People who marry an Italian citizen can apply for citizenship after a period of marriage. Among Bangladeshis it is still an uncommon route: in 2024 it accounted for 5.3% of citizenship acquisitions.
Requirements
- Two years of legal residence in Italy after the marriage, or three years from the wedding if the couple lives abroad.
- These periods are halved if the couple has children, born or adopted.
- The marriage must be valid and registered in Italy, with no legal separation at the time of the decree.
- Certified Italian at B1 level.
- No convictions for serious crimes and no state security grounds.
Unlike citizenship by residence, no minimum personal income is required.
Documents
Bangladeshi birth certificate and police certificate, legalised and translated; Italian criminal record certificate; marriage certificate; B1 certificate; and the receipt for the €250 fee. You apply online on the Interior Ministry portal.
Marriages celebrated in Bangladesh
If you married in Bangladesh, the marriage must first be registered in the records of the Italian spouse’s municipality. Without registration the application cannot be accepted.
