Italy approves a new centralized model for Ius sanguinis applications

On 14 January 2026, Italy completed the legislative process for a reform that significantly reshapes both consular services and the procedure for recognizing Italian citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis).

The bill, previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies in October 2025, received final approval from the Senate and will become effective following its publication in the Italian Official Gazette. The reform introduces a new centralized administrative structure in Rome, marking a turning point in how citizenship by descent applications are handled.

A Central Authority for Italian Citizenship by Descent Recognition

The declared objective of the reform is to standardize procedures across diplomatic missions and strengthen document verification. To achieve this, Italy has created a dedicated Service for the Reconstruction of Italian Citizenship, based within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This new body will be responsible for all applications for Italian citizenship by descent submitted by adult applicants residing abroad, effectively removing this competence from Italian consulates.

The Reduced Role of Italian Consulates

Under the new framework, Italian consulates abroad will no longer process citizenship by descent applications for adults. Their role will be limited to:

• applications involving minor children, and
• verification and confirmation of citizenship status for individuals already recognized as Italian citizens.

This represents a structural shift that directly affects millions of descendants of Italian emigrants worldwide.

Longer processing times and new procedural constraints

Although the reform aims to improve consistency and oversight, several elements raise practical concerns for applicants seeking recognition of Italian citizenship by descent.

The new system предусматривает:

• a maximum processing period of 36 months,
• mandatory submission of original paper documents, shipped at the applicant’s expense, and
• an annual cap on the number of applications that can be processed.

Rather than simplifying access to Italian citizenship, these measures risk introducing additional rigidity and delays, particularly for applicants with complex family histories or documentation issued in multiple jurisdictions.

Impact on documentation and legalization

The reform also reintroduces stricter rules on documents formed abroad, including a return to double legalization requirements in certain cases.

For applicants, this means increased attention must be paid to:

• document authenticity,
• compliance with Italian civil status standards, and
• proper legalization or apostille procedures before filing.

Errors at this stage may result in rejection or prolonged suspension of the application.

Changes affecting  Italians living abroad

Beyond citizenship by descent, the reform introduces relevant changes to the AIRE register (Register of Italians Residing Abroad). AIRE will be integrated into the National Resident Population Registry (ANPR), with the aim of improving data coordination between Italian authorities.

While this may enhance administrative oversight, it also increases interconnection between registries, making accuracy and consistency of personal data more critical than ever.

Transitional phase and gradual implementation

The new rules will not apply overnight. The reform provides for a progressive implementation through 2028, during which:

• consulates will be allowed to finalize citizenship applications already pending, and
• the centralized structure will gradually become operational.

This transitional phase creates a strategic window for applicants considering when and how to apply.

The real efficiency of the new model will only be measurable once it is fully operational

Italian citizenship by descent: a system in transition

The reform represents one of the most significant changes in recent decades to the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent. While officially justified by the need for uniformity and control, its practical effects may include increased delays and procedural complexity.