It was published in Official Gazette of the Italian Republic Law No. 11 of 2026, which establishes the centralization of applications for Italian citizenship for adults residing abroad. The new legislation comes into force on February 19, 2026, and alters the process for recognition of citizenship by right of blood (jure sanguinis).
The regulation transfers responsibility for processing these requests to a new central body within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, based in Rome.
What changes for those living outside of Italy?
From January 1, 2029Applications for recognition of Italian citizenship made by adults residing abroad will no longer be processed by consulates and will instead be handled exclusively by a new central office in Rome.
This new model applies only to requests from adults. Cases involving:
- confirmation of citizenship for people already recognized,
- minor children of previously recognized Italian citizens,
The Italian consulates will remain responsible for these matters, as will the issuance of the respective citizenship certificates.
How will the orders be shipped?
According to the law, applications must be submitted exclusively by postal mail, accompanied by the original paper documentation and proof of payment of the applicable fees. This rule applies even with the existence of digital platforms, and the shipping costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
The new office in Rome will also be able to enter into contracts with specialized operators to digitize, receive, and store the submitted documents.
All communication after submission will be done electronically, and notifications will be valid from the date the emails are sent to the address indicated in the process.
The maximum timeframe for completing the processes will be 36 months.
Implementation deadlines
The law stipulates that the new structure will become operational on January 1, 2029. In the first two years (2029 and 2030), the new body will be able to receive a limited number of applications, based on the total number of applications made at consulates in the year prior to the law coming into effect.
Until then, consulates will continue to receive applications as normal, also with an annual limit on the number of applications processed. This limit will be equivalent to the number of recognitions completed in the previous year, with a mandatory minimum of 100 applications per consulate per year.
Strengthening infrastructure and financing
To implement the new policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will rely on:
- 2 new general management positions,
- 30 new employees,
- 55 new assistants.
The hiring of permanent staff through the utilization of existing competitive examinations is authorized, starting in 2026. Public resources are earmarked for infrastructure, personnel, and training, totaling more than 10 million euros until 2028.
The law also redefines how consular fees are redistributed, with 25% of the amounts reverted to the variable compensation fund for non-managerial employees of the Ministry.
See the publication here: Official Gazette of the Italian Republic
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