For millions of Italian citizens living outside Italy, access to passports, identity cards and consular services has long depended on slow and fragmented administrative procedures. A major shift is now underway that directly affects Italians abroad, especially those registered with AIRE, the official Registry of Italians Residing Abroad.
The goal is to simplify interactions between expatriates and Italian institutions by digitally connecting key national databases. More than 6.5 million Italians are currently registered with AIRE, accounting for nearly one out of every ten Italian citizens worldwide.
These individuals live permanently outside Italy and rely on consulates for essential services such as passport issuance, civil status certificates, voting procedures and updates to personal records. Until now, consular offices often had to request manual confirmations from municipalities in Italy before completing even routine requests, creating delays that could stretch from several weeks to several months.
The new system introduces interoperability between AIRE and the national platforms used to issue identity documents. For Italians abroad, this means that consulates will be able to verify personal data instantly through secure digital channels. When an expatriate applies for a passport renewal, an identity card or a change of personal status, consular officials will no longer need to exchange paper documents with Italian municipalities. This digital integration is expected to significantly reduce processing times and administrative bottlenecks.
For citizens living overseas, the impact is practical and immediate. Passport renewals that previously required multiple appointments and long waits may now be handled more efficiently, particularly in high-demand consular districts such as those in North America, South America and Australia. In cities where tens of thousands of Italians are registered, even small improvements in processing speed can affect thousands of applications each year.
Another important aspect concerns data accuracy. By linking AIRE directly with national identity systems, consulates will operate with up-to-date information regarding residency, family composition and civil status. This reduces the risk of errors that can complicate voting eligibility, inheritance procedures or access to public services in Italy. Accurate records are especially important for Italians abroad who maintain legal, economic or family ties with their country of origin.
The changes also expand digital delegation options for Italians living overseas. Citizens will be able to authorize trusted individuals, often family members in Italy, to access certain online public services on their behalf. This is particularly useful for older expatriates or those living far from consular offices, allowing them to manage administrative matters without frequent in-person visits.
Registration with AIRE remains essential. Italians who move abroad for more than 12 months are legally required to register, and doing so is the gateway to accessing improved consular services, voting in Italian elections from abroad and obtaining identity documents through diplomatic missions. Failure to register can limit or delay access to these rights.
Overall, these measures represent a meaningful step toward modernizing Italy’s relationship with its global diaspora. By integrating digital systems and reducing bureaucratic fragmentation, Italy aims to offer more efficient, reliable and accessible services to millions of citizens who live beyond its borders but remain firmly connected to the country.
