Who can request it
The foreign spouse of an Italian citizen can apply for citizenship if the marriage or civil union is in force and, when it was celebrated outside Italy, was already transcribed in an Italian Comune. There must be no legal separation or divorce when the decree is issued.
Residence or marriage terms
If the couple resides outside Italy, the application can normally be submitted after three years from the marriage or from the acquisition of citizenship of the Italian spouse. In Italy, the general term is two years of legal residence. The terms are reduced by half when there are children born or adopted by the spouses.
Italian language level B1
The applicant must prove a knowledge of Italian of no less than level B1 through a qualification accepted by the regulations, except in the applicable exemption cases. It is advisable to obtain the certificate before paying the contribution and submitting the application.
Main documents
A comprehensive marriage certificate transcribed in Italy, an identity document, a complete birth extract and criminal certificates from the country of origin, the countries of citizenship and residence from the age of 14 are required, with the exceptions provided. Proof of residence and receipt of the ministerial contribution are also requested.
Validity, apostille and translation
The birth certificate is recommended to be issued within the previous six months. Criminal certificates must have been issued no later than six months before the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Italian; The municipal or notarial certificate of residence is also apostilled and translated.
How the procedure is presented
The application is started online on the Ministry of the Interior portal. After admission, the consular office may summon the applicant to verify originals and complete proceedings. First review all the documents, the B1 and the marriage situation.