Italian Citizenship by Marriage 2026: Req. & Deadlines

What is Italian Citizenship by Marriage?

Italian citizenship by marriage, technically called naturalization by matrimony, is a procedure regulated by Italian legislation intended for spouses of Italian citizens who meet specific requirements. For the year 2026, the process remains subject to formal criteria, legal deadlines, and the presentation of complete and duly regularized documentation.

Unlike citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which is a recognition of right, citizenship by marriage is a concession from the Italian State. This means that, even if all requirements are met, approval depends on administrative analysis and can be denied in specific cases.

Important: With the increase in the number of applications and greater rigor in administrative analysis, it is essential to have an objective and updated understanding of the requirements, documents, and how the application is processed.

Minimum Marriage Periods to Apply

One of the most important requirements is the minimum time of valid civil marriage. The deadlines vary according to the couple's place of residence:

For Residents in Italy

• You can apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage, counted from the date of the ceremony or the date the Italian spouse acquired citizenship (if by naturalization).
• The period is reduced by half (1 year) if the couple has minor or adopted children.

For Residents Abroad

• The application can be made after 3 years of marriage.
• The period is reduced to 18 months if the couple has minor or adopted children.

⚠️ Attention: The marriage must be registered in the Italian Comune (municipal registry office in Italy) to be considered valid in the Italian system. Marriages performed abroad need to be transcribed in Italy.

Residency and AIRE (for Those Living Abroad)

If the couple resides outside of Italy, there are important additional requirements:

• The Italian spouse must be registered in the AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero - Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad) at the corresponding consulate.
• The couple must prove they reside at the same address and keep the registration updated.
• The application is made through the Italian consulate in the jurisdiction where the applicant resides.

Note: There are bills under discussion that could require legal residency in Italy to apply for citizenship by marriage, but as of this update, this requirement has not been officially implemented and the traditional rule remains valid.

Italian Proficiency: Mandatory Requirement

Since 2018, Italian law requires the foreign spouse to demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language at a minimum B1 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Proof is provided through official certification recognized by Italian law:

• CILS (Università per Stranieri di Siena)
• CELI (Università per Stranieri di Perugia)
• PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri)
• Roma Tre

💡 Exceptions: In exceptional cases, such as people with cognitive limitations or disabilities, the requirement may be relaxed based on recent court decisions, but this depends on each specific situation.

Conduct Requirements and Criminal Records

The application for Italian citizenship also requires:

• Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and any country where the applicant has resided, with translation and legalization/apostille of the documents when necessary.
• Absence of convictions for crimes punishable by a sentence of more than three years in Italy, or more than one year abroad, for non-political offenses.

Documents Required for the Application

You will need to scan and attach the following documents to the Ministry of the Interior portal:

Step by Step: How to Apply

1. Access the Ministry of the Interior Portal

The application is made through the official portal: portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it

2. Filling out the Form

During the online process, you will need to:

• Fill in personal, residency, and marital status data.
• Provide the dates and countries where you have resided in the last 10 years.
• Attach scanned documents in a legible PDF format.
• Confirm and submit the application.
• Make the fee payment.

3. After Submission

After sending, the system will issue a protocol number and your application will be analyzed by the Prefettura of your province of residence. You may:

• Track the status through the portal itself.
• Be summoned for an in-person interview or to present original documents.
• Be notified if corrections or additional documents are needed.

🚨 Change of Address: If you move after submitting the application, it is essential to notify the Ministry of the Interior immediately. A change of municipality changes the responsible Prefettura and can cause delays or suspension of the process.

Waiting Time

The legal deadline for completing the process is up to 24 months, extendable by another 12 months in exceptional cases. In practice, many processes take between 18 and 36 months, depending on the province.

If the application is denied due to lack of mandatory requirements, a reasoned rejection decree will be issued.

Oath (Giuramento)

The oath is performed only by appointment. When the formal act of granting citizenship ("Decreto di concessione") is received by the Consulate, it is delivered by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt, and the person is invited to take the oath with all necessary instructions.

The deadline to appear at the Italian consulate for the oath varies by consulate. Therefore, it is essential to keep your registration updated, informing them of any change of address.

Tips to Avoid Delays in the Process

1. Submit correctly translated and apostilled documents - Errors in documentation are the main cause of delays.
2. Keep your Anagrafe registration updated throughout the entire process.
3. Ensure your B1 certificate meets the official requirements.
4. Keep printed copies of all digitally attached documents.
5. Regularly monitor the portal to check for notifications.

Conclusion

Italian citizenship by marriage remains, in 2026, a safe and legal path for those who have built their lives alongside an Italian citizen. However, it is a process that requires planning, attention to deadlines, strict compliance with legal requirements — especially B1 level Italian proficiency — and organized documentation.

Considering the possible legislative changes under discussion, starting the process as soon as possible can be a significant advantage, avoiding stricter requirements in the future. Being well-informed, keeping your marital status legally recognized in Italy, and preparing the necessary documentation in advance are essential steps to increase the chances of success.

More than a right, citizenship by marriage is the formal recognition of an existing bond and, when well-managed, can open doors to a new stage of life in Italy and the European Union.

Need Help with Your Process?

Our specialized team can guide you through all stages of Italian citizenship by marriage.