Yes, having children with your Italian spouse reduces the waiting time for citizenship. The marriage duration requirement is halved if you have children together.
Yes, having children with your Italian spouse can reduce the waiting time for applying for Italian citizenship. The law recognizes the stronger familial ties that come with having children, and therefore, it allows for a shorter waiting period before you can apply for citizenship.
Reduction in Waiting Time for Citizenship with Children:
Marriage Duration Requirement Halved:
If you and your Italian spouse have children together, the marriage duration required for applying for Italian citizenship is reduced by half. Normally, the waiting time for citizenship by marriage is 3 years if living abroad and 2 years if living in Italy. However, with children, the waiting period is reduced to 1.5 years if living abroad and 1 year if living in Italy. This provision is intended to acknowledge the additional bond created through children, which is seen as an indication of a more integrated and stable relationship.
Requirements for Citizenship Application:
Proof of Marriage Duration:
To apply for Italian citizenship, you must still meet the marriage duration requirement, whether reduced by children or not. The reduction applies once you have met the minimum marriage duration with your Italian spouse. After that, you can proceed with the application, which includes submitting all necessary documentation, such as your marriage certificate, proof of children, language proficiency, and criminal records.
Stable Relationship with Children:
In addition to the marriage duration, you must demonstrate a stable, ongoing marital relationship. This includes showing that your relationship with your spouse and children is genuine and ongoing. Evidence can include joint bank accounts, tax returns, proof of cohabitation, or documents showing the relationship's continuity.
Other Requirements for Citizenship:
Language Proficiency:
Applicants for citizenship through marriage must show proficiency in the Italian language. Since 2018, applicants must have at least a B1 level of Italian, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This requirement applies once the marriage duration is met and can be fulfilled by submitting a recognized language certificate.
Good Moral Character:
You must also demonstrate good moral standing by providing a criminal record check from both Italy (if applicable) and your home country. A clean criminal record is essential to qualify for Italian citizenship.
How to Apply for Citizenship with Children:
-
Submit the Application:
Once you meet the marriage duration and other requirements, you can submit your application for Italian citizenship. You will need to provide a valid marriage certificate, proof of language proficiency, proof of your children, and a criminal record check. -
Application Processing:
The application will be reviewed by Italian authorities, which can take up to 2 years. During this time, authorities will verify your documents and ensure all criteria are met. -
Reduced Processing Time:
Since you meet the reduced marriage duration requirement due to children, the overall time spent before applying will be shorter compared to those without children.
Steps to Apply for Italian Citizenship with Children:
- Ensure you meet the reduced marriage duration and language proficiency requirements.
- Gather all necessary documents, including proof of marriage, children, language skills, and good moral character.
- Submit your application to the relevant Italian authorities or consulate.
Conclusion:
Having children with your Italian spouse can significantly reduce the waiting time for applying for Italian citizenship. The standard marriage duration requirement of 3 years if living abroad or 2 years if living in Italy is halved, meaning you only need to wait 1.5 years or 1 year, respectively, before applying. This reduced waiting time, along with meeting other requirements such as language proficiency and good moral character, can help streamline the process of obtaining Italian citizenship.