Italian Citizenship by Marriage/Civil Union: why it is advisable not to wait to start the application

In recent months, the issue of Italian citizenship has returned strongly to the center of political debate, raising concerns among many foreign nationals who are married to or in a civil union with Italian citizens. In particular, those residing abroad should pay close attention to ongoing legislative developments, as the current framework could change significantly in the near future.

At present, the law allows a foreign national married to an Italian citizen to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage after two years of marriage if residing in Italy, or after three years if the couple lives abroad. These timeframes are further reduced by half if children were born from the marriage or civil union. This is a well-defined procedure carried out through the portal of the Ministry of the Interior and requires a series of documents, including birth certificates, criminal records, and proof of an adequate knowledge of the Italian language, at least at B1 level.

However, this situation may not last long. A new bill currently under examination by Parliament aims to make access to citizenship more restrictive for those acquiring status through marriage. Among the most widely discussed proposals are the extension of waiting periods and, above all, the exclusion of spouses residing abroad from the possibility of submitting an application. Although the text has not yet been definitively approved and may undergo changes, given developments in recent months, a relatively swift legislative process in the near future cannot be ruled out.

This restrictive approach is not isolated. In recent months, stricter measures have also been introduced regarding Italian citizenship by descent, limiting the so-called iure sanguinis principle—an indication of a political direction aimed at generally restricting access to citizenship. In this context, naturalization through marriage or civil union risks becoming a longer and more complex path than it is today.

Applications submitted before the possible entry into force of new regulations would continue to be assessed under the current rules. This means that those who already meet the requirements established by the existing law would have a concrete advantage in starting the process without further delay. Postponing could result not only in longer waiting times, but also in the total loss of the possibility of obtaining citizenship from abroad.

Obtaining Italian citizenship is not merely a legal formality. For many, it represents the opportunity to strengthen their connection with the country, to live and work freely within the European Union, and to access fundamental rights, such as the right to apply for an Italian passport. In a historical moment marked by regulatory uncertainty, acting promptly therefore becomes a strategic choice.

Ultimately, anyone who is married to or in a civil union with an Italian citizen and is considering whether to apply for citizenship should carefully assess the current scenario. Starting the procedure today, while the rules are still relatively stable, can make the difference between a clear path and a much more complicated road tomorrow.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.