A Step‑by‑Step Toolkit to Help You Secure Italian Citizenship for Your Child — Before the 2026 Deadline

Under the 2025 law, families have a limited window to declare citizenship for their minor children. If the declaration isn’t made by May 31, 2026, your child will no longer qualify through this process. After that date, the only path will be two consecutive years of residency in Italy as a minor.

At BecomeItaliani, we know how overwhelming these new rules can feel. Minor children born abroad no longer obtain Italian citizenship automatically, and with consulates still finalizing their procedures, parents are left with many questions.

This digital toolkit explains, step by step, how to determine whether your child qualifies, what documents are required, how to handle apostilles and translations, and how to communicate effectively with your consulate.

Brand-New Law, Brand-New Process

Because the rules only came into effect in May 2025, there’s little clarity and each consulate is handling declarations for minor children differently.

Time-Sensitive Opportunity

If your child was a minor as of May 24, 2025, you must submit the declaration no later than May 31, 2026. Missing this deadline could mean losing the chance entirely.

Clear, Actionable Steps

From confirming eligibility to preparing documents, the Guide walks you through each requirement in plain language.

Templates & Communication Tips

Know exactly what needs to be translated, who can do it, and how to handle apostilles with confidence.

You’ll receive instant access to the Minor Child Citizenship Declaration Guide — a live, online resource center (not a static PDF) that we keep updated as consulates release new instructions and the Italian citizenship landscape continues to evolve.

Here’s what’s included:

📍 Clear Roadmap

Know exactly what steps to take, from confirming eligibility to submitting the declaration at your consulate.

🧾 Document Collection Made Simple

Understand which documents are required, which need apostilles or legalization, and what type of translations your consulate will accept.

💬 Consulate Communication Toolkit

Get ready‑to‑use email templates in Italian and English, so you can confidently ask your consulate how to proceed — critical since many have not yet published instructions.

🗂️ Printable Checklist

Stay organized with a one‑page checklist you can print and use while preparing your child’s application.

🔄 Always Up to Date

Because procedures are still evolving, we update the guide whenever new requirements are announced. You’ll always have the latest information.

⚠️ Important Note About Consulate Procedures

This Guide provides general guidance based on the 2025 law and the most common consular practices. However, because this is a brand‑new process, each Italian consulate may have its own specific procedures, requirements, and forms.

That’s why we include customizable email templates (in Italian and English) to help you contact your consulate directly and confirm their exact process before submitting your child’s declaration.

➡️ Whether you live in Canada, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere, the Guide gives you the roadmap — and the tools — to verify the exact requirements for your specific consulate.

This guide is perfect for you if:

• You have a child who was under 18 on May 24, 2025
• At least one parent is an Italian citizen by birth (jure sanguinis)
• You want to ensure you meet the new 2025 deadlines and requirements
• You prefer to DIY the process but need clear, expert-backed guidance

The 2025 law created less than a one-year window for many families. If the declaration isn’t made by May 31, 2026, your child will not qualify through this process. After that date, the only option for them to become Italian is by living in Italy for two consecutive years as a minor.

Start today with the Minor Citizenship Declaration Guide and move forward with confidence.