Obtaining an Italian passport is a gateway to becoming a European Union citizen, offering the freedom to live, work, and travel across the EU with ease. The process, governed by Italian law, primarily involves first establishing your eligibility for Italian citizenship. Recent legal changes make understanding the pathways more important than ever. This guide provides a clear roadmap for 2026, detailing every step from eligibility to holding your new passport.
Italian Citizenship: The Essential First Step
An Italian passport is proof of your Italian citizenship; you must be recognized as a citizen before you can apply for one . Italian citizenship is largely based on the principle of "jus sanguinis" (right of blood), meaning it is passed down through family lineage rather than by birth within the country's territory . Italy also permits dual citizenship, so you typically don't have to renounce your original nationality .
Recent legislation, Decree-Law No. 36/2025 (converted into Law No. 74/2025), introduced significant changes, particularly affecting those born abroad claiming citizenship by descent. The key change is that being born abroad to an Italian parent no longer automatically grants citizenship unless specific conditions are met .
Key Changes for 2026: A Critical Deadline
A crucial deadline exists for families. If a child was a minor on May 24, 2025, and their parent qualified for citizenship under the pre-March 28, 2025 rules, the parents can submit a declaration for the child to acquire citizenship by May 31, 2026 . After this date, different, often more complex, conditions will apply .
Pathways to Italian Citizenship (and ultimately, a Passport)
Your pathway depends on your personal circumstances, such as your family background and residency plans. The following table outlines the main routes.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Pathway
Carefully review the pathways above. Gathering documents for citizenship by descent can be complex, as you must obtain certified birth, marriage, and death certificates for your Italian ancestor and all persons in the direct line of descent, proving the citizenship was never renounced .
Step 2: Submit Your Citizenship Application
Where you apply depends on your pathway and location:
- Applications via Descent (from abroad): Submit to your jurisdictionally responsible Italian consulate or embassy .
- Applications via Residency (from Italy): Submit to the city hall (comune) of your Italian province of residence .
- Applications via Marriage: Typically submitted online through the Italian Ministry of the Interior portal .
Be prepared for processing times, which can range from several months to a few years . Application fees are generally €250 for most pathways, but citizenship by descent applications processed at a consulate are subject to a fee of €600 .
Step 3: Once Citizenship is Approved
After your citizenship is recognized, you must:
- Register with AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero): If you live abroad, you must register with the AIRE through your local Italian consulate. This is a mandatory step and a prerequisite for applying for a passport from abroad .
- Obtain an Italian Identity Card (Carta d'Identità ): While not always mandatory before a passport, it is a primary form of ID for Italian citizens.
Step 4: Apply for Your Italian Passport
Once you are an Italian citizen registered with AIRE, you can apply for your passport .
- Where to Apply: At your responsible Italian consulate if abroad, or at a designated passport office (questura) in Italy .
- The Appointment: You must book an appointment online, typically through the Prenot@mi system, and appear in person .
- Required Documents:
- Completed passport application form .
- Your previous Italian passport (if renewing) or another valid ID .
- Two recent, identical passport-sized photographs .
- Proof of AIRE registration .
- For dual citizens residing abroad (e.g., in the US), a copy of your permanent resident card or visa for that country .
- A money order for the fee (e.g., approximately $131 as of 2025) .
- A pre-paid self-addressed envelope for the return of your new passport if applying by mail from a consulate .
The Italian passport is valid for 10 years for adults .
Benefits of Holding an Italian Passport
The advantages of Italian citizenship and an EU passport are significant:
- Visa-Free Travel: The Italian passport is one of the world's strongest, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 destinations, including the US, Canada, and Japan .
- EU Rights: The right to live, work, study, and retire in any of the 27 European Union countries, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, without needing a permit .
- Access to Services: Full access to Italy's and other EU nations' healthcare and education systems, often at the same cost as citizens .
- Consular Protection: You are entitled to assistance and protection from the diplomatic missions of any EU country outside the Union if Italy is not represented .
Important Considerations for 2026
- Act Quickly if Affected by New Laws: The May 31, 2026, deadline for registering minor children is critical for families who qualify under the transitional rules .
- No Investment Pathway: Italy does not have a direct citizenship-by-investment program. While an investor visa can lead to residency, it still requires a 10-year naturalization process .
- Professional Help: Given the complexity, especially with recent legal changes, consulting with an expert in Italian citizenship law can be invaluable in assessing your eligibility and navigating the process correctly .
Conclusion
The journey to an Italian passport in 2026 requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the legal pathways, especially following recent reforms. Whether you claim citizenship by descent, marriage, or through residency, the reward—unrestricted access to live, work, and travel throughout the European Union—is a powerful incentive. By identifying your eligibility pathway, preparing your documentation meticulously, and adhering to critical deadlines, you can achieve your goal of becoming an Italian citizen and passport holder.
I hope this guide provides a solid foundation for your application. Should you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.