The Ministry of the Interior, through Circular No. 19951 dated March 12, 2026, and published on March 18, 2026, has officially confirmed the extension of the deadline for minors, children of Italian citizens by birth, to submit the declaration of intent to acquire Italian citizenship.
The new deadline is May 31, 2029, representing a three-year extension from the previous date.
This extension does not broaden eligibility and applies exclusively to individuals who meet all the following requirements:
1. are children of Italian citizens by birth;
2. have a parent who is an Italian citizen iure sanguinis recognized through an administrative or judicial process submitted by 11.59 pm (Rome time) on 27 March 2025, or who had been offered an appointment by the same date and time.
3. were minors as of May 24, 2025.
If the minor reaches adulthood before the deadline, the declaration must be submitted directly by the now adult child within the same timeframe.
The Ministry has also urged local authorities to ensure the uniform application of this provision.
For related articles, please check out the following:
- Good News: 3 additional years to secure Italian citizenship for minors born abroad to Italian citizens
- Italian Citizenship for Minors Born Abroad: New Rules Effective from 2026
This article was written by Giuditta De Ricco and Ginevra Gaggelli
