Minor Child Registration

New Requirement for Italian Citizens with Children Born Abroad

If you are an Italian citizen with minor children born outside of Italy, a recent citizenship reform introduced a new administrative step that many families may need to complete.

For many years, children of Italian citizens born abroad were generally recognized as citizens automatically at birth. However, under the 2025 reform (Law 74/2025), families abroad may now need to submit a formal Declaration of Will (Dichiarazione di Volontà) to activate their child’s citizenship recognition.

Without this declaration, a child’s right to be recognized as an Italian citizen may remain inactive.

Because the rules vary depending on when a child was born and how a family’s records are registered in Italy, many parents are unsure whether this requirement applies to their situation.

Updated Deadlines for Families (Law 26/2026)

To help families adapt to the reform, the Italian government introduced a three-year transition period.

The deadline depends on when your child was born.

Children Born Before May 24, 2025

Parents have until May 31, 2029 to submit the Declaration of Will.

Children Born On or After May 24, 2025

Parents must submit the declaration within three years of the child’s birth.

Why Many Parents Are Unsure

The declaration requirement does not apply to every family in the same way.

In some cases, children may already be recognized through existing Italian civil records. This is more likely when a parent’s AIRE registration, marital status, and other civil records are already properly registered in Italy.

However, if these records are incomplete or outdated, additional administrative steps may be required before a child can be registered.

For example, delays often occur when a parent has moved to a new consular jurisdiction but has not updated their AIRE registration, or when a marriage that took place abroad has not yet been registered with the Italian Comune.

When these records need to be updated first, the process can take several months depending on the Consulate and the municipality involved.

Because of this, many families first need to confirm whether their AIRE registration and civil records are up to date before proceeding with the declaration process.

Check If the New Rule Applies to Your Children

If you are an Italian citizen with minor children born abroad, you can start by answering a few quick questions.

👉 Start Here: Minor Child Registration Intake Form

Our short form takes about two minutes and asks a few basic questions, including:

• how many minor children you have

• when they were born

• whether your family is currently registered in AIRE

Based on these details, we can better understand your situation and determine whether the minor child declaration process may apply to your family.

Important Information for Families

Requirements for registering minor children can vary depending on individual circumstances and the policies of the relevant Italian Consulate.

Families should always refer to the official guidance published by their specific Consulate or Comune when preparing documentation or submitting declarations.

Disclaimer

BecomeItaliani provides informational consultations regarding the Italian citizenship process and is not a law firm. The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee any outcome. Final recognition of Italian citizenship is determined solely by the Italian government, including its consulates, municipalities, and courts.