Italian citizenship through marriage in 2026: what has changed?
Marrying an Italian citizen is still one of the most direct ways to obtain Italian citizenship, but the process has undergone significant reforms in recent years. Since the Security Decree of 2018, confirmed and adjusted in subsequent decrees, marriage does not automatically grant citizenship: it only entitles one to apply for it after fulfilling residency or marriage requirements, as well as proving proficiency in the Italian language.
In 2026, applications will continue to be processed by the Ministry of the Interior (Ministero dell'Interno) via the ALI portal (Amministrazione Cittadinanza e Immigrazione). Electronic processing has become mandatory, and the legal processing time has been adjusted to up to 24 months, extendable by a further 12 months in exceptional circumstances. This means that those who are well-organized can significantly reduce their waiting time in practice.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Spouse of an Italian citizen, with a marriage officially recognized in Italy (registered in the relevant municipality).
- The union was maintained without legal separation, dissolution, or annulment until the moment of the oath.
- Absence of disqualifying criminal convictions in any country where the applicant has resided.
- Proof of knowledge of the Italian language at level B1 of the CEFR.
Waiting periods after marriage
The rules regarding timeframes are the most confusing part of the process. The minimum time between marriage and filing the application depends on two factors: where the couple resides and whether they have children together, biological or adopted.
Residents in Italy
- No children: order can be placed after 2 years marriage and legal residency in Italy.
- With children in common: reduced timeframe for 1 year wedding.
Residents outside of Italy
- No children: 3 years wedding.
- Having children together: 1 year and 6 months (1,5 year).
The timeframes begin counting from the official date of the marriage, not from the date of registration at the Italian comune. Even so, without the registration, the application cannot be opened—therefore, the first practical step is always to ensure that the marriage is registered at the comune of reference for the Italian spouse.
Documents required in 2026
The list has changed little in recent years, but the requirement for certified translations and apostilles (Hague Convention) remains strict. Documents issued outside of Italy need to be translated into Italian by a certified translator and apostilled in the country of origin.
| Document | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | Country of birth | Full text, annotated and translated. |
| Wedding certificate | Italy (after transcription) | Issued by the municipality |
| Criminal record | All countries of residence after the age of 14. | Valid for 6 months. |
| B1 language certificate | Recognized certifying institution | CILS, CELI, PLIDA or Roma Tre |
| Proof of payment | Fee of 250 euros | Electronic payment via ALI portal |
| identity document | From the applicant | Valid at the time of ordering. |
Regarding the language certificate
The B1 requirement was implemented in December 2018 and remains in effect. Certificates issued by four official institutions are accepted: Università per Stranieri di Siena (CILS), Università per Stranieri di Perugia (CELI), Società Dante Alighieri (PLIDA), and Università Roma Tre. Private courses are not valid, even if they issue their own certificate.
Citizens who have already studied at official Italian schools abroad or who hold a secondary or higher education diploma obtained in Italy are exempt. It is always advisable to confirm the specific situation before taking the exam.
Step-by-step guide to placing an order through the ALI portal.
- Gather all the documentation. It must be apostilled and translated before starting the registration process, because the portal requires an upload at that moment.
- Create account on the ALI portal with SPID, CIE or specific credentials for residents outside of Italy.
- Fill the form with personal data, of the Italian spouse, children and residency history of the last 10 years.
- Upload the documents in PDF format, respecting the size limit of each file.
- Make the payment from the 250 euro fee directly through the portal.
- digitally sign and send it. The protocol number appears immediately.
- Follow the analysis through the portal itself — all official communications go through there.
After submission, the application is evaluated by the Prefettura (for those living in Italy) or the relevant Italian Consulate (for those living abroad). The final decision rests with the Ministry of the Interior, which issues the granting decree.
Oath and conclusion
Once the decree is approved, the applicant is summoned to take the oath (giuramento), which must happen within 6 months of official notification. Only after taking the oath does citizenship become legally valid, allowing the issuance of an Italian passport and registration with consular services as an Italian citizen.
It is during the oath-taking ceremony that the responsible authority (Prefetto, Sindaco, or consul) verifies in person that the union remains valid. If there has been a separation, divorce, or death between the approval and the oath-taking, citizenship is not granted.
Estimated total costs
- Official fee: 250 euros.
- Certified translation of documents: between 300 and 800 euros depending on the country.
- Apostilles: around 30 to 100 euros per document.
- Language certificate B1: between 130 and 200 euros.
- International criminal background checks: vary by country (free in some, up to 100 euros in others).
Common mistakes that delay the process.
Some oversights happen repeatedly and can cost months of additional waiting. It's worth avoiding them all before clicking submit.
- Documents without an apostille according to the Hague Convention — the application is suspended until the situation is rectified.
- Translations done by a non-certified translator or outside the official registry.
- Criminal record older than 6 months at the time of submission.
- Language certificate issued by an unrecognized institution.
- Lack of current proof of residence (for those living in Italy).
- Incomplete residency history — all countries from the last 10 years must be included.
FAQ
I got married in Brazil in 2024, can I apply for Italian citizenship in 2026?
Yes, provided the marriage is registered with the Italian comune and you meet the minimum waiting period—3 years without children or 1,5 years with children in common, counted from the date of marriage. Without registration, the ALI portal will not accept the application.
Do I need to live in Italy to apply for citizenship through marriage?
It is not mandatory. Those living abroad can apply through the Italian consulate in their area of residence, but the minimum period is longer: 3 years of marriage without children or 1,5 years with children, compared to 2 and 1 year for those living in Italy.
What happens if I get divorced during the process?
The application is archived. Citizenship through marriage requires that the union be valid at the time of the oath. Legal separation, divorce, or annulment terminates the right to complete the process, even if the decree has already been approved.
Do my minor children automatically receive citizenship?
Children under 18 years of age who reside with the applicant receive citizenship along with them, provided they are listed on the application and have the required documentation attached. Children over 18 years of age must complete their own process, where applicable.
How long does it take on average in 2026?
The maximum legal processing time is 24 months, extendable by another 12 months in exceptional cases. In practice, well-documented applications without pending issues have been completed within 18 to 24 months. Applications with incomplete documentation can take more than 3 years.
Do I need to renounce my citizenship of my country of origin?
Italy allows dual citizenship without restrictions. Renunciation is only necessary if the applicant's country of origin requires it—which is not the case for Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, and most Latin American and European countries.
