The Italian Parliament has approved a reform that will alter how consular services are delivered to Italian citizens and businesses abroad. The new law, which will be implemented gradually up until 2028, aims to centralize operations, modernize administrative procedures, and redefine the roles of consulates—particularly in matters related to citizenship and the AIRE registry (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero).
End of citizenship recognition at consulates
One of the most impactful changes introduced by the reform is the removal of the responsibility for recognizing Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) from consulates. Beginning in 2028, all applications for citizenship recognition must be submitted by mail to a newly established Central Service within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). This centralized body will be solely responsible for processing these requests.
During the transitional period in 2026 and 2027, consulates will be allowed to accept as many applications as they were able to complete in the previous year, with a minimum threshold of 100 applications per consulate.
New rules and requirements for citizenship applications
The reform introduces a series of procedural changes that significantly impact how applicants pursue Italian citizenship. One of the most notable adjustments is the extension of the processing time for citizenship applications, which will increase from 24 to 36 months.
In addition, the reform mandates that only original paper documents will be accepted for citizenship applications. Digital copies, regardless of format or certification, will no longer be considered valid.
All communications related to the application process will now be conducted via email, even if the applicant does not possess a certified digital signature.
To support the administrative workload, third-party companies may be contracted to assist with document digitization and management. However, any costs associated with these services will be the responsibility of the applicant.
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Overhaul of the AIRE system
The reform also brings significant changes to the AIRE system, which registers Italians residing abroad. AIRE will now be integrated with Italy’s national population registry (ANPR), allowing for more efficient data sharing between municipalities, consulates, and the Ministry of the Interior.
One of the most significant changes introduced by the reform is the imposition of fines ranging from €200 to €1,000 for individuals who fail to register with AIRE, reinforcing the legal obligation to maintain updated residency records.
Additionally, the process of notifying authorities when a citizen returns to Italy will be streamlined. Municipalities will now communicate directly with consulates and the Ministry of the Interior.
The legislation also clarifies who must register with AIRE, outlining specific exemptions for groups such as military personnel, diplomats, and teachers assigned overseas.
Document legalization and identity services
Another notable change is the reinstatement of the “double legalization” process for foreign documents. Under this system, documents must first be validated by local authorities in the country of origin and then legalized by the Italian consulate before being accepted in Italy.
In terms of identity documentation, Italian citizens living abroad will now be able to request electronic identity cards directly from Italian municipalities. These cards will be issued in accordance with technical guidelines from MAECI and the Ministry of the Interior. However, their validity for international travel will depend on the absence of any legal restrictions, in which case the card will be marked with the note Documento non valido ai fini dell’espatrio (Document not valid for travel abroad).
Financial and structural support for the reform
To support the implementation of this ambitious reform, the Italian government has allocated an annual investment of over €8 million up until 2028. This funding will be used to establish and maintain the centralized system and to hire 87 new public servants, including administrators, assistants, and technical staff.
Additionally, revenue generated from citizenship application fees will be redistributed: 50% will go to MAECI, with a portion earmarked for hiring local staff at consulates to support ongoing services.
The reform bill was passed in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, October 14, with 144 votes in favor, 87 against, and 5 abstentions. Notably, 68 deputies were absent due to official missions. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it may be amended before final approval. If passed, the law will begin taking effect in 2025, with full implementation expected by 2028.
The government has defended the reform as a necessary step toward administrative modernization and efficiency. Government officials argue that centralizing consular functions will eliminate disparities in service quality and processing times across different regions and consulates.