Life changes after marriage, as it takes your relationship to the next level. Moving in with your partner is a natural progression. But the transition can be a drastic one if you marry a foreigner. The experience of starting afresh in another country is both exciting and daunting, but love makes it worthwhile. However, you need to think beyond emotions and consider the practical aspect of immigration when marrying a foreigner. Things can be smooth if you marry an Italian because you have the option to get citizenship by marriage.
Although the process is relatively straightforward, it can take time and effort to reach there. Before getting started with the citizenship process, you must dig deeper to have clear expectations. You can visit Bersani Law Firm for understanding more about the process, its formalities, and timelines. Additionally, you can seek guidance from experts to expedite the process and unite with your new family in Italy. Let us explain the basics of the road to Italian citizenship by marriage.
Timing is the key
While marrying an Italian is the basic requirement to qualify for citizenship by marriage, it is not all you need. There is much more when you dig deeper. With this process, timing is the key, as you cannot apply right after tying the knot with your Italian spouse. If your spouse resides in Italy, you can apply two years after taking the vows. The timeline extends to three years if your spouse lives in another country. The good thing is that even couples in same-sex civil unions are eligible for citizenship under Italian law. Another significant fact is that the timelines are reduced to half if you have children. If you have biological or adopted children with your partner, you may apply after one year if your partner lives in Italy and 18 months if they live elsewhere. It can expedite the process significantly.
Understand other eligibility requirements
While marrying an Italian citizen and following the timelines gives you a start, you have to follow some other eligibility requirements to qualify. Firstly, your partner has to register for AIRE (Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad) if residing abroad. Further, you must register the foreign marriage record through the Italian consulate in the country. Also, your marriage has to be registered in Italy to validate it for the citizenship process. Besides valid marriage records, you must also take the Italian language test before applying for citizenship by marriage. Under the new immigration regulations, a foreign spouse requires a B1 level of proficiency in the Italian language to qualify for citizenship by marriage process.
Collect the relevant documents
After ensuring that you are eligible for Italian citizenship by marriage, you can get started with document gathering. Since this is a long list, collecting them before applying gives you a head start. Consider collaborating with a seasoned immigration expert because they can help you with a checklist. They also ensure no omissions and errors in your documentation, so there is hardly a chance of missing out. Here is a list of documents you need to obtain -
- A valid passport, in original and copy
- Your birth certificate in original and a certified translated copy
- Your driver’s license, in original and copy
- A copy of a clean criminal record
- Original marriage certificate
- A no divorce declaration or divorce decree, where applicable
- The Italian residency proof for the foreign spouse if applicable
Besides these documents, you have to attach the receipt of the application fee. The fee for the process is 250.00 Euros, and you can pay it to the Ministero dell’Interno via bank transfer.
File your application
Typical citizenship by marriage application has both online and in-person elements. The online element is easy as you can apply it from anywhere through an online portal. Ensure that your documentation is complete and accurate before submitting it on the portal. Also, you have to submit them all in a single PDF. The in-person element depends on your current residence. Applicants living in Italy have to file their application with the local “Prefettura". Those residing abroad can apply at the local Italian consulate, but ensure that your spouse is registered with the AIRE at the same consulate. The consulate may ask for more or different documentation when you visit them for the interview. The officials will review the documents and ask you for more if they are not satisfied. It can take a few months to get your initial appointment, so make sure your paperwork is in place to avoid delay or rejection.
Know the processing time
It is also vital to have clear expectations regarding the processing time for your application. After all, you will want to get your second passport at the earliest. Initially, the maximum processing time for citizenship by marriage applications was two years. In 2018, it was extended to 48 months, but the timeline was again reduced to 24 months in 2020. However, you may expect it to extend to 36 months in some cases. The average processing time is longer than descent applications because the Consulate is only an intermediary between applicants and the Ministry of Interior, to begin with. Later, the Ministry verifies your documents and takes a decision. Since there are often long queues of applications with the officials, you can expect the process to take a long time. But the wait is worthwhile as you get your citizenship rights at the completion of the process.
Getting citizenship by marriage takes time and effort, and the process sounds like a long and daunting one. But you can approach it more confidently by collaborating with a citizenship expert. They know the entire process, from eligibility to paperwork, processing, and closure. Having them by your side gives you confidence and peace of mind that you will miss out on nothing. You can complete the journey seamlessly and start a life with your new family at the earliest. Not to mention, you have the same rights and privileges as your family members.
