4

I'm currently a dual Australian/Italian citizen, if I get married to my current boyfriend, who is British, he automatically becomes an Italian citizen. Is he allowed to hold three citizenships? He will get naturalised Australian (we live here) already holds British citizenship, and will become an Italian citizen. Will he have to renounce one of his citizenships?

Thanks :)

1
  • 1
    Under what provision is it that your boyfriend will 'automatically' acquire Italian citizenship? I can't see the possibility from my reading of Italian nationality law.
    – ouflak
    Jul 9, 2016 at 17:14

1 Answer 1

3

First, none of the countries involved (UK, Australia, Italy) prohibit multiple citizenship today. So if you continue with your plan, your boyfriend will not have to renounce anything.

As mentioned in the comments above, according to Italian nationality law there does not seem to be any automatic acquisition of Italian citizenship upon marriage (although, historically, "Foreign women who married an Italian citizen before 27 April 1983 were automatically granted Italian citizenship.")

So, from your question it sounds like he intends to naturalise as an Australian citizen. That should be no problem. After you have been married for a few years (depending on where you live and whether you have children), he could apply for Italian citizenship through marriage. However, he would only need to do this if that's something you want for your family, there's no requirement for him to do so.

In general, as long as each country permits multiple citizenship, there's no difference between holding two or three or even more citizenships. The only things one might be mindful of are any applicable obligations of citizenship (eg. taxation, military service, voting, and so on).

1
  • As far as I know Italian citizenship law, foreigners married to an Italian citizen can request Italian citizenship after three years if living abroad, or after six months if living in Italy.
    – user149408
    Dec 10, 2016 at 22:03

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.