Do I need B1 for Italian citizenship by residence?
Yes. Law 132/2018 requires knowledge of Italian for citizenship by residence (Art. 9), and the application asks for a certificate at B1 or higher. Only some people are excluded, such as those who signed the integration agreement or hold an EU long-term residence permit.
The Ministry of the Interior lists an Italian language certificate at CEFR B1 or above among the application documents.
Excluded are people who signed the integration agreement (Art. 4-bis of the Immigration Consolidated Act) and holders of the EU long-term residence permit.
The years of residence required depend on your case: for example 10 years for foreigners in general, 4 for EU citizens, 5 for stateless people.
Sources: Ministero dell'Interno, Cittadinanza per residenza (art. 9), Ministero dell'Interno, Invia la tua domanda. Updated 13 November 2026.
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More questions
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