After the recent conversion of the Decree-Law No. 36/2025 In addition to a law that modified the rules on Italian citizenship by descent, the Italian government has presented a new bill that aims to profoundly reform consular and administrative services for Italians abroad.
A The proposal AC 2369, registered on April 24, 2025, which had been advanced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, in March, provides for the centralization of citizenship applications jure sanguinis and changes AIRE rules (Register of Italians Living Abroad), identity documents and passports.
The DL (draft law) – signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Tajani – is being analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies and is part of the government's financial strategy.
Process centralization
The main change is the centralization of the Italian citizenship recognition process. jure sanguinis (by blood). If the law is approved, the powers of the consulates will be limited to certifying citizenship that has already been recognized and recognizing citizenship for minors.
Adults should submit their applications directly to the new "Service for the Reconstruction of Italian Citizenship," to be created within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (MAECI), In Rome.
This new central body will have exclusive jurisdiction to process citizenship applications from adults residing outside Italy. Applications will be sent exclusively by post, with original paper documentation and proof of payment of the consular fee. MAECI may hire specialized operators to digitize, file and assist in the processing of these applications, at the cost of which the applicant will be responsible.
Communication between the citizen and MAECI will occur via email, including notifications. If citizenship is granted, the information will be forwarded to the relevant Italian Comune and consulate in the applicant's jurisdiction. If the application is denied, the return of the documents will also be the applicant's responsibility.
The deadline for completing the process will be 48 months, counting from the receipt of the documentation, replacing the previous deadline of 24 months. The annual limit of applications to be accepted in the first two years will be equal to the total number of applications processed by the consulates in the previous year.
During the transition period, consulates will continue to receive applications, but within the limits of the previous year's completion capacity, with a minimum of 100 processes per headquarters.
The article also details adjustments to AIRE (Anagraph of Italians Living Abroad), which will become part of the National Anagraph of the Resident Population (ANPR). Updates to standards, exclusion of obsolete articles and new criteria for registration and exclusion are planned.
Identity card
This section of the bill deals with travel documentation. identity card It will be considered valid for international use, except in cases with impediments similar to those of a passport. There are also adjustments to passport legislation, in line with European Union regulations.
Improvement in consulates
Finally, the project defines organizational and financial measures. New staff will be hired for MAECI, with a specific budget allocation. Funds raised from consular fees will be redistributed to reinforce services at consulates and maintain the new central structure.
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