some cases making the process more complex. In this article, we explain how citizenship by marriage works, what you need, and why it’s worth moving now.

Who Can Apply for Italian Citizenship by Marriage

The foreign (or stateless) spouse of an Italian citizen may apply for Italian citizenship under Article 5 of Law 91/1992. This is not an automatic right — it is a concession, subject to specific requirements being met.

When Can You Apply: The Timing Requirements

An application can only be submitted after:

• 2 years of legal residence in Italy following the marriage (if residing in Italy)
• 3 years from the date of the marriage (if residing abroad, such as in the UK)

These periods are halved if the couple has children born or adopted together:

• 1 year in Italy
• 18 months abroad (with children)

The marriage must still be in effect at the time of the application: dissolution, annulment or legal separation disqualifies the applicant.

The Requirements for the Application

In addition to the timing requirements, you must:

• Have no relevant criminal convictions (in Italy or abroad)
• Demonstrate knowledge of Italian language at least at B1 level (mandatory exam)
• Not have previously been stripped of Italian citizenship

Unlike citizenship by residency, there is NO income requirement for citizenship by marriage.

Documents Required

The main documents to submit include:

• Full marriage certificate transcribed in Italy
• Full birth certificate with all personal details (translated and legalised/apostilled)
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (valid 6 months, apostilled and translated)
• Certificate of residence in Italy (if residing in Italy) or proof of residence abroad
• Copy of a valid passport or identity card
• Proof of Italian language proficiency at B1 level

If you changed your surname at marriage and there is a discrepancy with your birth certificate, you will also need a certificate of personal details issued by your country’s embassy or consulate.

How to Submit the Application

Applications are submitted exclusively online via the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s ALI Portal (using SPID or CIE). If you reside abroad, you will select Model AE; if in Italy, Model A.

You must pay a contribution of €250 plus €16 for a revenue stamp.

Processing times are currently 24-36 months from the date of application.

Why You Should Act Now: Recent Changes

IMPORTANT: Recent legal reforms are changing the landscape of Italian citizenship. While the procedure for citizenship by marriage remains broadly unchanged, the wider context is evolving rapidly.

Here is why it is worth moving without delay:

1. Increasingly strict checks

Under Law 74/2025, Italian authorities have intensified controls on all citizenship applications, including those by marriage, to prevent misuse. Incomplete or incorrectly documented applications are now more likely to be rejected than before.

2. Centralisation of procedures at the Farnesina

A centralised office is being created at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage citizenship applications. This may introduce new requirements or change the way applications are submitted.

3. Rules for minor children have changed

Under the new rules, minor children no longer automatically acquire citizenship together with a parent who obtains it through marriage, unless they have legally resided in Italy for at least 2 years. This is an important change if you plan to extend citizenship to your children as well.

4. Processing times are already long

Processing times for citizenship by marriage are already 24-36 months. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the outcome.

How We Can Help

Words at Hand supports couples and families in preparing all the necessary documentation for a citizenship by marriage application, with particular focus on:

• Certified translation of the birth certificate (apostilled)
• Translation of the criminal record certificate from the country of origin
• Translation and verification of all foreign documents to be attached to the application
• Assistance in collecting missing documents

Don’t wait! Get in touch today: cristina@wordsathand.com | WhatsApp: +44 7824 347667 | wordsathand.com/contact