Italian Citizenship by Marriage: How to Apply in 2025

If you're married to an Italian citizen, you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, also known as cittadinanza italiana per matrimonio or jure matrimonii. This is a popular path to Italian nationality, especially for couples living abroad, but the process is complex and has recently changed.

This 2025 guide covers how to obtain an Italian citizenship through marriage, including document rules, the B1 Italian test, and how to apply through the Ministero dell’Interno cittadinanza portal or your Italian consulate.

Getting Italian citizenship through marriage? Here's what you need to know about eligibility, documents, and how to apply in 2025 — including the B1 exam.

Who Can Apply for Italian Nationality by Marriage

You qualify if:

• You are legally married to an Italian citizen

• You’ve been married for:

  • 2 years if living in Italy

  • 3 years if living abroad

• The timeline is halved if you have children with your Italian spouse

• The marriage is valid at the time of application and at the time citizenship is granted

  
  

2025 Legal Update: Act Now if You Live Abroad

The Italian government debated changing the law to require residency in Italy for all citizenship by marriage applicants. This proposal did not pass in 2025, but future attempts are expected.

If you live outside Italy and want to apply under current rules, start your process as soon as possible.

Language Requirement: The B1 Italian Test

Most applicants must pass a B1 Italian test to prove basic language ability. Fortunately, you do not need the full academic B1 exam. You can take the CILS B1 cittadinanza, which is a simplified version designed specifically for citizenship.

It tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing at a basic level. It is widely available in Italy, but can be difficult to find abroad. Results can take up to 3 months, but the certificate never expires.

Special exemption: If you were married before April 27, 1983, and that marriage was registered with Italy before March 27, 2025, you are exempt from the Italian language test requirement.

Documents Needed (Documenti per Cittadinanza Italiana per Matrimonio)

You’ll need to submit:

• Italian marriage certificate

• Birth certificate

• Criminal background checks for every country and state or region where you’ve lived since age 14 (must include both national and local records)

• Valid ID (passport or equivalent)

• CILS B1 cittadinanza certificate

• €250 payment receipt

• Marca da bollo (Italian revenue stamp, usually €16)

All non-Italian documents must follow this order:

1. Certified by the issuing authority

2. Apostilled (or legalized if required)

3. Translated into Italian by a court-approved translator (traduttore giurato)

⚠️ Warning: Do not use unofficial or online-only translation services. Many scams exist. Only use translators registered with an Italian court.

Background checks must be dated within 6 months of your application. Since exam results may take several weeks, wait to order background checks until after you receive your exam certificate.

Want more detailed information about the documents you need? Check out our Guide to Applying for Italian Citizenship by Marriage with full translations and explanations of the entire online application.

How to Apply for Cittadinanza Italiana per Matrimonio

1. Register your marriage with Italy- Your marriage must be recorded in Italy through your spouse’s comune. Contact your Italian consulate if you live abroad.

2. Take the B1 cittadinanza exam- Plan ahead. Exam dates fill quickly, especially outside Italy.

3. Create an account on the Ministry of Interior portal- Apply at https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it

4. Upload your documents and pay the fee- Submit the certified, apostilled, and translated documents. Include the €250 payment receipt and your marca da bollo, both can be paid online within the portal.

5. Wait to be contacted- Your Italian consulate (if abroad) or prefettura (if in Italy) will reach out to schedule your in-person document review.

   👉 Your Italian spouse must attend the appointment with you and bring valid Italian ID.

6. Attend the appointment with originals- Bring all original documents. The office will verify everything in person.

7. Wait for your decision- Processing times vary widely. Some consulates and prefectures are very efficient; others may take 2 to 3 years.

What to Prioritize Right Now

• Register your marriage with Italy

• Book the B1 Italian test early

• Start preparing documents and apostilles, but wait to request background checks until after you get your exam results

• Use only certified translators registered with an Italian court

• Apply while current laws are still in place

Need Help Passing the B1 Test?

The CILS B1 cittadinanza exam is often the biggest hurdle—and that’s where Ready Set Italia comes in.

Our fast, online prep program is made specifically for citizenship applicants. You’ll get:

• Clear lessons focused on the real exam

• Practice for listening, reading, writing, and speaking

• 10 past exams with automatic grading

• Guidance on how and where to register for your exam

We’ve helped hundreds of people pass their B1 Italian test and move one step closer to cittadinanza italiana. Plus, B1 clients can get the Guide to the online Italian Citizenship by Marriage Application for FREE.

FAQ: What About Same-Sex Marriages?

If you are in a same-sex marriage performed outside of Italy and your marriage is properly registered with your spouse’s Italian comune, you are fully eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage (jure matrimonii). The process, timeline, and requirements are exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Italian citizenship by marriage takes time, preparation, and patience, but it is absolutely possible with the right guidance.

By registering your marriage, passing the B1 exam, and submitting correct documents, you can begin your path to Italian nationality by marriage.