The Italian you need to live in Italy, without a translator
Whether you're applying for a residence permit, citizenship by marriage or residency, or connecting with citizenship by descent, the language requirement depends on which path you're on. Here's what each one actually asks for.
Start your path freeThree different paths, three different requirements
These are separate immigration and citizenship processes with separate rules — don't confuse one for another.
Long-term residence permit
Italy has required A2 Italian for a long-term (EC) residence permit since December 2010. This is the broadest requirement here — it's about residence, not citizenship.
Citizenship by marriage or residency
Since Law 132/2018, applying for Italian citizenship through marriage to an Italian citizen, or through years of legal residency, requires a B1 Italian certificate.
Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)
If you're applying for citizenship through an Italian ancestor, there is no Italian language test at all — this path is entirely separate from the marriage/residency route above.
How long does the path take?
At 15-20 minutes a day, you can reach A2 (residence-permit level) in about 9 weeks, and B1 (citizenship by marriage or residency) in about 14 weeks — even starting from zero without knowing a single word of Italian.
What does Lerniyo give you?
- A full A1 to C1 curriculum, in English
- Real speaking practice from lesson one
- A mock exam in the style of CILS, CELI, and PLIDA
- Vocabulary for daily life, work, and official appointments in Italy
We prepare your Italian — the residence permit or citizenship decision itself remains the prefettura's, comune's, or consulate's.
Which exam should you take?
CILS, CELI, and PLIDA are the three recognized Italian-language certificate providers accepted for residence and citizenship applications.
See the full CILS vs CELI vs PLIDA comparisonThe exam you'll actually need
Lerniyo's mock exam is built in the style of Italy's real certificates (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) at A2 and B1 — but for an official residence permit or citizenship file, you'll need to sit the real exam with one of those institutes, or another route your prefettura or comune accepts.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of recognized Italian certificates (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need A2 or B1?
It depends on your goal. A2 is required for a long-term residence permit (since December 2010). B1 is required if you're applying for citizenship by marriage or by residency (since Law 132/2018). If you're applying for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), there is no language test at all.
Does Lerniyo guarantee me a residence permit or citizenship?
No. Lerniyo gets you to the required Italian level and helps you prepare for the exam — but the residence permit or citizenship decision itself is made by the prefettura, comune, or consulate handling your file.
How long to reach B1?
About 14 weeks at 15-20 minutes a day — only an estimate, it varies with how consistent you are.
Which exam should I take — CILS, CELI, or PLIDA?
All three are recognized Italian-language certificate providers. See our full CILS vs CELI vs PLIDA comparison to decide which fits your situation.