Citizenship by Marriage

Italian citizenship by marriage (jure matrimonii) is a simplified naturalization pathway for foreign or stateless persons married to Italian citizens. Unlike automatic citizenship rules that existed before 1983, this pathway requires you to formally apply and meet strict eligibility criteria. You gain full Italian citizenship—with all associated rights—once you take the oath of allegiance after your application is approved.

This pathway is distinct from citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which applies to those with Italian ancestry, and from citizenship by residency, which requires years of continuous residence without a family connection. Marriage to an Italian citizen is the qualifying relationship here.

Current Law

This pathway is governed by Article 5 of Law 91/1992, as amended. The most significant amendments are:

• December 4, 2018: The mandatory B1 Italian language requirement was introduced for all applications submitted from this date forward
• December 20, 2020: Maximum processing time was extended from 48 months to 24 months, with possible extension to 36 months in exceptional cases
• July 26, 2022: Constitutional Court Ruling 195/2022 clarified that death of the Italian spouse during the application process does not prevent citizenship acquisition

Recent Legislative Developments

Law 74/2025 (Effective May 24, 2025)

This law primarily reformed citizenship by descent but has one impact on marriage-based citizenship: minor children no longer automatically acquire citizenship when a parent acquires it through marriage. Instead, children must have legally resided in Italy for at least two years. Children under two years old born in Italy are excepted. Applications filed before March 27, 2025, are protected under the old rules.

Consular Fee Changes (January 1, 2025)

The €16 electronic revenue stamp is no longer required for applications submitted by foreign nationals residing abroad, reducing the total government fee to €250 for such applicants.

Draft Law No. 1450/2025 (Pending)

A draft law presented to the Italian Senate on April 8, 2025, would significantly restrict this pathway to applicants residing in Italy only, effectively eliminating it for spouses of Italian citizens living abroad. The General Council of Italians Abroad (CGIE) has rejected this proposal. As of March 2026, this law has not been enacted. Applications filed under current rules are protected by the principle of non-retroactivity, meaning they will be assessed under the rules in force when you submit them. However, if you reside abroad and meet current eligibility criteria, you should act without delay given this pending legislation.

Once you take the oath of allegiance after your application is approved, you gain:

• Travel and residence: Unrestricted travel and residence throughout the EU, plus an Italian passport with visa-free access to over 190 countries
• Work: Right to live and work in Italy and across the EU without restrictions
• Healthcare and education: Access to Italy's public healthcare system and education
• Political participation: Voting rights, right to hold public office, and full civil and political rights under Italian and EU law
• Family reunification: Simplified visa processes for family members; ability to pass citizenship to children born after you acquire it
• Social benefits: Access to pensions and social benefits
• Dual citizenship: Italy recognizes dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your original nationality (subject to your country of origin's laws)