What is the processing time for Italian citizenship?
How long does it take to get an Italian passport?
Italian citizenship processing time – marriage
The processing time varies from 6 to 24 months from the date the online application is submitted.
There is also first a waiting time after the marriage: one can only apply 3 years of marriage (or 18 months if the couple has minor children).
If you submit your application promptly, the total time is:
3 years waiting time plus 1-2 years on average processing time = 4-5 years
or if you have minor children:
18 months waiting time plus 1-2 years processing time = 3,5-4,5 years
It is important that:
– you register your marriage as soon as it takes place, so that three years down the line you are able to get your Italian marriage certificate, which is one of the requirements for your citizenship application
– you start studying Italian for your B1 certificate which is one of the required documents. It is estimated you will need 2 years and a half to pass your B1 exam.
More information on the requirements for citizenship by marriage
Italian citizenship processing time – descent
Once you have submitted to the Consulate the required documents, the processing time depends on how busy the Consulate is and how quickly the Municipality responds.
Sometimes this can be all done in one month, but it can take longer.
Large and busy Consulates tend to sometimes take longer.
Depending on which Municipality you are registered processing time may also vary. The Municipality of Rome is notoriously slow.
More information on the requirements for citizenship by descent
Italian passport processing time
Once your citizenship by marriage is granted and you have taken the oath of allegiance, you can apply for your Italian passport.
Or if you are applying for Italian citizenship by descent, once the Consulate has sent the certificates to Italy for registration and they receive confirmation, you can apply for your passport.
The processing time for the passport depends on which Italian Consulate you are dealing with. There is generally a delay of 1-3 months in finding an available appointment with the online booking system, and then in many cases you receive your passport the very day you have your passport appointment.
More information on applying for your passport.
Please note that this timeline is for information only and although it is accurate to our knowledge, each individual case may vary.
The timeline is for applications that are submitted at an Italian Consulate.
If you reside in Italy different deadlines apply.