A Major Simplification for Italians Living Abroad

As of June 1, 2026, Italian citizens registered with AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero) can now apply for an Italian Electronic Identity Card (Carta d'Identità Elettronica – CIE) at any Italian municipality (Comune), rather than being limited to Italian consulates abroad.

This important change represents a significant step toward simplifying access to essential government services for the more than 6.5 million Italian citizens residing outside Italy.

What Has Changed?

Previously, Italians living abroad generally had to obtain their CIE through the Italian consular network, often facing lengthy wait times and limited appointment availability.

Under the new rules, AIRE-registered citizens may now request their Electronic Identity Card directly from any Comune in Italy, regardless of where they are registered abroad.

The measure was introduced as part of Italy's broader digitalization and administrative simplification initiatives aimed at making public services more accessible and efficient.

Why Is This Important?

For many Italian citizens abroad, obtaining identity documents through consulates has often been one of the most frustrating aspects of maintaining their Italian citizenship status.

The new procedure offers several advantages:

• Greater flexibility when traveling to Italy
• Reduced dependence on consular appointment availability
• Faster access to identity documents
• Easier interaction with Italian public administration services
• Strengthened connection between Italian citizens abroad and Italy

As Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Massimo Dell'Utri, stated, the reform is intended to provide:

"Less bureaucracy and greater proximity to citizens."

Who Can Benefit?

This new option is available to:

• Italian citizens registered with AIRE
• Italian citizens born abroad who are registered with AIRE
• Italian citizens who acquired citizenship through descent (jure sanguinis), marriage, naturalization, or other legal means and who are properly registered with AIRE

If you are an Italian citizen residing outside Italy and your AIRE registration is active and up to date, you may be eligible to request your CIE while visiting Italy.

Why the CIE Matters

The Carta d'Identità Elettronica is more than just an identity document.

It can be used for:

• Identification throughout Italy and the European Union
• Access to many Italian digital government services
• Identity verification for public administration procedures
• Travel within many European countries where national identity cards are accepted

For Italian citizens living abroad, obtaining a CIE can significantly simplify interactions with Italian institutions.

Additional Digitalization Measures

The reform is part of a broader package of administrative modernization measures that also includes:

• Lifetime validity of identity cards for citizens over 70 years of age (subject to specific conditions)
• Development of a digital voter registration card
• Increased integration of public databases to reduce administrative burdens on citizens

These initiatives reflect Italy's ongoing effort to modernize public services and reduce bureaucracy through digital transformation.

How Agnoloni Law & Notary Services Can Help

At Agnoloni Law & Notary Services, we regularly assist Italian citizens abroad with:

• Italian citizenship recognition (jure sanguinis)
• AIRE registration and updates
• Italian passport applications
• Carta d'Identità Elettronica (CIE) guidance
• Civil record registrations (birth, marriage, and divorce)
• Post-citizenship administrative assistance

If you have recently obtained Italian citizenship or need assistance ensuring that your records are properly registered in Italy before applying for a CIE, our team would be pleased to assist.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding Italian citizenship, AIRE registration, obtaining an Italian passport, or applying for a Carta d'Identità Elettronica, contact Agnoloni Law & Notary Services for professional guidance tailored to your specific situation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances and municipal requirements.

www.agnolnilaw.com

‍