Exemption checker

Do I need the B1 test for Italian citizenship?

Since 4 December 2018, applications for citizenship by marriage or by residence must include proof of Italian at B1 level or higher. Some applicants do not need a certificate. Answer a few questions to see which applies.

1. How are you applying for citizenship?

Marriage or civil union with an Italian citizenResidence in Italy (naturalisation)Italian descent (jure sanguinis)Something else / not sure

Where these rules come from

The requirement is in article 9.1 of Law 91/1992, added by Decree-Law 113/2018. The exemptions above are listed by the Italian consulate in London on its citizenship by marriage page, and the health-related exemption follows Constitutional Court ruling no. 25/2025. Requirements can change and offices may ask for extra documents. This page is general information, not legal advice.