Can I apply for Italian citizenship if my spouse is an Italian citizen but we are not living together?

Yes, you can apply for Italian citizenship if your spouse is an Italian citizen, but you must meet specific criteria, including marriage duration.

Yes, you can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage if your spouse is an Italian citizen, even if you are not living together. However, there are specific requirements and conditions you must meet to qualify. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Eligibility Criteria for Citizenship by Marriage:

To apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, you must fulfill the following conditions:

  • Marriage Duration Requirement:

    • Residing in Italy: You must have been married for at least 2 years if you reside in Italy.
    • Residing Abroad: If you live outside of Italy, you must have been married for at least 3 years.
    • Reduction for Children: If you and your spouse have biological or adopted children, the required duration is halved (1 year in Italy, 1.5 years abroad).
  • Valid Marriage:
    Your marriage must still be legally valid and registered with the Italian authorities.

  • Genuine Relationship:
    You must demonstrate that the marriage is ongoing and not solely for the purpose of acquiring citizenship.

2. Living Apart Considerations:

If you are not living with your Italian spouse, additional scrutiny may apply to confirm the authenticity of your relationship. To strengthen your application:

  • Provide Evidence of Your Relationship:
    Include proof of regular communication, visits, or joint financial responsibilities.

  • Valid Registration:
    Ensure that your marriage is registered with the local municipality (Comune) in Italy.

3. Additional Requirements:

Regardless of your living situation, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Language Proficiency:
    You must demonstrate B1-level proficiency in the Italian language through an accredited certificate, such as CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or CERT.IT.

  • Criminal Record Check:
    Provide clean criminal record certificates from your country of birth and any other countries where you have resided.

  • Good Conduct:
    Italian authorities will verify that you do not pose a security risk to the country.

4. Application Process:

  • Step 1: Gather Documents:
    Collect the required documents, including your marriage certificate, language proficiency certificate, criminal record certificates, and proof of your relationship.

  • Step 2: Submit Online Application:
    Apply through the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s online portal. If you live abroad, submit your application through the Italian consulate in your country of residence.

  • Step 3: Wait for Processing:
    Citizenship applications by marriage typically take 2 to 4 years to process, depending on the workload of the authorities.

5. Challenges of Living Apart:

Living apart from your spouse may require you to provide additional evidence to confirm the legitimacy of your marriage. Failure to demonstrate an ongoing relationship could lead to delays or denial of your application.

6. Conclusion:

You can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage if your spouse is an Italian citizen, even if you are not living together. However, you must meet specific marriage duration and language proficiency requirements and provide evidence of a genuine relationship. By preparing the necessary documentation and demonstrating the validity of your marriage, you can successfully apply for Italian citizenship.