The short answer
B1 for Italian citizenship by descent is not required. If you qualify through descent (jure sanguinis) — citizenship via an Italian-born ancestor — there is no language exam. The B1 requirement applies only to citizenship by marriage and by residency (naturalization). The catch: Italy tightened descent rules in 2025, so fewer people now qualify that way — and many are being redirected to the marriage or residency routes, which do require B1.
Which routes require the B1 exam?
The language requirement depends entirely on how you're applying, not on how well you speak Italian. Here's the simple map.
| Route to citizenship | B1 language exam? |
|---|---|
| Descent (jure sanguinis) | Not required |
| Marriage / civil union | Required |
| Residency (naturalization) | Required |
So the descent route is the one that skips the exam. If you have a solid jure sanguinis claim, you don't need CILS, CELI, PLIDA or IT — you need your documents in order. The language test simply isn't part of that pathway.
Why this matters more than it used to: the 2025 change
Until recently, descent was the obvious, exam-free route for millions of people with Italian ancestry. That changed in 2025, when Italy tightened the rules on citizenship by descent, narrowing who actually qualifies through the bloodline.
The change came through Decree-Law No. 36 of 28 March 2025, converted into Law No. 74 of 23 May 2025. Broadly, it ended the old idea that descent was unlimited across generations. As a general rule, applicants born abroad who also hold another nationality are now recognised through the bloodline only where they have a closer Italian link — for example an Italian parent or grandparent — with a key cut-off date of 28 March 2025 for claims already filed under the previous rules.
The knock-on effect: as the descent route narrows, more applicants who assumed they'd never face a language test are now being funnelled toward the marriage and residency routes — and those do require a B1 certificate.
In other words, "I'm applying by descent, so I don't need the exam" was safe advice for a long time. After 2025, it's worth re-checking. If your descent claim no longer qualifies and you pursue citizenship another way, the B1 exam may suddenly be on your path.
We're describing the direction of the change, not the legal fine print. Citizenship eligibility is complex and case-specific — always confirm the current rules with the relevant consulate or a qualified professional before acting.
How to confirm which route you're really on
Before you spend months either studying for an exam you don't need — or assuming you're exempt when you're not — pin down your actual route.
You're likely on the descent route (no B1) if:
- You're claiming through an Italian-born ancestor and your line still qualifies under current rules.
- You're not relying on marriage to an Italian citizen for your claim.
- You're not naturalizing after a period of residence in Italy.
You'll need B1 if:
- You're applying through marriage or civil union to an Italian citizen.
- You're applying through residency after living legally in Italy for the required number of years.
- Your descent claim no longer qualifies and you're switching to one of the above.
Don't guess on the borderline. Whether a descent claim still qualifies after 2025 can hinge on details of your family line. Confirm eligibility with the relevant consulate or comune, or a qualified citizenship professional, before deciding whether the exam applies to you.
If you do need B1, here's where to start
If it turns out you're on a B1-requiring route, the good news is the exam is very passable with focused, format-specific preparation. The usual choice is the CILS B1 Cittadinanza — purpose-built for citizenship and widely available. Start here:
- Which Italian exam for citizenship? — the full overview of the four accepted certificates.
- What's on the CILS B1 Cittadinanza — the four sections, explained.
- How hard is Italian B1? — an honest read on the level and the time it takes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need B1 for citizenship by descent?
No. Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) does not require a B1 language certificate. The requirement applies to citizenship by marriage and by residency.
Which routes require the B1 exam?
Two: citizenship by marriage or civil union to an Italian citizen, and citizenship by residency (naturalization). Descent does not.
Did Italy change the descent rules in 2025?
Yes. Italy tightened citizenship-by-descent rules in 2025, narrowing who qualifies. This is pushing more applicants toward the marriage and residency routes, which do require B1. Confirm your eligibility with the relevant consulate or a qualified professional.
If my descent claim no longer qualifies, do I need B1?
Possibly. If you switch to citizenship by marriage or residency, those routes require a B1 certificate such as the CILS B1 Cittadinanza. Check your route before assuming you're exempt.
On a B1 route? Prepare to pass.
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