A legislative change approved this week by the Italian Chamber of Deputies will allow Italian citizens residing abroad, registered in the AIRE (register of Italians residing outside Italy), to apply for Electronic Identity Card (CIE) — equivalent to the Brazilian ID — during temporary visits to the country.
So far, the issuance of the Italian Identity Card For citizens, the AIRE system was previously exclusive to consulates, which faced operational difficulties and significant delays. With the change, it will be possible to request the document directly from Italian municipalities, even during short trips, such as year-end vacations or family visits, or while passing through.
The bill's text does not limit the request to the municipality where the AIRE is registered, which allows the request to be made in any municipality that offers the service. This issue still needs to be regulated, possibly by the Senate or through guidelines from the Ministry of the Interior, through a circular.
The decision comes in response to European Union regulations that, from August 3, 2026, will require all European citizens to use electronic chip documents — biometrics — to travel within the EU. Schengen Area. The CIE meets these requirements, unlike the old paper identity card.
Role of honorary consuls
Another important aspect of the new law was the increased recognition of honorary consuls. Currently, they can collect fingerprints for passport issuance, but not for the CIE. A formal request was made to the government to extend this permission, which would further expand access to the document, especially in regions far from consulates.
According to Congresswoman Federica Onori (M5S), the measure has already received a favorable opinion from the government, and will be closely monitored to ensure its implementation.
14 questions and answers about the CIE (Italian ID) for residents abroad
1. What is the CIE?
A Electronic Identity Card (CIE) is the official identity card of Italy — equivalent to the Brazilian ID — and contains a chip with biometric data.
2. Who is entitled to CIE?
All Italian citizens, including those registered with AIRE, are entitled to the document.
3. Where can I apply for the CIE if I live abroad?
It can be requested:
- At authorized Italian consulates;
- Em Italian municipalities, during temporary stays, according to the new rules. Today, it is issued only to residents of Italian municipalities.
4. Do I need to be in my home municipality?
No. The approved text does not restrict the request to the city of AIRE registration, allowing issuance in any eligible city. But be careful: you must have the AIRE (address in consulate) updated.
5. Is the change already in effect?
It was approved in the Chamber of Deputies and is now awaiting the Senate. It is expected to come into effect before August 2026.
6. Why will the CIE be required from 2026?
Because the European Union will require chip-enabled documents for travel within the Schengen Area, the CIE complies with this standard.
7. Does the CIE replace the passport?
No. For travel outside the EU, such as the UK, the passport is still required. The CIE is only accepted in specific cases, such as pre-Brexit residents with EU Settlement Scheme.
8. Is it worth having the CIE even with a passport?
Yes. It's cheaper, serves as a digital identity, and facilitates access to services and documents in European countries.
9. Can CIE be used in digital services?
Yes. It can replace the SPID and allow access to Italian public platforms.
10. What is the advantage of CIE over SPID?
CIE does not depend on an Italian mobile number, unlike SPID, and is accepted by more services.
11. What is the average cost of CIE?
The price usually varies between 16 and 22 euros, depending on the location.
12. Can honorary consuls issue the CIE?
Not yet. But there is an approved proposal to allow fingerprint collection, as is already the case with passports.
13. Can I get the CIE for my children?
Yes. Minors also have the right, with the authorization of their parents or legal guardians.
14. Can the CIE be used to vote?
Yes. It is valid for electoral purposes, including outside Italy.
15. What about the risk of queues at Italian town halls?
While representing progress, the new measure also raises logistical concerns. With municipalities opening as an alternative to consulates, there is a risk of overload in large Italian citiesas the Roma and Milan, if many citizens choose these locations to apply for the Italian ID (CIE).
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