Italian Citizenship by Marriage (Jure Matrimonii)
Many people are granted Italian citizenship by marriage, or “jure matrimonii.” There are laws in place which can help you in obtaining Italian citizenship, and the process may be simple and straightforward for many people.
Who Is Eligible for Italian Citizenship Through Marriage?
Anyone, man or woman, stateless or a citizen of a foreign nation, who is the spouse of an Italian citizen may be eligible. Applying for Italian citizenship through marriage is possible after 2-3 years of marriage, with a few exceptions.
As of 2016, the Italian government recognizes same-sex civil unions, and marriages of these individuals which were documented abroad may be eligible. Under these regulations for same-sex marriages, where one spouse is an Italian citizen, their partner may consider applying for citizenship as well.
If married to an Italian citizen, you can apply for Italian citizenship after residing in Italy for 2 years, or after 3 years if residing in the United States. If you and your spouse have a child, this time frame may be reduced by half.
If Married Before April 27, 1983
Women who married an Italian man before April 27, 1983 are eligible for a streamlined citizenship process. This type of Italian citizenship by marriage was granted automatically on the day of the marriage before the law changed on the above date. The process involves simply filing the documentation needed to establish the claim.
Applying for Italian Citizenship by Marriage
While getting Italian citizenship through marriage is very possible, some people find the process difficult to navigate on their own. Italian American Citizenship Assistance can help you or your spouse gather the necessary documentation for a complete application, while staying within the time limits that apply to certain pieces of the required paperwork.
Some of the documentation requirements and guidelines involved include:
- Documenting a basic knowledge of the Italian language (CILS certificate or other means)
- Obtaining Apostille authentication and working with the specific Italian Consulate Jurisdiction’s requirements for documentation
- Locating or obtaining an official Italian marriage certificate from Italian vital records or the consulate in your country of residence
- Documenting the existing Italian citizenship of one spouse
- Locating the foreign or US birth certificate of the person applying for citizenship
- Documenting FBI and police background checks for the applicant
- Translation of required documents into Italian by a professional translator
- Uploading documents required to be submitted digitally and sending in official paper copies of those records which must be submitted in physical form
- Obtaining and submitting a valid passport for the applicant
Finding Assistance With the Italian Citizenship Process
Our knowledgeable team navigates these processes every day and can help you or your spouse submit the right documentation the first time and respond to unexpected requests for more information. You can start with a phone consultation to learn more about the law, the process, and your rights to Italian citizenship or dual citizenship, either by marriage or by descent.
At Italian American Citizenship Assistance, we provide full-service packages to guide you through the process with compassionate and efficient help at every step of the way. We can assist with gathering documents, locating Italian vital records, and preparing for your consulate interview. If certain pieces are missing, we will partner with you to locate them or file accepted substitutes.
Establishing Italian citizenship opens the door to a wide range of advantages, including the ability to buy land in Italy, attend educational institutions, or be selected for high level careers in the EU, so don’t wait to get started on this journey. Contact us today for more information and your free consultation to start living “la bella vita” as an Italian citizen.