Italian Citizenship Through Marriage and Family Reunification
Entrance
Marriage and family reunification represent the most humane aspect of immigration law. For many foreigners, the most natural and secure way to acquire citizenship is to establish a family in Italy or to maintain an existing family unit in Italy. Turkish citizens, in particular, hold a significant place in Italian citizenship applications through marriage and family reunification, both due to historical ties and economic and social relations.
Italy, with its Citizenship Law of 1992 (Legge n. 91/1992), granted foreigners the right to citizenship through marriage and further developed this right within the framework of the EU accession process. Reforms implemented in 2020 and 2023 shortened application times and ensured digitalization.
This article obtaining Italian citizenship through marriage and family reunification , starting with the legal basis, application requirements, documents, grounds for refusal, appeal procedures, the situation of Turkish citizens, comparative law, case studies, and frequently asked questions.
1. Legal Grounds
1.1. Citizenship Law (Legge n. 91/1992)
In Italy, citizenship through marriage is primarily regulated by Law No. 91 of 1992. This law allows a foreign spouse to apply for citizenship after residing in Italy for a certain period or after living in marriage abroad for a certain period.
1.2. EU Directives
The European Union's family reunification directives directly influence practices in Italy. EU law recognizes the protection of family unity as a fundamental human right. Therefore, the citizenship and residence rights of a foreign spouse married in Italy have been developed in accordance with EU standards.
1.3. Constitutional Framework
Article 29 of the Italian Constitution defines the family as the foundation of society. In this context, the rights granted to foreign spouses are constitutionally guaranteed.
2. Citizenship through Marriage
2.1. Time Limit
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For spouses living in Italy: Application after 2 years of marriage
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For spouses living abroad: Application after 3 years of marriage
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If there is a child in the marriage, this period is halved (1 year / 1.5 years).
2.2. Language Requirement
The applicant's foreign spouse must have a certificate demonstrating at least B1 level Italian language proficiency. This became mandatory with the 2018 reform.
2.3. Income Requirement
Both spouses must have a regular source of income. Italy wants the family not to be dependent on social assistance.
2.4. Documents
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Passport,
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Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated),
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Residence permit,
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Rap sheet,
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Income documents,
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Language certificate.
2.5. Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs' portal. All documents are scanned and uploaded, and the application is completed
2.6. Processing Time
With the 2020 reforms, the processing time to 24 months . However, this period may be extended depending on the workload.
3. Family Reunification and Residence Permit
3.1. Who can apply?
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Italian citizen spouse,
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Minors,
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Parents responsible for providing care.
3.2. Terms and Conditions
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Couples living together,
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Sufficient income,
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Suitable housing.
3.3. Residence Permit Duration
Initially, a two-year residence permit is granted. This can then be renewed. After five years, a long-term permanent residence permit can be obtained.
4. The Status of Turkish Citizens
4.1. Cultural Proximity
Turkish citizens have an advantage in family reunification applications in Italy due to historical ties and geographical proximity.
4.2. Dual Citizenship
Türkiye and Italy allow dual citizenship. Therefore, Turkish citizens do not lose their Turkish citizenship when they acquire Italian citizenship.
4.3. Social Rights
Turkish citizens who obtain residency in Italy through family reunification fully benefit from health, education, and social security rights.
5. Dual Citizenship
Turkish citizens who acquire citizenship through marriage can exercise their right to dual citizenship.
Advantages:
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Free movement and work within EU countries,
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Dual diplomatic protection,
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Ease of inheriting and acquiring real estate.
6. Reasons for Refusal
6.1. Fake Marriage
Illegal marriages do not confer citizenship rights. If discovered, the marriage will be annulled and legal action will be taken.
6.2. Missing Documents
Lack of apostille or translation deficiencies may lead to the rejection of the application.
6.3. Income Insufficiency
If neither spouse has a regular income, the application will be rejected.
6.4. Criminal Record
Conviction for serious crimes results in the rejection of a citizenship application.
7. Appeal Procedures
Appeals against the refusal decision the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (TAR Lazio) . Here, the legality of the refusal decision is examined through administrative judicial review.
8. Taxes, Social Security, and Inheritance
8.1. Tax
Foreign nationals who are Italian citizens are required to declare their worldwide income in Italy.
8.2. Social Security
A spouse who obtains residency through marriage becomes included in the social security system.
8.3. Inheritance
In the event of the death of the Italian spouse, the foreign spouse becomes the legal heir.
9. Türkiye-Italy Comparison
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Turkey: To obtain citizenship through marriage, the marriage must have lasted for three years.
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Italy: 2 years for spouses living in Italy, 3 years for those living abroad.
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Turkey: There are no language requirements.
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Italy: B1 level Italian is mandatory.
10. Comparison of Europe and the Balkans
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Greece: Application required after 3 years of marriage, language requirement applies.
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Spain: Citizenship is possible after one year of marriage and residency.
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Portugal: 3 years of marriage is sufficient, language requirement is B1 level.
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Macedonia: Citizenship after one year of marriage and residency.
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Montenegro: The income requirement is higher.
Italy offers a system that seeks a middle ground among EU countries.
11. Application Scenarios
Scenario 1: Turkish-Italian Couple
A Turkish citizen living in Tirana applies for Italian citizenship after being married to his Italian wife for two years.
Scenario 2: Marriage Abroad
A couple who get married in Türkiye apply for Italian citizenship after 3 years.
Scenario 3: The Shared Child
For couples with children, the time limit is halved.
Scenario 4: Rejection
An application rejected due to insufficient income may be accepted by a court decision.
Scenario 5: Fake Marriage
Citizenship applications are rejected and criminal proceedings are initiated due to fraudulent marriages.
Scenario 6: Dual Citizenship
It is possible to acquire Italian citizenship while retaining Turkish citizenship.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to obtain Italian citizenship through marriage?
Two years for those living in Italy, and three years for those living abroad.
Q2: Does the duration shorten if we have a child?
Yes, it is halved.
S3: Is there a language requirement?
B1 level Italian is required.
Q4: Will I lose my Turkish citizenship?
No, Turkey allows dual citizenship.
S5: What can I do if they reject my application?
You can file a lawsuit with TAR Lazio.
S6: Does citizenship disappear in case of divorce?
No, acquired citizenship is not revoked.
S7: What are the income requirements?
A regular income sufficient to support the family is required.
S8: How are the documents prepared?
With apostille and notarized translation.
Q9: How long does it take to get citizenship?
Approximately 24 months.
Q10: Is dual citizenship advantageous?
Yes, it allows free movement within the EU.
S11–30: (additional questions: penalties for fraudulent marriage, family reunification residence permit duration, inheritance rights, social security registration, children's rights, oath ceremony, residence permit renewal, application fees, digital application portal, status of divorced spouse in Italy, etc.)
Conclusion
Italian citizenship through marriage and family reunificationis a strong integration tool for foreigners as of 2025. For Turkish citizens, the possibility of dual citizenship, the advantages of an EU passport, and social security agreements make the process attractive.
However, complete documentation, meeting income requirements, and Italian language proficiency are critical to the success of the process. Applications made with professional legal support have a much higher acceptance rate.
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