Registering Your Children as Italians:
The May 31, 2029 Deadline
Since 2025, many children born abroad to Italian parents no longer become Italian automatically. Here is how parents secure it by declaration.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Short answer (as of November 2026)
If you are an Italian citizen by birth and your child was born abroad, your child may need a formal declaration to become Italian. For children who were minors on May 24, 2025, the deadline is May 31, 2029. Children under 3 can be declared within 3 years of birth. Since January 1, 2026 there is no fee.
- At least one parent must be Italian by birth (jure sanguinis), not by naturalization or marriage
- For older children, the parent must have been recognized under the pre-2025 rules (a case started by March 27, 2025)
- The child must be registered in AIRE and live in the consulate's district
- Citizenship takes effect the day after the declaration, not from birth
Who this applies to
Under Article 4(1-bis) of Law 91/1992, as described by Italian consulates, a minor child born abroad can acquire Italian citizenship by declaration if at least one parent is an Italian citizen by birth. Parents who became Italian by naturalization, marriage, reacquisition or a similar route do not qualify for this procedure.
| Child | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 years old | Within 3 years of birth (or of the date parentage was established) |
| Minor on May 24, 2025, with a parent recognized under the pre-2025 rules | May 31, 2029 |
| That same child, now an adult | Declares personally by May 31, 2029 |
How the declaration works
- The child must be registered in AIRE (the registry of Italians abroad) and live in the consulate's district.
- Both parents make the declaration in person before a consular civil-status officer. If they declare on different days, the later date counts. One parent is enough where the other is deceased or absent, with proof.
- The child usually does not need to attend.
- Citizenship takes effect the day after the declaration. As an adult, the child may renounce it if they hold another citizenship.
- The former €250 fee no longer applies from January 1, 2026.
Why it matters for U.S. families
Many families recognized as Italian in recent years have children who were born before or after their own recognition. If those children were minors on May 24, 2025, the 2029 deadline is the window to secure their citizenship without a separate application under Article 3-bis. Consulate appointments for this service fill up, so it is worth starting early.
Note that consulates keep handling minors' matters after 2029, even as adult applications move to a central office in Rome (see centralization).
Need help with your children's declaration?
We'll confirm eligibility and prepare the paperwork your consulate asks for.
Sources
- Consulate General of Italy in Boston: acquisition by declaration for minors
- Gente d'Italia: minors' deadline extended to 2029
- Decree-Law 36/2025 as converted by Law 74/2025 (Normattiva)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and consulate practice change; check the official sources or ask us before acting.
Questions about registering children
Recognized as Italian, with kids to register?
We'll check which of your children qualify and prepare the documents for the declaration before May 31, 2029.
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