italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
Woman sitting on a cafe using her computer to access the fast it platform
Summary

Fast It is an online platform designed to streamline consular services for Italian citizens living abroad. Developed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fast It aims to simplify and expedite processes such as AIRE registration, updating personal information, and accessing various consular services. 

The platform is particularly beneficial for Italian expatriates who need to manage their consular affairs efficiently without the need for frequent visits to consulates.

How Fast It works

Fast It offers a user-friendly interface that allows Italian citizens to perform several consular tasks online. To use Fast It, users must first create an account using their SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale), which ensures secure access to the platform. Once logged in, users can navigate through various sections to complete tasks such as registering with AIRE, updating personal details, and accessing other consular services. The platform provides step-by-step instructions and support to guide users through each process.

AIRE registration

AIRE, or Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero, is the registry of Italian citizens residing abroad. Registration with AIRE is mandatory for Italian citizens who plan to live abroad for more than 12 months. It is essential for maintaining one’s rights and obligations as an Italian citizen, such as voting in elections and accessing consular services.

Fast It simplifies the AIRE registration process by allowing users to complete the registration online. Users need to provide personal information, proof of residence, and other required documents. Once the registration is submitted, it is reviewed by the consulate, and users are notified of the outcome.

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Differences between Fast It and Prenot@mi

Prenot@mi is another platform used by Italian consulates to manage appointments for various consular services. While both Fast It and Prenot@mi serve Italian citizens abroad, they have distinct functions.

Important information for Italian citizenship applicants: On March 28, 2025, Italy enacted a decree imposing stricter eligibility requirements for citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The new law limits applications to individuals whose parents or grandparents were born in Italy, excluding more distant descendants unless they applied before the cutoff date.

  • Fast It: Primarily focuses on online services such as AIRE registration, updating personal information, and accessing other consular services without the need for physical appointments.
     
  • Prenot@mi: Used for scheduling appointments for in-person consular services, such as passport renewals, visa applications, and other services that require a visit to the consulate.
     

The main advantage of Fast It is the convenience of completing tasks online, reducing the need for physical visits to consulates. Prenot@mi, on the other hand, is essential for services that cannot be completed online.

Self-registration on Fast It

One of the key features of Fast It is the ability for users to register themselves on the platform. To self-register, users need to have a SPID, which provides secure access to the platform. The registration process involves providing personal information, proof of identity, and other required documents.

While the self-registration process is straightforward, users may encounter common issues such as difficulties in obtaining a SPID or uploading documents. Fast It provides support and guidance to help users resolve these issues and complete their registration successfully.

Additional services offered by Fast It

In addition to AIRE registration, Fast It offers a range of other consular services. Users can update their personal information, such as address changes, marital status, and other relevant details. The platform also provides access to various consular services, including:

Fast It is a valuable tool for Italian citizens living abroad, offering a convenient and efficient way to manage consular affairs. By providing online access to essential services such as AIRE registration and personal information updates, Fast It helps users save time and effort.

The platform’s focus on security and user experience ensures that Italian expatriates can confidently and easily handle their consular needs. For those living abroad, using Fast It can significantly simplify the process of staying connected with their home country.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.