Citizenship action can start with a minimum fee of €43; but there is a risk

A circular from the Italian Ministry of Justice, released on March 24, 2025, confirmed that the process of recognizing Italian citizenship "iure sanguinis" can be initiated with the payment of only... 43 euros per applicant. However, the total amount required by law is 600 Euros, and the difference may be charged with fines that can double the amount due.

The measure is provided for in Circular No. 0002101/2025, which interprets Law No. 207/2024. The text requires court offices to accept the filing of civil actions, including citizenship proceedings, provided that the minimum amount provided for in article 13 of Decree No. 115/2002 — 43 euros per person — is paid.

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The risk, however, comes in the next phase. If the difference between 43 euros and 600 euros is not paid, the charge will be forwarded to “Entrance Agency”, the Italian Revenue Service with an additional fine. “If it is not paid within 60 days of notification, the fine will be 150% of the remaining amount. After the 80th day, the penalty increases to 200%”, warns the lawyer Antonio Cattaneo, in an interview with Italianismo.

According to the rule, the notification is sent to the lawyer representing the claimants. Therefore, there is a risk that the client will not even know about the debt until the tax bill is received. In some cases, the total amounts reach 1.200 euros per person – around R$7.400. For entire families, the debt can reach high figures.

Legal advisors in the area have already reported that some companies have been offering quotes based on just 43 euros, without informing customers of the consequences. “The customer sees a much lower quote and signs it, but without knowing that they may later be charged more than that,” says Cattaneo.

He recommends that clients be formally informed and sign a declaration acknowledging the risk before opting for this option. The practice aims to avoid future liability and ensure greater transparency in the process.

The circular makes it clear that the obligation to pay the full fee of 600 euros remains. Partial payment only allows the process to begin, but does not eliminate the legal obligation.

To circular can be downloaded here.