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 freeItalian for residency and citizenship in one minute
Italy has three separate paths with three different language rules. A long-term (EC) residence permit asks for A2 Italian and has done since December 2010. Citizenship by marriage or by years of legal residency asks for B1 Italian since Law 132/2018. Citizenship by descent has no language test at all. Mixing them up is the most common mistake.
This page explains which level fits which path and how to reach it. It is general information, not legal advice: rules and timelines change, so confirm your exact case with the prefettura, the comune, the consulate or an immigration lawyer.
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Three 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.
Which Italian level for which path?
Pick the path closest to yours.
Long-term residence permit (A2)
A2 is the level Italy requires for the long-term EC permit. It is about residence, not citizenship.
Citizenship by marriage (B1)
The application asks for B1 Italian, shown by a certificate from a recognized institute. There are other requirements too.
Citizenship by residency (B1)
After the required years of legal residency, the application also asks for B1 Italian.
Citizenship by descent (no test)
There is no Italian language test on this path, which is separate from the two above. Other documents are required, so check the rules for your case.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the three paths. A2 is for the residence permit, B1 for citizenship by marriage or residency, and descent has no language test.
- Starting only when the application is due. A2 takes months, and B1 about twice as long.
- Booking an exam before checking which certificates your office accepts.
- Assuming a Lerniyo certificate counts for the file. It confirms that you completed Lerniyo’s course and is not an official proof.
- Believing that a certificate alone guarantees the permit or citizenship. The decision belongs to the authorities.
- Paying an intermediary who promises a permit, citizenship or a guaranteed exam result.
A route to your goal
A simple order for most learners:
- 1
Find your path
Decide whether you need A2 for the residence permit or B1 for citizenship, and read the rules for your case.
- 2
Learn A1 to A2
About 3.5 months at 15 to 20 minutes a day, based on Lerniyo’s estimates.
- 3
Go on to B1 if you need it
About 7 months from zero in total.
- 4
Practice the exam format
Use the mock exam and speak with Nour to get used to the four skills.
- 5
Book the official exam
Choose the institute or the route your office accepts and leave time before any deadline.
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 (rules have recently changed, so confirm your case).
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 Italian authorities handling your file (for example the questura, prefettura, Ministry of the Interior or consulate).
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.
Which Italian level do I need for a residence permit?
A2 Italian has been required for the long-term EC residence permit since December 2010. Confirm the current rule and the accepted proof with your prefettura.
How long does it take to reach A2 and B1?
About 3.5 months to A2 and about 7 months to B1 from zero at a steady 15 to 20 minutes a day, based on Lerniyo’s estimates.