If you’re the spouse of an Italian citizen planning to relocate to Italy, we have a guide specifically for you. From what you need to know to legally live there to how to acquire citizenship, read on to learn more about how to make Italy your home.
The residence permit for family members of EU citizens
As a direct family member of an EU citizen, you have the right to reside in the EU with that family member. Upon arriving in Italy, you will apply for your permit to stay (permesso di soggiorno). This must be done within 8 days of arrival. You will fill out a “kit” at your local post office and submit it to get an appointment at the immigration office (Questura). There, you will attend with your spouse and present documents, such as your marriage certificate and proof of residency, and get fingerprinted. Check your local Questura for specific requirements. After this appointment, you will receive your card. The validity of the permesso will be between 2 to 5 years, depending on local regulations at your Questura.
If your marriage certificate is not already in Italian, you will also need to obtain a professional translation and legalization of it, which you should do prior to moving to Italy.
Permanent residency
After you have resided in Italy for at least 5 years, you may qualify for permanent residency. Despite the name, this form of residency card does need to be renewed, though this is every 10 years, as opposed to the much shorter periods regular residence permits require. Renewal also does not require submitting a kit at the post office, but rather going directly to the Questura with the relevant paperwork. With this card, you have the ability to study, work, and live freely in Italy.
Citizenship by marriage
In contrast, marriage to an Italian citizen also qualifies the non-Italian spouse for Italian citizenship. Residing outside of Italy, the requirement is three years of marriage, whereas if you reside in Italy, it is after only two years. Having children cuts the time in half in both cases.
You will need the following documentation:
- A copy of your marriage certificate
- Criminal background checks from every place you have resided since the age of 14 (if you lived in the U.S., this needs to include both state and federal checks)
- A copy of your birth certificate
- **A certificate of knowledge of the Italian language at least at the B1 level
All documents must be professionally translated into Italian (as in sworn translations) and accompanied by an Apostille. Keep in mind that criminal background checks and the marriage certificate have only six months’ validity.
These documents will be submitted online at https://portaleservizi.dlci.interno.it/. After review, you will be called in for an interview with the consulate or prefettura, depending on if you apply outside of Italy or in Italy. At this interview, you will present the documents in original.
The cost of the application is €250. The processing time for the application is 2 years, with a maximum time of 3 years, beyond which you can send a formal notice (diffida) to receive an answer.
If the application is accepted, you will take an oath of allegiance and be an Italian citizen with full rights.
*Please note that women married to an Italian citizen prior to 1983 were automatically granted Italian citizenship. If this is your case, you can apply directly at the Italian consulate to have your citizenship recognized.
**The language exam can be taken either in Italy or abroad, provided that it meets the appropriate standards and accreditation. Specifically, the exam center should be certified by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR) or Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI). The CILS exam, as it is called, tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening. CELI and PLIDA are also qualifying, and similar, exams.
Comparing the processes
How do you know which is right for you—pursuing citizenship, or remaining on a permesso di soggiorno/permanent residency? This will depend on individual situations and also you and your spouse’s intentions for staying in Italy. Some people might prefer not having to worry about renewing a permesso di soggiorno, and so would prefer going the citizenship route. Others might not plan to stay in Italy long term and so would prefer the convenience of a permesso di soggiorno. Keep in mind too that all Italian citizens—even citizens by marriage—will need to register with AIRE if you leave Italy for longer than a year. The path you take will depend on what works best for you and what your personal goals are.
Conclusion
If you’re married to an Italian citizen and would like help exploring your options and submitting any applications, Italian Citizenship Assistance is here! Contact us today at [email protected].
