Italian consulate websites have begun updating their guidelines, altering the interpretation of the citizenship fee for minors. The reversal of the previous interpretation confirms that the €250 exemption will apply to all minors, regardless of their date of birth.
The consulates in Buenos Aires and Lomas de Zamora, both in Argentina, have already begun updating their instructions to reflect the new directive. With this decision, the administrative turmoil generated by the drafting of the 2026 Budget Law comes to an end at consular counters, guaranteeing universal free registration of minors. Citizenship is granted by law.
However, the Italian Embassy in Brasília has not yet officially announced the end of the fee, nor have the consulates under its jurisdiction. The change ends the distinction that provided the benefit only for children born from May 25, 2025 onwards, extending the free service to those born before that date.
Previously, the official guidance in headquarters such as Brasília, Buenos Aires, and Chicago, for example, maintained the collection of fees. for children born up to May 24, 2025The change in stance aligns the diplomatic network with the demands of MAIE leaders. (Associative Movement Italiani all'Estero) which pointed out contradictions in the text approved by Parliament.
Despite the universal exemption from the fee, families must observe different deadlines for submitting their tax returns. Parents of children born from May 2025 onwards have a three-year period to register. For those born up to May 24, 2025, the current deadline is May 31, 2026.
The legal landscape for 2026 still holds decisive moments for the Italian community. In February, the discussion of the decree... milleproroghe It may extend the registration deadline for all minors. Furthermore, on March 11th, the Constitutional Court will rule on the validity of the restrictions imposed by the so-called Tajani Decree.
