Life takes a turn when you commit to a relationship forever by marrying a person. The fresh start is exhilarating enough, but things can be very different if you choose a foreigner as your life partner. You may want to move to their country right after tying the knot or in the long run. The transition may sound daunting. But it is an opportunity to live in a new country and enjoy a different culture and lifestyle. Most countries grant citizenship by marriage to foreign nationals marrying their citizens, but you have to follow a process to get it.

Italy is one of the most incredible countries to live in. It also has one of the simplest processes of providing citizenship by marriage, so you are lucky if you plan to marry an Italian. But everything boils down to completing the formalities so that you can start afresh at the earliest. You can check https://www.mbersanilaw.com/ to understand how it works and what you need to prepare for it. There are eligibility norms to fulfill, a process to follow, and guidelines to adhere to. The best way to apply is by seeking the advice of citizenship experts. But you must still understand the process to make a smooth new beginning with your new family. 

Eligibility for Italian citizenship by marriage 

The eligibility of Italian citizenship by marriage goes beyond just marrying a citizen of the country. You can apply only after you have been married to them for two years if you reside in Italy. However, you get eligible after three years of marriage if you live in another country. The eligibility applies to civil unions of same-sex couples as well. The eligibility period is reduced to half if you have biological or adopted with your partner. It will be 12 months for couples living in Italy and 18 months for those living elsewhere. 

Documents required for the process 

Once you are sure about your eligibility, you can go ahead with the first step. It requires you to gather the listed documents so that you have everything you need at the time of submission. Here is a list of documents you will require:

• A copy of your marriage certificate from the Italian municipality where your spouse is registered with the Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad (AIRE)
• A certified copy of the foreign birth certificate
• Criminal background checks
• ID card of the Italian spouse
• Italian language certification validating B1 (intermediate level) proficiency

You will also have to pay a fee of 250.00 Euros to the Ministero dell’Interno via bank transfer. It is important to retain the copy of the bank transfer because you will need it as proof later. 

Know where to apply

After having your paperwork in place, you are all set to move ahead with the process. The application for Italian citizenship by marriage has both online and in-person elements. Anyone can avail of the online option regardless of their location, but things differ for the in-person element. If you reside in Italy, you will have to file the application with the local “Prefettura”. Conversely, applicants residing abroad must file at the local Italian consulate where their spouse is registered with the AIRE. 

Understand the process 

At this stage, you need to understand the steps for applying for Italian citizenship. Here is the detail of these steps.

• Get your documents together along with a printed and filled application form. You will require both originals and certified translated copies of these documents. They have to be translated into Italian to be regarded as valid for the process. Further, you have to get an Apostille stamp for the ones originating in the US. 
• You have to submit your application and PDF formats of the required documents via an online portal. You will get an appointment from the Italian consulate in your area after the submission of these documents.
• The consulate will review the documents and may ask for additional supporting documentation if they require it. You will have to visit your consulate personally for an interview and finalizing the application process.
• The authorities at the consulate will check your application during the interview and either accept, deny, or accept it with reservations. Ensure that you submit all the documents correctly to avoid rejection or acceptance with reservations.

Typically, the processing time is quite lengthy because of the sheer number of immigration requests that the Ministry has to review. The process can take a maximum of three years, though the Ministry often processes the applications much earlier than the deadline. 

Get expert assistance 

Applying for citizenship by marriage sounds simple, but it involves a lot of work. You can face complexities early on, right from understanding your eligibility and timing the application accordingly. Further, you have to ensure that you have all the documents and get them translated and apostilled. Filling up your application form correctly is equally important. An error or omission at any stage can delay the process or even lead to rejection, and these are the last things you will want to encounter. It makes sense to avail of the services of an expert to guide you through the start to end. They help you at every step and ensure you miss out on nothing during the process. Additionally, having someone local taking the process ahead is always an advantage because they know the law well enough. You have more confidence and peace of mind about completing the process at the earliest.

Living with your Italian family in Italy after marriage is an exciting prospect. But moving to another country and getting all the rights of a citizen takes a lot of work. You have the opportunity to apply for Italian citizenship by marriage, and you must capitalize on it. Just wait till you get through the eligibility period and apply right away. Your citizenship rights get you all the rights and privileges as your spouse and everyone else in the family.