marriage between Italian and American

Welcome to the Forum

First of all, where do you plan to get married? USA, Italy or elsewhere?

We are thinking of going to Denmark...easy marriage and they are helpful with papers needed.  Then I would come down to Italy with marriage papers...so would apply for residence visa while in Copenhagen or once arrive in Rome.  I have talked to folks in Denmark and they have helped Italian/non Italians before.   Just want to know how the process works.  And if my partner needs to do anything before leaving Italy to get the process started.

Personally, I would talk with the American Embassy in Italy to get the correct information, this is due to rules and regulations changing from time to time.

ok.  thanks.  I think there will be less problem him in USA than me getting residency in Italy...but will find out.  We are same sex couple.

Schengen is about free travel; it has nothing to do with residence and the US are not signatories of the Convention.  By a separate agreement, US citizens do not need any visa to enter Italy for up to 90 days; the only requirement is that your US passport is valid for the duration of your stay and has 2 blank pages (I assume for someone to put stamps in it).

As a US citizen, I think you'll need to apply for a  “permesso di soggiorno” each time you go there for more than 90 days.  You can apply for Italian citizenship after you've been married for 3 years (18 months if you have kids).

I know I haven't helped much and I hope I'm wrong; perhaps get your husband to inquire at the Italian consulate nearest to where you live in the USA; I doubt if you're the first person asking about this.

If I am wrong, please come back and tell us what you did so we can advise others.

Cynic
Expat Team

Thank you.  Yes, I will post what I find out.

I married a wonderful Italian. The first step is to get a permesso di soggiorno which requires you to go to the commune in your town with every piece of paperwork you can think of.  Birth certificates, previous marriage, divorce, marriage certificates(needs to be registered in Italy no matter where you get married) Go on line and try to get a list of what is needed before you even go. I got sent back three times missing some piece of paper. My permesso allowed me to stay/go back and forth for 5 years, Then I had to renew, or apply for a carta di soggiorno which is like a green card and permanent.  You would think that being married would make it easier, but it doesnt really. It takes patience, but in the end you will have to ability to go back and forth with no limits.