The Consul General of Italy in São Paulo, Domenico Fornara, released a New Year's message this Sunday, the 21st. through the consulate's social media channelsIn the video, he reviewed the activities carried out in 2025, pointed out the main challenges faced, and announced new developments for 2026.
Fornara highlighted that the year was "particularly intense"This is due to an increase in demand for consular services and internal restructuring to improve service. According to him, the consular district of São Paulo has surpassed the population of the city of Florence in the number of registered citizens and may soon surpass Bologna. Today, there are almost 400 registered Italian citizens, with 135 new registrations in the last three years. In 2025, there were 50 new registrations, the highest number ever achieved.
Citizenship and passports
The consulate prioritized passport issuance, reaching almost 40 documents issued in 2025. Fornara highlighted the work of the honorary vice-consulates, which contributed to this result. The new citizenship law, Law 74 of 2025, was also treated as one of the main milestones of the year. The legislation brought challenges and required restructuring of internal processes.
According to the consul, priority was given to those recognition of citizenship for minors who are beneficiaries of the law, who have until May 31, 2026 to request recognition. Starting next year, the remaining applicants will begin to be contacted.
New service in 2026
Starting in January 2026, the consulate will begin issuing the new electronic identity card. The initiative aims to modernize consular documents and facilitate the identification of Italian citizens residing in Brazil.
Institutional and cultural activities
Fornara recalled the consulate's role in emergency situations, such as hospitalizations, lost documents, legal support, and assistance to detained citizens. He also highlighted the expansion of the Italian presence in São Paulo with the opening of a SIMEST office and the appointment of a new honorary vice-consul in Santos.
Throughout the year, more than 50 cultural and economic promotional events linked to the Italian System were organized, attracting over 30 people in person and reaching more than 14 million users on digital platforms.
Education and bilateral relations
The promotion of the Italian language received special attention. The consulate supported parity courses and schools such as Eugenio Montale and Dante Alighieri. The latter, for the first time, graduated students with the Italian maturity diploma after the recognition of parity in education.
The consul also mentioned the visits of Italian authorities to Brazil as a sign of the strengthening of bilateral relations. Among those present, he highlighted the presence of the President of the Senate, the Governor of Lombardy, and representatives of the Italian customs agency.
According to the latest edition of Business Guide disclosed in Rome, there are more than 1.100 Italian companies registered in Brazil, with 60% of them located in the State of São Paulo.
Thanks and best wishes for 2026
At the end of the message, Fornara thanked the consulate staff and Italian citizens for their trust, collaboration, and even for the criticism received, which, according to him, contributes to the continuous improvement of services.
"I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026," he concluded.
Watch the video here: Saluto di fine anno del Console Generale a San Paolo, Domenico Fornara.
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