Italy Italy Citizenship by Marriage — Citizenship Program
🏆 OVERVIEW
Country
🇮🇹 Italy
Program
Italy Citizenship by Marriage
Local Name
Cittadinanza per Matrimonio
Type
Marriage Fast-Track
Status
Active
Residency Required
2 years
Processing Time
730-1095 days
Dual Citizenship
Allowed
Visa-Free Countries
185 destinations
Passport Rank
#4 (Henley Index)
Foreign spouses of Italian citizens living in Italy can apply after 2 years of legal residency while married, reduced to 1 year if the couple has children (biological or adopted). Spouses living abroad can apply after 3 years of marriage, reduced to 18 months with children. Requires B1 Italian language certification.
💵 FEES & COSTS
Application Fee
$270
📋 ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Min Age
18+
Police Clearance
Required
Medical Exam
Not required
Language
B1 (CELI, CILS, PLIDA, or Roma Tre (CLIQ-certified))
Language Exemptions
Italian education diploma holders
Oath
Required
🏠 RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Residency Required
2 years
Residency Type
Any
Continuous
Must be unbroken
Cohabitation
Must live with spouse
🛂 PASSPORT & MOBILITY
Passport Rank
#4 (Henley Index)
Visa-Free Access
185 countries
Passport Validity
10 years
EU Citizenship
Yes
Schengen Access
Yes
US E-2 Treaty
Yes — eligible for US investor visa
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
Online
Apply from Abroad
Yes
Application Type
Open
Official Website
www.esteri.it
Legal Basis
Legge 91/1992 Art. 5
📌 NOTES & CAVEATS
Italy residence route: 24 months of legal residence after marriage, reduced to 12 months if the couple has children. Abroad route: 36 months of marriage, reduced to 18 months with children. Marriage must be valid and registered with Italian civil registry. Couple must still be married at time of application AND when citizenship is granted. Application fee is EUR 250. Processing typically 24-36 months.
🔗 ALSO IN ITALY
- Digital Nomad Visa (digital nomad visa)
- Italy Startup Visa (startup)
- Italy Elective Residency Visa (retirement)
- Italy Investor Visa (investor visa)