Yes, you can apply for Italian citizenship if married to an Italian citizen and living abroad, provided you meet the required marriage duration and other criteria.
Yes, it is possible to apply for Italian citizenship if you are married to an Italian citizen and live outside of Italy. However, there are specific requirements regarding the duration of your marriage, your residency status, and your language proficiency that must be met to successfully apply for citizenship.
Eligibility for Citizenship When Living Outside Italy:
Marriage Duration Requirement (3 Years if Living Abroad):
If you are married to an Italian citizen and living outside of Italy, the marriage must have lasted for at least 3 years before you can apply for Italian citizenship. This 3-year period begins on the date of your legal marriage and can be extended or reduced depending on additional factors, such as the presence of children.
Marriage Duration Reduction with Children:
If you and your Italian spouse have children together, the duration required for applying for citizenship is reduced by half. This means that if you have children with your spouse, the requirement is only 1.5 years of marriage instead of the full 3 years. This provision is aimed at recognizing the added familial bonds through children.
Other Requirements for Citizenship:
Proof of Stable Relationship:
Your marriage must be legally recognized, valid, and ongoing. You will need to provide evidence that the marriage has not been dissolved. This can include joint financial accounts, tax returns, proof of cohabitation, or any other documentation showing that your relationship is stable and ongoing.
Language Proficiency Requirement:
Since 2018, applicants for Italian citizenship through marriage are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language. You must have at least a B1 level of Italian as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This applies if you have been married for at least 3 years. You must submit evidence of your language skills through certificates or language tests.
Good Moral Character:
Applicants must also show that they have good moral standing. This generally means that they do not have a criminal record or any issues that would disqualify them from obtaining citizenship. Criminal record checks from both Italy (if applicable) and your home country will be required.
How to Apply for Citizenship from Abroad:
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Submit the Application to the Italian Consulate:
If you are living outside of Italy, you will need to submit your application for citizenship at the nearest Italian consulate. The application process includes providing the necessary documents, such as your marriage certificate, proof of your language proficiency, and any other supporting materials. -
Provide Documentation:
You will need to provide various documents, including your marriage certificate, evidence of your language proficiency, criminal records, and proof of the legitimacy of your relationship. If applicable, also provide proof of your children together with your Italian spouse. -
Processing Time:
The processing time for citizenship applications can be lengthy, often taking up to 2 years. During this time, Italian authorities will review the application and verify the documents you’ve submitted.
Steps to Apply for Italian Citizenship While Living Outside Italy:
- Ensure that you meet the 3-year marriage duration and language proficiency requirements.
- Collect all necessary documents, including proof of marriage, language certificate, criminal records, and evidence of a stable relationship.
- Submit the completed application to the nearest Italian consulate.
Conclusion:
If you are married to an Italian citizen and live outside of Italy, you can still apply for Italian citizenship. You must meet the marriage duration requirement of at least 3 years, demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language, and provide proof of a stable, ongoing marriage. The application process can be lengthy, but with the right documentation and compliance with requirements, you can successfully apply for citizenship from abroad.