Time to obtain Italian spouse visa?

Question

If one marries an italian citizen how much time does it take for the spouse to join him in Italy ? The spouse needs a visa to visit Italy.

Answer 1

The spouse of an Italian citizen is entitled to a simplified visa application procedure that is free of charge:

The documents that family members of an EU citizen need to submit when applying for a visa are listed in the above art. 2 and differ from those required of other ordinary applicants (i.e. it is not necessary to provide health insurance and proof of socio-economic status).

I believe that this should excuse you from the requirement to obtain the nulla osta.

Sharp-eyed readers will notice that the quoted text applies to "family members of an EU citizen," and that this would normally exclude family members of an Italian citizen with respect to Italy. However, the title of the document is Family members of an Italian citizen or of a citizen of another EU Country, which is in line with the Italian law that provides for family members of Italian citizens to receive the same consideration that is given to the family member of other EU citizens.

Answer 2

It’s impossible to give a definitive answer. The end-to-end processing timescale will depend on variables related to the personal circumstances of the applicant and their Italian spouse, such as the time needed to gather the required documentation, available appointment slots etc.

In general terms, it can take up to a year before the non-EU applicant can join their spouse in Italy, Obtaining a Nulla Osta, a pre-requisite to applying for the visa itself, can take from 4 to 12 months. The visa processing time is typically around three weeks, up to a couple of months, depending on where the application is made and whether any queries are raised.

Source: https://visaguide.world/europe/italy-visa/long-stay/family/