Naturalization in Italy: Citizenship Through Residency and Marriage

Have you been living in Italy for some time, or are you married to an Italian citizen? If so, you can apply for naturalization—and obtain an Italian (and thus EU) passport. Here you’ll find out what deadlines and requirements apply, what language proficiency proof you need, and how the application process works. (Citizenship by descent is handled separately—see jure sanguinis.)

Naturalization Through Residence

The traditional route based on long-term residence (Citizenship by Residence). The time limits for continuous, legal residence:

• Non-EU citizens: 10 years
• EU citizens: 4 years
• Refugees and Stateless Persons: 5 years
• People Born in Italy: 3 years

Another requirement is a sufficient income (Approximate amount: 8,263 € per year, excluding dependents) and proof of B1-level language proficiency.

Naturalization Through Marriage

If you are married to an Italian citizen (or in a registered partnership), the following applies (citizenship by marriage):

• 2 years Marriage with Residence in Italy
• 3 years, if you live abroad
• at their children together These time limits are halved (meaning after just 1 year if you are a resident of Italy)

Here you'll find No income requirement, but you'll also need to provide proof of B1-level language proficiency. You can read about the marriage process in Italy in the guide Getting Married in Italy.

Prerequisite: B1-level language proficiency

Since December 2018, for (almost) all applications based on residency or marriage, you need a B1 Italian Certificate (e.g., CILS, CELI, PLIDA). Exceptions include, among others, individuals with a permanent EU residence permit. To find out how to reach this level, see Learn Italian.

Here's how the application process works

The motion will be exclusively online via the Ministry of the Interior's ALI portal submitted—along with certified translations and legalized (apostilled) foreign documents. The fee is 250 € plus a 16 € revenue stamp (via PagoPA). Processing takes up to 24 months, extendable to 36 months.

Dual citizenship

Italy allows the dual citizenship – You do not have to surrender your current passport. You should check with your home country to see if it allows multiple citizenship.

What You Need to Do Next

Check which option (residence or marriage) and which deadline applies to you, and make sure to secure the B1 Certificate and gather your documents with apostilles and translations. Make sure you have a continuous, uninterrupted record of residence (Residenza). Incidentally, EU citizens are allowed to vote in local elections even before they become naturalized—see Voting Rights for EU Citizens.