Italian Spouses: The 3 Biggest Threats to Your Citizenship

The path to Italian citizenship by marriage is often the most direct route to your passport. But the journey is full of hidden threats that can add years to your timeline. Don't let hidden threats derail your progress.

Don't let hidden threats derail your path to Italian citizenship by marriage. We'll show you how to navigate the threats.

We've identified the three biggest threats to getting your Italian citizenship as fast as possible, and we'll show you exactly how to solve them.

Threat #1: Taking Too Long to Pass Your B1 Language Exam

A B1-level of Italian language knowledge is a firm requirement for citizenship by marriage. This isn't just a formality; it's the number one reason many people’s applications are stalled before they even begin. The B1 Cittadinanza exam is a targeted test of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. A single failing score in any section means you fail the entire test. You must then wait months to re-register and re-take the full exam, costing you precious time. Many people focus on obtaining Italian fluency before taking the exam—this is a crucial mistake.

The Solution: Study Only What is on the Exam and Pass It Quickly

The truth is, the CILS B1 Cittadinanza exam can be passed without full fluency, thanks to its specific, targeted focus. Our Ready Set Italia B1 Preparation Program is designed to cut through the noise and get you ready to pass the official B1 exam as fast as possible. We focus on the specific knowledge you need to pass the test, so you can get your certificate and submit your application without delay.

Threat #2: Submitting an Online Application with Errors

The legal processing time for a citizenship application is a guideline of 24 months, which can be extended to 36 months. But the biggest risk is getting your application rejected after a years-long wait.

Your citizenship application is submitted entirely online to the Ministry of the Interior. This portal can feel like a black hole, as the entire application is in Italian, and browser translation tools will result in errors on the site. The system checks for completion but not accuracy. You could spend hours meticulously filling out the long form and uploading documents, and the system will accept your submission without flagging a single problem.

The real issues are the ones you can't see: a translation from a non-approved source, an ambiguous answer to an online question, or a name discrepancy without appropriate documentation. If you submit documents or responses with even a simple error, you might not find out for years until your application is rejected. Once that happens, you can resubmit, but your application will be moved to the end of the line, potentially adding years to your wait.

The Solution: Submitting a Perfect Application the First Time

Our new application by marriage guide walks you through every single step of the process to ensure your submitted application is perfect. It is your shield against the common errors that cost people years of waiting.

The best part? When you enroll in our B1 Exam Prep Program, you can get the guide for FREE. By ensuring your application is correct the first time, you avoid the number one cause of delays and put yourself on the fastest possible track to your passport.

Threat #3: The Looming Residency Requirement

If you are a spouse of an Italian citizen living abroad, your time to apply for citizenship may be running out. The Italian Parliament has made multiple attempts to require a minimum residency period for spouses hoping to attain citizenship. Other European countries already require spouses of citizens to live in the country for a specific amount of time. For example, Germany requires a minimum of 2 years of residency, while in Spain you must have lived there for at least one year. It is not a matter of if this change will make its way to Italy, but when.

When these changes come to Italy, a number of years will be added to your journey to citizenship, not to mention a required move if you live outside of Italy.

The Solution: Don't Wait. Get Your Application in ASAP

The most effective solution is to get your citizenship before the law changes. Ready Set Italia provides the tools you need to apply quickly and correctly, helping you defeat this threat before it becomes a reality.

The Full Timeline, Explained

Once your application is submitted, it is routed to the appropriate government office for processing. If you reside in Italy, your application is sent to the local Prefettura. If you live abroad, it goes to the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction.

The timeline for processing your application is largely determined by the backlog of these offices. The London consulate, for example, is currently processing applications in well under a year. However, if you are applying in Turin, Rome, or Florence, you should plan on the full 3 years.

Once your citizenship is approved, the final step is getting your passport. This process is typically much faster than the citizenship application itself. If you live outside of Italy, you need to schedule a passport appointment with your consulate, which is usually available within a couple of months. If you live in Italy, you can get an appointment in just a couple of weeks.

The journey to citizenship takes far longer than getting the passport itself. But by taking control of the three biggest risks... your B1 exam, your online application, and time itself... you can set yourself up for the fastest possible timeline.