One of the most frequent questions about applying for Italian citizenship is: Do I need a B1 Italian language certificate? The answer depends on the type of application you are submitting and the requirements of Italian law. Below we explain when the certificate is required, what the test is, how it works, and how to prepare practically.
When the B1 Certificate Is Not Required
In some situations, Italian citizenship can be obtained without proving Italian language proficiency.
In particular, the B1 certificate is not required for citizenship recognized by descent (jus sanguinis) — up to the second generation abroad following the 2025 reform — or for individuals born in Italy who have legally and continuously resided in the country until the age of 18.
When the B1 Certificate Is Required
If you are applying for Italian citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen or legal residency in Italy, one of the requirements for the granting of citizenship is knowledge of the Italian language, to be demonstrated through an official B1 language certificate issued by an accredited institution.
While the 2025 Reform limited the transmission of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis), it also introduced facilitated pathways to citizenship through residency through Italian descent for specific categories of applicants (as explained in our previous article). Such procedures are considered citizenship by naturalization, and require a B1 Italian language certificate.
The Italian B1 Language Test: What to Know
The B1 language certificate corresponds to an intermediate level of Italian under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is intended to confirm that the applicant can communicate effectively in everyday situations.
The test assesses four basic skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking — and focuses on practical language use rather than technical or advanced Italian.
For this reason, the B1 level is considered accessible for most applicants. Depending on your starting level, preparation typically takes around 3 to 6 months, through self-study or structured courses.
The exam must be taken in person at an officially recognized exam center. Accepted certifications include, among others:
- CILS B1 (University for Foreigners of Siena)
- CELI 2 (University for Foreigners of Perugia)
- PLIDA B1 (Dante Alighieri Society)
- Cert.IT (Roma Tre University)
There is no legal obligation to attend a course before taking the test, but many applicants choose to do so for preparation.
Exam sessions are held periodically throughout the year, and certificates may take several weeks to be issued, so planning ahead is strongly recommended.
The Italian B1 language certificate obtained from a recognized institution does not expire and can be used for citizenship applications at any time.
Possible Exemptions from the Language Requirement
In limited cases, applicants may not be required to submit a B1 certificate, particularly if they have serious, medically certified learning or cognitive impairments, or if they have completed part of their education in Italy through recognized Italian schools or qualifications.
These situations are assessed on a case-by-case basis and require appropriate documentation.
Contact Us
If you are unsure whether the Italian B1 language requirement applies to your case, our team at With_Papers can assist with eligibility assessments, documentation review, and guidance on the appropriate citizenship procedure.
Contact us today for professional support and personalized advice—call With_Papers at 917-310-2246 or fill out our online contact form.