The AIRE, Registry of Italians Residing Abroad, is essential for Italian citizens living outside Italy. It ensures their personal data is current, enabling consular services like passport renewal. Understanding the AIRE’s role, requirements, and update process is vital for compliance and access to consular services.
An Italian citizen can update their AIRE registration by mailing a signed application form to the consulate in their jurisdiction or using the online system called Fast It. This platform simplifies the process by allowing updates of address and personal information directly online. It’s important to update your AIRE whenever you move to a new county, state, or country.
What is the AIRE and why is it important for obtaining Italian citizenship?
The AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero) is a registry maintained by Italian consulates worldwide, containing personal data of Italian citizens living abroad.
AIRE registration is a key step in the process of obtaining Italian citizenship, as it records your status and residency abroad. In order for your passport to be issued, you must register in the AIRE and keep it updated.
When applying for Italian citizenship by descent, registration within the AIRE is typically done automatically by the consulate handling your citizenship recognition. However, some consulates may require you to fill out a form to register within the AIRE after completing the dual citizenship process. Once recognized as an Italian citizen, your vital records are registered in the Italian municipality of your ancestor’s birth.
Important! The registration/update in AIRE must be done solely by the citizen and the process is free of charge. Do not trust companies that claim to do this registration. io.citizen provides guidance as part of the Italian citizenship process, but it is the citizen who must perform the registration.
Who Needs to Register?
Italian citizens residing outside Italy for over 12 months or those who acquire citizenship jure sanguinis with permanent residency abroad must register.
Who Does Not Need to Register?
Those residing in Italy or abroad for less than 12 months are not required to register.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Benefits of AIRE Registration
Keeping the AIRE updated ensures that Italian citizens living abroad have access to consular services, such as passport issuance and renewal. It also ensures that the Italian government has accurate records for electoral purposes, consular assistance in emergencies, and other administrative processes.
Consequences of Non-Registration or Outdated Information
If an Italian citizen living abroad doesn’t update the AIRE, they may face difficulties in renewing their passport, accessing consular services, and could be ineligible to vote in Italian elections. Accurate AIRE records are crucial for receiving proper assistance from the Italian consulate.
Costs and Duration
Updating AIRE is free, but service fees may apply for processing. Updates can take up to 180 days depending on the consulate and time of year.
Updating Process
Updates can be made via mail or online, through the Fast It platform, or consulate websites. Changes in residency within or outside your country require updates.
Creating AIRE Registration
New registrations are submitted through a signed application form or online via Fast It, with automatic registration during citizenship by descent applications.
