Italian Senate approves extension of deadline for requesting citizenship for minors born abroad
The Italian Senate has approved an extension to May 2029 for minors born abroad to apply for Italian citizenship.
On Wednesday, the Italian Senate passed a measure extending the deadline for minors born abroad to apply for Italian citizenship until May 2029. This legislation is particularly significant as it aims to give children of Italian nationals overseas valuable additional time to secure their citizenship rights, which had previously been set to expire soon. The new law will now proceed to President Giorgia Meloni for formal promulgation, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the connection between Italy and its diaspora.
Previously, the deadline for applying for citizenship was slated for May 31 of this year. The extended timeline is pivotal considering that the citizenship claim process for individuals of Italian descent can be quite complex and time-consuming, further complicated by specific changes outlined in Law 74/2025. This law not only limits citizenship recognition to children and grandchildren of Italian nationals abroad but also introduces tighter procedures which many applicants have found daunting.
Civil organizations and diaspora communities have welcomed this decision, viewing it as an important step towards revitalizing Italian citizenship claims. The extension provides a necessary window for those who might have faced challenges or delays in navigating the bureaucratic processes of citizenship applications through Italian consulates. As Italy continues to engage with its historical global diaspora, this legislative move indicates a broader recognition of the value in maintaining ties with Italians abroad, particularly amidst increasing discussions about national identity and immigration policies.