Italian language requirements for applying for citizenship

Are you thinking about applying for Italian citizenship? Have you already applied for it? Do you need to know how to obtain Italian citizenship? It’s good to know that from October 5th 2018 there is a new requirement. To apply for Italian citizenship you need to prove your Italian language proficiency through a B1 level Certification.

What is an Italian language Certification?

You can prove your Italian languange proficiency with an exam divided in 4 linguistic skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening). After passing the exam, you will get a Certification based on the six levels laid out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR levels are: A1, A2 (necessary to obtain the long residency permit), B1 (necessary to obtain the Italian citizenship and to enrol in an Italian University and AFAM Institution), B2 (necessary to enrol in an Italian University or AFAM Institution), C1 and C2.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (known in Italian as Quadro Comune Europeo di Rigerimento per le Lingue (QCER or CEFR) states that in order for an applicant to have a B1 level of knowledge, he/she should be able to do the following:

• Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
• Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

The following Italian language certificates have been approved by the CEFR: CELI, CILS and PILDA. After receiving your Certification, you can apply for Italian citizenship in accord with the Decree-Law on Immigration and Security.