Can I apply for Italian citizenship if I’m married to an Italian citizen living abroad?

Yes, you can apply for Italian citizenship if married to an Italian citizen living abroad, provided you meet marriage duration and other requirements.

Yes, you can apply for Italian citizenship if you are married to an Italian citizen living abroad. The process is available to spouses of Italian citizens regardless of their place of residence, but specific requirements and conditions must be met. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Marriage Duration Requirement:
The length of time you must be married before applying for citizenship depends on whether you and your spouse have children:

  • Standard Requirement:
    If you are married to an Italian citizen and living abroad, you must be married for 3 years before you can apply for citizenship.

  • Reduction for Children:
    If you and your spouse have biological or adopted children, the required duration is reduced to 1.5 years.

2. Registration of Marriage:
To apply for Italian citizenship, your marriage must be officially registered with the Italian government. If your marriage took place outside Italy, ensure that:

  • The marriage is registered at the Comune (municipality) in Italy where your Italian spouse is registered.
  • You have a copy of the Estratto per Riassunto dell’Atto di Matrimonio (marriage certificate) issued by the Comune.

3. Language Proficiency Requirement:
Applicants for Italian citizenship by marriage must demonstrate B1-level proficiency in the Italian language. This requirement applies regardless of where you live. To meet this condition, you must:

  • Provide a language certificate from an accredited institution, such as CELI, CILS, or PLIDA.
  • Alternatively, submit proof of Italian education, which may exempt you from the language test.

4. Criminal Record Check:
You will need to submit a clean criminal record certificate from:

  • Your country of origin.
  • Any other countries where you have resided since the age of 14.

These documents must be translated into Italian and legalized or apostilled, depending on the issuing country.

5. Application Process for Spouses Living Abroad:
If you are living abroad, the application for citizenship by marriage is submitted through the Italian consulate in your country of residence. The process involves:

  • Online Application Submission:
    Complete and submit your application on the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s online portal.
  • Consular Review:
    The Italian consulate will process your application and may require an in-person appointment for verification.
  • Document Submission:
    Provide all required documents, including marriage and birth certificates, criminal record certificates, proof of language proficiency, and passport copies.

6. Processing Time:
The processing time for citizenship by marriage typically takes 2 to 4 years. This timeline can vary depending on the consulate’s workload and the completeness of your application.

7. Key Considerations:

  • Marriage Duration and Registration:
    Ensure your marriage meets the required duration and is properly registered in Italy.
  • Language Certification:
    Prepare your B1-level Italian proficiency certificate in advance.
  • Stay Updated:
    Maintain communication with the consulate to track your application’s progress.

8. Conclusion:
If you are married to an Italian citizen and living abroad, you can apply for Italian citizenship after being married for 3 years (or 1.5 years if you have children). Ensure that your marriage is registered in Italy, meet the language proficiency requirement, and submit all necessary documents to the Italian consulate. With proper preparation, you can successfully navigate the process and obtain Italian citizenship.