Italy saw an increase of 2024 citizens residing abroad in 243. In total, there are 6,38 million Italians living outside the country, according to data from ISTAT (National Institute of Statistics), released on Tuesday, July 23.
The 4% increase compared to 2023 is mainly due to the recognition of Italian citizenship and the positive migration balance. The number of Italians abroad exceeds 6,1 million at the beginning of the year.
The majority (54%) live in Europe. America is home to 40,9% of Italian citizens, with Argentina and Germany having the highest concentration.
Increase in citizenships and youth migration drive growth
In 2024, 121 thousand were recognized Italian citizenships, an increase of 4,4% compared to 2023. Most requests are made by descent (“iure sanguinis”).
Brazil and Argentina lead this movement, with 41 and 33 citizenships granted, respectively. The consulates in São Paulo and Buenos Aires alone accounted for 28,4% of new citizenships.
The migration balance was also significant: 103 more people were exiled. This is partly due to the new law that punishes those who live abroad for more than 12 months without registering with the AIRE.
Young people lead exit from Italy
The average age of emigrants in 2024 was 32,8 years. Most migrated to European countries, mainly Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France, which together received 54,6% of new expatriates.
Spain had the highest proportional growth of Italians (+11,9%), followed by Brazil (+53 thousand) and Argentina (+29 thousand).
Returns to the country fell 14,3%, totaling 53. Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland lead the countries of origin of these returns.
More people are born than die outside Italy
In 2024, more than 27 Italians were born abroad—68,1% in European countries. Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom account for the largest numbers.
The natural balance, the difference between births and deaths, was positive by 19 thousand people.
Age profile and place of birth show different migration waves
About 31% of Italians abroad were born in Italy. In countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, the majority were born locally and obtained citizenship by birthright.
The median age of Italians born in the country is 55. Those born abroad are, on average, 39. This difference reflects the alternation between historical migrations and new departures.
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