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HOW TO OBTAIN ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP FOR CHILDREN IN ITALY

March 5, 2026
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Citizenship Acquisition in Italian Law: Effects of Birth, Recognition, Adoption, and Family Reunification on Children's Citizenship

How do children acquire Italian citizenship in Italy? We explain step-by-step the effects of birthright citizenship, lineage (iure sanguinis), recognition/determination of lineage, adoption, and family reunification on citizenship, as well as the new “beneficio di legge” regime after May 24, 2025.

Key keywords (suggested): Italian child citizenship, Italian citizenship by birth, iure sanguinis child, citizenship by recognition, Italian citizenship by adoption, beneficio di legge, effect of family reunification on citizenship.

1) General Framework: What is the logic behind granting citizenship to children in Italy?

The classic backbone of Italian citizenship law of bloodline (iure sanguinis) : the acquisition of Italian citizenship by a child through "blood ties" is more dominant than the place of birth (ius soli) approach. However, "place of birth" is not entirely irrelevant; mechanisms exist, particularly born and raised in Italy who meet certain conditions, allowing them to choose their citizenship upon reaching the age of majority. (Details below.)

However, the reforms that came into effect on May 24, 2025, created a significant shift, particularly regarding children born abroad : In some cases, instead of automatically being considered Italian "from birth," the child can now acquire citizenship under the "beneficio di legge" (legal citizenship) based on a parent's/guardian's declaration . This difference is critical because, in most cases, under the "beneficio di legge," the effect of citizenship begins the day following the declaration , not from birth. ( Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague )

In this text, we examine children's citizenship under four main headings:

  1. Birth (lineage / place of birth)
  2. Recognition and establishment of judicial filiation
  3. Adoption
  4. Family reunification and subsequent citizenship of parents (family reunification + art. 14 mechanism)

2) Citizenship by Birth: Child born in Italy, Child born abroad

2.1. Child born to Italian parents: “blood lineage” rule (iure sanguinis)

As a rule, Italian citizenship is passed on to a child if either the mother or father is Italian. This rule theoretically applies to children born in Italy as well as those born abroad . However, after the 2025 reform, a new framework emerged that restricts automatic transfer, particularly for children born abroad who do not meet certain conditions; this new regime is described in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consular information as art. 3-bis L. 91/1992 and the concept of “beneficio di legge” ( esteri.it )

Practical result:

  • While some children are still considered Italian from birth,
  • For some children, a declaration from a parent/guardian is now required, and (in some scenarios) other conditions such as residency in Italy must also be met. ( Italian Consulate San Paolo )

This distinction is particularly common in cases involving children born abroad to parents who are "Italian citizens who also hold citizenship of another country." Consulates are publishing current announcements on this matter, adopting a "declaration-based and time-bound" approach rather than an automatic one. (Italian Consulate San Paolo)

2.2. After 24.05.2025: Citizenship for children born abroad via “beneficio di legge”

The regulation, effective from May 24, 2025, shifted the acquisition of citizenship for children born abroad from a "birth-based" model declaration-based model in certain circumstances. This declaration is made before a consulate/competent authority, and the child "beneficio di legge" (integrazionemigranti.gov.it)

(A) Children born after 24.05.2025: 3-year declaration period (current status)

The 2026 Budget Law extended the declaration period for children born abroad from one year to three years ; additionally , the €250 contribution fee was abolished for some applications. Official statements indicate that this change will take effect from January 1, 2026. ( ambcolombo.esteri.it )

Summary:

  • If the child was born abroad after May 24, 2025, and is not covered by the automatic transfer system, the parents must declare the birth within 3 years of birth . ( Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague )
  • Citizenship acquired through "Beneficio di legge" (legal benefit) generally takes effect from the day following the date of declaration . ( Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague )

(B) Minors as of 24.05.2025: deadline 31.05.2029

Critical date for those in the transition period: If the child is not of legal age on May 24, 2025, the deadline, previously May 31, 2026, has been extended to May 31, 2029 under the Milleproroghe . ( Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague )

Important practical note: If the child is not yet an adult on May 24, 2025, but turns 18 during the extended process, some consular announcements specifically emphasize that the declaration must be made in person . ( Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague )

2.3. Foreign child born in Italy: “Choice” of citizenship at age 18 (Art. 4/2)

A foreign child born in Italy and residing there continuously and legally until reaching the age of majority can acquire Italian citizenship by declaring it within one year of turning 18. This mechanism is a classic arrangement recognizing the belonging of "children raised in Italy" to society

The most common points where this road gets stuck are:

  • Documentation of "continuous residence" (address records, residence permits, school records),
  • There are documentary gaps at certain periods,
  • Missing the one-year deadline after turning 18.

In practice, the Comune (Municipal Population/Stato Civile) ; missing documents, missing deadlines, or breaks in the residency chain may result in administrative refusal.

3) Recognition (Riconoscimento) and Determination of Paternity: How Does it Affect a Child's Citizenship?

3.1. Recognition/patenting when the child is a minor: automatic acquisition

Under Italian law while still a minorif they are recognized by an Italian citizen (or their parentage is established by a court ruling). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly states that this acquisition is "automatic for minors." (esteri.it)

This title is a lifesaver, especially in the following scenarios:

  • The child was born abroad; the parental relationship was formally established later.
  • Paternity was acknowledged later.
  • Fiancation has been established through a court process.

Attention: The recognition process should not be viewed simply as a "correction of birth registration." The validity and procedure of recognition are subject to the rules of the civil status system in Italy; for example, factors such as the child's age and the consent of the other parent are important. The Italian Ministry of Justice states that certain conditions, such as the child's consent or the consent of the other parent, may be required at specific ages. (giustizia.it)

3.2. If recognition occurs after reaching the age of majority: a "choice" declaration is required

If the recognition/paternity decision after the child reaches the age of majority , citizenship is not automatically acquired; the individual must declare their intention to "choose citizenship" within a specific period. This framework is explained in practice with an emphasis on a one-year period. (normattiva.it)

4) Adoption: When Does a Child Become an Italian Citizen?

4.1. Adoption of a minor by an Italian

When a minor foreign child is adopted by an Italian, it opens a strong door for acquiring citizenship. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

  • the adoption decision by the Italian judicial authorities, citizenship is acquired.
  • If the adoption decision was made abroad , it needs to be registered in the population registry (usually through the Juvenile Court / Tribunale per i minorenni ) in order to become effective in Italy . ( esteri.it )

The key practical issue here is "recognition and transcription (recording) of the decision." Even if your adoption decision is strong, citizenship/identity documents can be practically blocked unless it is recorded.

4.2. If the adopted person is an adult: not automatic, but residence-based method

If the adopted person is an adult, instead of "automatic citizenship through adoption," a model of naturalization (application for citizenship after a certain period legal residence ) comes into play. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs points to the possibility of naturalization after 5 years of residence for adult adopted persons. (esteri.it)

5) Family Reunification (Ricongiungimento Familiare): Does not grant citizenship, but may open the way to citizenship

Family reunification is often misunderstood: there's an expectation that "I applied for family reunification, and my child became a citizen." However, family reunification primarily produces residency status; it does not grant citizenship

5.1. The actual effect of family reunification: legal residency and time accumulation

Through family reunification, the child gains legal access to Italy and rights such as education and healthcare. This has an indirect but powerful impact on citizenship in two ways:

  1. For children born and raised in Italy, the basis of article 4/2 (continuous legal residence)
  2. If the parent subsequently becomes a citizen, the child's naturalization (see section below)

5.2. Subsequent acquisition of citizenship by the parent: citizenship of the minor child (Art. 14) and the 2025 requirement

A minor child of a parent who acquired Italian citizenship later in life may acquire citizenship through that parent under certain conditions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly states that this acquisition cohabitation (convivenza) ; furthermore, an additional condition has been introduced with the 2025 reform:

  • The child must have legally resided in Italy continuously for at least two years at the time the parent acquires Italian citizenship (from birth if under two years old). ( esteri.it )

This point is a strategic threshold in the citizenship process for children arriving through "family reunification": If the child's period of residence in Italy is not properly planned to coincide with the parent's date of citizenship acquisition, the child may miss out on automatic citizenship.

6) The Most Common Problems in Practice (and the Logic Behind the Solutions)

6.1. Which procedure? Consulate, Municipality, or Prefettura?

  • children living abroad, consular processes and the transfer of "stato civile" records are often critical. In particular, the "beneficio di legge" declaration after May 24, 2025, is obtained according to specific procedures as per consular announcements. (Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague)
  • a child living in Italy , the process often goes through the Comune (especially with options like art. 4/2).
  • parental naturalization , Prefettura/Internal Affairs processes may come into play.

6.2. Time limits and "preclusive" risks

The biggest risk in this field is missing the deadline:

  • 18 years + 1 year: For children born and raised in Italy, option 4/2 applies.
  • Declaration deadlines for minors born abroad:

These deadlines cannot be extended by claiming "file preparation has taken longer." Practical difficulties such as gathering documents, obtaining apostille/translation, and scheduling appointments do not stop the process.

6.3. Date of commencement of citizenship: “from birth” or “after declaration”?

This is the most critical distinction in the new regime. Under the “Beneficio di legge” system, in most scenarios, a child from birth , but from the date of declaration . This can have consequences in passport/identity card procedures and some family law/paternity processes. (Italian Embassy, ​​The Hague)

7) Short Checklists (From a Practitioner's Perspective)

7.1. Fast track for children born abroad (after 2025–2026)

  • Are your parents Italian? (whether by birth or acquired)
  • Does the child fall under automatic transfer, or is a legal benefit required? ( esteri.it )
  • Was the child born after May 24, 2025?
  • Was the child a minor on May 24, 2025?
  • Fee/contribution: For applications submitted after 01.01.2026, the 250 EUR fee may be waived for some declarations.

7.2. Citizenship verification through recognition

  • Was the recognition/patentization done before the child reached the age of majority?
    • Yes: generally, citizenship is acquired.
  • After they reach adulthood?
    • The election statement/time limit comes into play.

7.3. Adoption control

  • Was the adoption decision made in Italy or in a foreign country?
  • If it's in a foreign country, is it recognized and registered (trascrizione) in Italy?
  • Is the adopted child an adult or a minor? (The outcome changes completely)

8) Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does a child who comes to Italy through family reunification automatically become a citizen?
No. Family reunification provides residency status, not citizenship. However, if the child accumulates legal residency in Italy (and events such as the parent acquiring citizenship occur on the correct dates), the path to citizenship may open up.

Q2: Does a child born in Italy automatically become a citizen? This is not a general rule. However, if a child is born in Italy and has legally and continuously resided there until reaching the age of 18, they can acquire citizenship by declaring it within one year of turning 18 .

Q3: What has changed for my child born abroad after the 2025 reform?
In some cases, the child is no longer automatically considered a citizen from birth; citizenship is acquired under the “beneficio di legge” (legal benefit) through a declaration by the parents/guardian. The 2026 budget amendment extended the declaration period to 3 years; also, the 250 EUR contribution fee was abolished for certain applications.

Q4: What is the deadline for minors on May 24, 2025?
According to recent announcements, the deadline, which was May 31, 2026, has been extended to May 31, 2029.

9) Conclusion: The correct roadmap is the "Status + Duration + Registration" trio

In Italy, obtaining citizenship for children is not a matter of a single “application form.” The three main pillars that set up the file correctly are:

  1. Status: Birth (lineage/place of birth), recognition, adoption, parental citizenship acquired later… Which status do you have?
  2. Time limits: Dates such as 18+1 years, 3 years, and 31.05.2029 may create a risk of forfeiture of rights.
  3. Registration: Civil status records (stato civile) and the activation of recognition/adoption decisions in Italy (trascrizione) are "key" stages in most cases.

Therefore, in children's citizenship cases, the most accurate approach with a strong chain of documentation wins, not the "fastest" approach.

 

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