On October 13, 2025, the Italian Chamber of Deputies approved Bill A.C. 2369-A, introducing significant changes to how Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) applications will be processed. The law centralizes applications, marking a major shift in Italy’s consular approach worldwide.
Key Changes to the Application Process
1. Centralization of Applications
From January 1, 2028, all new applications from adult descendants of Italians living abroad will be handled exclusively by a central office in Rome, called the Servizio per la Ricostruzione della Cittadinanza Italiana.
Local consulates will no longer process routine applications, but they will still:
- Process applications for minor children of recognized Italian citizens
- Confirm citizenship status for individuals already recognized
2. Submission Process
Applicants must submit their forms and documents by mail; online submissions will not be accepted.
The standard processing timeline is expected to be 24 to 36 months.
During the transition period (2026–2027), consulates will continue to accept applications under a limited annual quota, based on the number of applications processed the previous year.
3. Double Legalization Requirement
All foreign documents must be legalized twice:
- First, by the authorities in the country where the document was issued
- Second, by the Italian consulate
This step is mandatory to ensure the authenticity of documents and compliance with Italian legal requirements.
4. AIRE Registry Updates
The Registry of Italians Abroad (AIRE) will be integrated into the National Registry of Resident Population (ANPR).
Key changes include:
- Increasing the number of negative census checks required for “untraceable” residents from 2 to 3
- Allowing optional registration for Italians working in EU institutions or recognized international organizations, even if they maintain Italian tax residency
These updates improve record-keeping and strengthen communication between local authorities and Italian communities abroad.
5. Staffing and Fees
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) will hire 87 new staff members starting in 2026:
- 2 general directors
- 30 officials
- 55 administrative assistants
The €600 citizenship application fee will be distributed as follows:
- 50% to consulates
- 25% to MAECI personnel funds
- 25% to operational costs and system updates
Next Steps
The bill now moves to the Italian Senate for review and potential amendments.
If approved, it will gradually take effect through 2028, fully centralizing citizenship application processing in Rome.
This reform represents a major restructuring of Italian consular services. It ends the traditional local relationship between consulates and Italian-descendant communities, introducing a centralized administrative model designed to improve efficiency and standardize procedures.
