To apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, you must be married for 2 years if living in Italy or 3 years if living abroad, with reductions for children.
The length of time you need to be married to an Italian citizen before applying for citizenship depends on your place of residence and whether you have children. The Italian government has specific requirements for marriage duration to ensure the legitimacy of the relationship. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
1. Marriage Duration Requirement:
The required length of marriage before applying for Italian citizenship varies based on where you and your spouse reside:
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If Residing in Italy:
You can apply for citizenship after being married for 2 years, provided you and your spouse have been living together in Italy during this time. -
If Residing Abroad:
If you and your spouse live outside Italy, you can apply after 3 years of marriage.
2. Reductions for Children:
The required marriage duration is reduced by half if you and your spouse have biological or adopted children together:
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If Residing in Italy:
You can apply after 1 year of marriage if you have children. -
If Residing Abroad:
You can apply after 1.5 years of marriage if children are part of your family.
3. Important Considerations:
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Proof of Cohabitation:
Italian authorities require evidence that you and your spouse live together. This can include joint lease agreements, utility bills, or other documents confirming cohabitation. -
Valid Marriage Registration:
Your marriage must be officially registered with the Italian government. If your marriage took place abroad, ensure it is recorded at the Italian Comune (municipality) where your spouse is registered.
4. Other Requirements Beyond Marriage Duration:
Meeting the minimum marriage duration is just one requirement for applying for Italian citizenship by marriage. Additional conditions include:
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Residency:
If applying in Italy, you must provide proof of legal residence in the country. -
Language Proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate B1-level proficiency in Italian, as verified by an accredited language certificate or Italian school transcripts. -
Criminal Record Check:
You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any other countries where you have lived.
5. Application Process:
Once you meet the required marriage duration, you can apply for citizenship:
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Online Submission:
Submit your application through the Italian Ministry of the Interior’s portal. If you live in Italy, your local municipality (Comune) may assist with the process. -
Supporting Documents:
Ensure you have all required documents, including your marriage certificate, birth certificate, language certification, and criminal record certificate.
6. Processing Time:
The application process for Italian citizenship by marriage can take between 2 to 4 years, depending on the completeness of your application and the processing workload of Italian authorities.
7. Conclusion:
To apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, you must be married to an Italian citizen for at least 2 years if living in Italy or 3 years if living abroad. These durations are reduced by half if you have children together. Ensure your marriage is officially registered and all additional requirements are met to successfully apply for citizenship.