Marriage or civil unions for same-sex spouses with an Italian citizen grants the right to apply for Italian citizenship - let's find out how!
People who are married, or joined in a civil union, to an Italian citizen can apply for Italian citizenship in Italy or abroad.
The main requirements to obtain the citizenship are:
- the marriage still in place - the couple shall not be separated or divorced
- the knowledge of Italian language at least at B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- the absence of criminal charges and convictions in Italy and in the foreign countries of birth and residence (starting from 14 years of age) of the applicant
Are exempted from the language knowledge requirement those who
- hold an EU long-term residence permit
- have signed and are in compliance with the Integration Agreement
- have attended and obtained a title from a secondary school in Italy, State or legally recognized University or are attending a master/PhD
The application for Italian citizenship can be filed in Italy - through the web portal Ali of the Ministry of the Interior - when the spouses or the partners in a civil union have been formally residing in Italy for at least 2 years after the marriage and the applicant holds a valid residence permit.
The term is reduced from 2 years to 1 if the couple have children, also adoptive.
The application for Italian citizenship can be filed abroad - throught the Italian Embassy or Consulate - when the spouses or the partners in a civil union have been residing abroad for at least 3 years after the marriage.
The term is reduced from 3 years to 18 months ifthe couple has children, also adoptive.
Once the application has been submitted, Italian authorities have 24 months, extendable up to 36 months in case of need to further investigate the case, to issue a decision.
If the application is approved, the applicant will be summoned to take the citizenship oath before the Italian Municipality of residence or the Italian Embassy.
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