1. What citizenship by marriage usually means
Italian citizenship by marriage (jure matrimonii) is a path where a non-Italian spouse can apply for Italian citizenship after meeting certain conditions. It normally involves a formal application, strict document rules and a long waiting time with the Ministry of Interior.
The goal of this guide is not to repeat the full law, but to translate the basics into practical language so you can understand what you’re getting into before spending money.
The route is different from citizenship by descent: instead of proving an Italian line, you focus on your relationship with an Italian citizen and your personal record.
2. Basic requirements (simplified, non-legal)
Requirements can change and some are interpreted differently depending on your situation. Always double-check the official rules. In very simplified form, many people need to think about:
- How long you have been married or in a registered civil partnership.
- Where you and your partner currently live (in Italy, in the UK or elsewhere).
- Whether you have a recognised level of Italian language (for example B1).
- Criminal record certificates from countries where you have lived for a certain time.
- Whether your marriage has been properly registered with the Italian authorities.
This is only an orientation summary. For a formal assessment, or for complicated situations, always rely on official sources or qualified legal advice.
3. What changes if you live in the UK
If you live in the United Kingdom, your path is usually handled via the Italian consulate responsible for your area. Each consulate may publish its own page and instructions.
On top of Italian rules, you typically need to manage UK-issued documents such as criminal record checks, residence evidence and sometimes translations or apostilles.
Remember that old PDFs, screenshots or comments on social media can become outdated quickly. Always cross-check with the official consulate and Ministry websites before you spend money.
4. Typical documents in a marriage file (orientation only)
Every case is different, but many citizenship-by-marriage applications involve some combination of documents like:
- Italian documents confirming your partner’s citizenship and the registration of your marriage.
- Your full birth certificate from your country of origin, in the correct format for international use.
- Criminal record certificates from the UK and other countries where you’ve lived for a significant period.
- Proof of language level, if required (for example B1 certification from an accepted provider).
- Translations and, where needed, apostilles on foreign documents.
The important part is not just “having documents” but having them in the format, order and consistency asked for by the authorities. Small mismatches in names or dates can sometimes be handled, but they should not be a surprise at the counter.
5. How long citizenship by marriage can take
This route is known for long timelines. Depending on the rules in force and the workload of the Ministry of Interior, procedures can often take several years.
No agency, consultant or support service can control internal processing times. If someone promises a guaranteed decision by a specific date, be very cautious.
Our approach at Resinaro is to focus on the part you can control: understanding the path, preparing your documents properly and keeping realistic expectations.
6. How Resinaro can help you stay organised
We can’t speed up the Ministry or guarantee citizenship. What we can do is support you with the messy, practical side – especially when you live in the UK and need to mix Italian and UK procedures.
Our written guide gives you a calm overview you can read at your own pace. The 1:1 support is for when you want someone to look at your situation and build a tailored plan with you.
In both cases, we always base our information on official sources and are clear about the limits of what we can and cannot do.
7. FAQ: Italian citizenship by marriage from the UK
Is this guide or service legal advice?
No. Nothing on this page is legal advice and we are not a law firm. This is practical orientation to help you understand documents and organisation. For formal assessments or complex situations, always consult a qualified professional.
Do you prepare or submit the online application for me?
We focus on helping you understand the process, check your documents at a basic level and organise your file. We can’t act as your legal representative or guarantee how the authorities will assess your application.
Can you speed up the Ministry of Interior or the consulate?
No. Internal timelines are decided only by the Italian authorities. Anyone who guarantees a specific outcome or date is not being realistic.
Can I start with the guide and later book the 1:1?
Yes. Many people start with the £35 guide to understand the basics and then only book 1:1 support when they are ready to move forward or want a second pair of eyes on their file.