Requirements and nulla osta
Besides ID, a foreign national needs a nulla osta (certificate of no impediment, art. 116 of the Civil Code) from their Consulate, confirming there are no impediments under the law of their country. Some countries issue a certificate of capacity to marry under the Munich Convention instead.
Italy's Constitutional Court (judgment 245/2011) ruled that a residence permit cannot be required in order to marry.
Steps at the Comune
- Gather and legalise or apostille your documents, with Italian translations.
- Request the banns (pubblicazioni) at the Comune (not needed if neither of you lives in Italy).
- Hold the civil ceremony (or a religious one with civil effects).
- Register the marriage in your home country if needed.
Civil union
Same-sex couples can enter a civil union (Law 76/2016), with effects very similar to marriage for residence and citizenship.
After the wedding: residence and citizenship
- The foreign spouse of an Italian or EU citizen can apply for a family residence card (5 years).
- With a non-EU spouse who is a legal resident, you apply for a family permit.
- After 2 years of residence in Italy (3 if living abroad, halved with children) you can apply for citizenship by marriage.
Documents usually required
- Valid passport
- Nulla osta or certificate of capacity to marry
- Birth certificate, apostilled and translated
- Civil status certificate and divorce decree if applicable
- For the Italian spouse: ID and certificates from the Comune
The exact list depends on your case, your home country and the office (Questura, Consulate or Comune). We give you the final list in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get married in Italy without a residence permit?
Yes. A permit cannot be required to marry. After marrying an Italian or EU citizen you can apply for a residence card.
Does marriage automatically give me citizenship?
No. You must apply after 2 years of residence in Italy (or 3 from abroad), with a B1 Italian certificate.
Can the authorities check whether the marriage is genuine?
Yes, they can check cohabitation and whether the relationship is real. A sham marriage is a crime and leads to refusal of permits.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.