Italian Citizenship for Minors (2025 Update): How Law 74/2025 Protects – and Limits – Your Child’s Rights

Italy’s new citizenship law has changed the rules for families with children born abroad.
With the introduction of Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, minors of Italian descent now face new obligations, stricter procedures, and a key deadline: May 31, 2026.

If you’re a U.S. parent of Italian heritage, understanding these updates is essential to protect your child’s right to Italian citizenship before it’s too late.

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The Legal Foundation: What Changed With Law 74/2025

In 2025, Italy reformed its citizenship framework by amending Article 3-bis of Law 91/1992, introducing the concept of “effective connection” (legame effettivo) with Italy.
Under the new law, citizenship by descent is no longer automatically transmitted to minors. Parents must now file a formal declaration of intent for their child’s citizenship to be legally recognized.

This reform applies to:

• Children born abroad before March 27, 2025
• Minors legally recognized or adopted
• Children included in ongoing jure sanguinis cases not finalized before that date

Born before March 27, 2025 → Parent now citizen

Without this declaration, a child will not be considered Italian by birth, even if the parent already holds Italian citizenship.

Legal reference: Art. 1-bis / 1-ter of Law No. 74/2025 (conversion of Decree-Law 36/2025)

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The Transitional Window: Deadline May 31, 2026

Law 74/2025 grants families abroad a one-year transitional window to regularize their children’s position.
All declarations of intent for minors must be filed by May 31, 2026.

Failing to file this declaration before the deadline means:

• The child loses the right to automatic acquisition
• Future citizenship will only be possible through naturalization as an adult
• The process will involve longer residence requirements and stricter eligibility rules

This “benefit of law” period is the only chance for parents abroad to secure citizenship for children already born before the reform.
Missing this date closes the door permanently to simplified recognition for minors.

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Who Needs to File the Declaration

You must submit a declaration if your child falls into one of these categories:

Scenario

Requires Declaration?

Legal Reference

Born abroad BEFORE March 27, 2025

✔️ Yes

Art. 3-bis L. 91/1992

Recognized or adopted

✔️ Yes

Art. 3-bis comma 1-ter

Included in a pending jure sanguinis case not finalized before March 27, 2025

✔️ Yes

Transitional provision L. 74/2025

Born before March 27, 2025 → Parent now citizen

✔️ Yes (but only until May 31, 2026)

Art. 1-quater / transitional clause

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Where and How to Submit the Declaration

Parents can submit the declaration:

1. At the Italian Consulate responsible for their U.S. residence, or
2. Directly at the Italian municipality (Comune) where the birth or parental citizenship is registered.

The file must include:

• Child’s long-form birth certificate, with apostille and certified Italian translation
• Parent’s Italian citizenship certificate (or recognition decree)
• Valid ID and proof of legal custody or parental authority
• Payment receipt of the €250 administrative fee

Once approved, the child’s citizenship will be recorded in the AIRE registry or the local municipal register, confirming Italian nationality.

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Understanding the “Effective Connection” Rule

Law 74/2025 introduced a second condition for the transmission of citizenship to future children.
If an Italian parent resides abroad, their future children will not automatically be citizens unless:

The parent has resided legally in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the child’s birth or adoption.

This means that for Italian citizens living permanently in the U.S., establishing residence in Italy for at least two years may be necessary to ensure future generations maintain citizenship rights.

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What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Failing to act before May 31, 2026 has serious consequences.
If no declaration is filed:

• The child will not be recognized as Italian
• Simplified recognition rights are lost permanently
• Any future claim must follow ordinary naturalization procedures, requiring years of residence and language certification

For U.S.-based families, this makes early action crucial, especially given long consular appointment waits and document legalization times.

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How THE CTZN Helps Families Secure Their Children’s Citizenship

At THE CTZN, our binational team of Italian and U.S. legal experts specializes in guiding families through the post-reform process of Law 74/2025.
We assist with:

• Eligibility assessment under Law 74/2025
• Preparation and certified translation of all required documents
• Coordination with Italian Consulates and municipalities
• Filing declarations before the May 31, 2026 deadline

Our team has already helped hundreds of families across the U.S. secure their children’s citizenship under the new legal framework even in complex cases.

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FAQ Italian Citizenship for Minors (2025, 2026)

Is my child automatically Italian if I’m a citizen?

No. For children born or recognized after March 27, 2025, a declaration is mandatory.

What if my citizenship application is still pending?

If it’s not finalized before March 27, 2025, you must file a separate declaration for your child.

Can both parents sign the declaration?

Yes. Both parents must personally sign at the Consulate a declaration of intent to acquire the child’s citizenship in the presence of the Consular Officer delegated to perform Civil Status functions.
If the minor has become of age as of May 24, 2025, the parents’ presence is not required.

We live in the U.S., how can we file?

Through your local Italian Consulate. Start early to avoid scheduling delays.

What if my child turns 18 before the deadline?

They must file the declaration personally before May 31, 2026.

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Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Law 74/2025 redefines what it means to pass on Italian citizenship protecting authenticity, but also imposing strict deadlines and proof of connection.

If your child qualifies, the window closes on May 31, 2026.
Don’t risk losing your family’s Italian heritage because of missed paperwork or deadlines.

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👉 Book a free consultation with our CTZN legal team.

We’ll verify your eligibility, prepare your declaration, and coordinate submission before the deadline ensuring your child’s Italian future is protected.

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