Italian Citizenship: Minor Fee Waiver in 2026

Universal Exemption from the Italian Citizenship Fee for Minors

In a significant turnaround, Italy has confirmed the total exemption of the €250 fee for the registration of Italian citizenship for all minors. The decision ends the controversy generated by the initial interpretation of the 2026 Budget Law and represents a victory for thousands of families with the right to Italian citizenship.

✅ Confirmed: Universal Free Registration

The €250 fee exemption now applies to all minors, regardless of their date of birth. There is no longer a distinction between those born before or after May 2025.

What Changed in the Italian Citizenship Law

Initially, the wording of the 2026 Budget Law caused confusion in Italian consulates around the world. The original interpretation limited the exemption only to children born from May 25, 2025, onwards, which excluded millions of minors already born.

Timeline of the Change

• January 2026: Budget Law is approved with ambiguous text regarding the exemption.
• First Interpretation: Consulates apply the exemption only to those born after May/2025.
• International Reaction: MAIE and Italian leaders protest against the distinction.
• Final Decision: Farnesina determines universal exemption for all minors.

💰 Savings for Families

With the universal exemption, families with multiple minor children save hundreds of euros in the citizenship process. A family with 3 children, for example, saves a total of €750.

Important Deadlines for 2026

Although the exemption is now universal, the registration deadlines vary according to the child's date of birth. It is essential that parents pay attention to these dates:

Minors Born Before May 25, 2025

⚠️ Urgent Deadline: May 31, 2026

Children born up to May 24, 2025, must have their registration request filed by May 31, 2026, to guarantee the fee exemption.

Minors Born From May 25, 2025, Onwards

For children born from this date onwards, parents have a 3-year period to complete the Italian citizenship registration, also with a total fee exemption.

How to Register a Minor's Citizenship

The process of registering Italian citizenship for minors follows specific steps that vary according to the family situation:

Basic Requirements

1. Proof of Descent: Documentation proving the line of transmission of Italian citizenship.
2. Birth Certificate: Of the minor, translated and with an apostille.
3. Parent's Document: Passport or Italian identity card of the citizen father or mother.
4. Proof of Residence: Of the family, within the consular jurisdiction.

Scenario 1: Minor Born Abroad to a Parent Who Is Already a Citizen

When one of the parents already has recognized Italian citizenship before the child's birth, the registration is simpler. You just need to present the minor's birth certificate at the competent Italian consulate.

Scenario 2: Citizenship Recognized After Birth

If the parent's citizenship was recognized after the child's birth, it is necessary to perform a registration update that includes the minor in the family records (AIRE).

📋 AIRE - Essential Registration

The Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero (AIRE) is the mandatory registry for all Italian citizens residing outside of Italy. The minor's registration must be done alongside the AIRE enrollment.

Situation in Consulates Abroad

So far, the Embassy of Italy in Brasília and the consulates under its jurisdiction have not yet officially communicated the application of the universal exemption. However, the Farnesina's guidance is clear and must be followed by the entire diplomatic network.

Consulates in Argentina Already Updated

The consulates in Buenos Aires and Lomas de Zamora have already updated their guidelines to reflect the new interpretation. It is expected that other consulates will follow the same path in the coming days.

Next Legal Steps in 2026

The Italian citizenship landscape continues to evolve, with important dates on the calendar:

February 2026: Milleproroghe Decree

The Italian Parliament will discuss the possibility of extending the registration deadlines for all minors. This measure, if approved, will give families more time to organize their documentation.

March 11, 2026: Historic Judgment

⚖️ Constitutional Court Decides the Future

On March 11, 2026, the Italian Constitutional Court will judge the validity of the restrictions imposed by the Tajani Decree. This decision could significantly impact the future of Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis).

Advantages of Italian Citizenship for Minors

Registering your children's Italian citizenship while they are still minors brings immediate and long-term benefits:

Educational Benefits

• Access to European Universities: Reduced tuition fees as an EU citizen.
• Exchange Programs: Erasmus and other programs exclusive to Europeans.
• Scholarships: Access to Italian and European grants.

Mobility Benefits

• Free Movement: Right to live, study, and work in any EU country.
• Italian Passport: One of the most powerful in the world, with access to 190+ countries.
• No Visas: Easier entry into several countries.

🎓 Guaranteed Future

By securing Italian citizenship for your children now, you are opening doors to a future with more educational and professional opportunities in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the €250 exemption apply to all minors?

Yes, the recent decision by the Farnesina confirms that all minors are exempt from the €250 fee, regardless of their date of birth.

What is the deadline to register my minor child?

For children born up to 05/24/2025, the deadline is May 31, 2026. For those born after this date, the deadline is 3 years from birth.

Do I need to travel to Italy to register the minor's citizenship?

Not necessarily. Registration can be done at the Italian consulate of your jurisdiction. Only specific cases or judicial processes require presence in Italy.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

If the deadline is missed, the family can still apply for citizenship, but without the fee exemption. It is essential to respect the established deadlines.

Does the Tajani Decree affect minors?

The restrictions of the Tajani Decree apply mainly to recognition processes through distant descent. The validity of these restrictions will be judged by the Constitutional Court in March 2026.

Recommendations from Studio Cidadania

🇮🇹 Don't Miss This Opportunity

With the exemption confirmed and deadlines defined, this is the ideal time to start your children's Italian citizenship process. Studio Cidadania offers full assistance to ensure you don't miss the deadlines and take advantage of all available benefits.

Contact us for a free analysis of your case.

Conclusion

The confirmation of the universal exemption from the Italian citizenship fee for minors is excellent news for families entitled to Italian citizenship. With the savings of €250 per child and clearly defined deadlines, there is no reason to delay the process.

Stay tuned for official updates from consulates and prepare your documentation in advance. The May 31, 2026, deadline is fast approaching for minors born before May 2025.

Article updated in January 2026 with the latest information on the fee exemption for minors in Italian citizenship.