Government Decree of 28 March 2025, n. 36 has significantly changed the elegibility criteria for transmission of Italian citizenship by descent.
Therefore, please read carefully what is reported on the web page citizenship by descent.
The registration of a birth certificate in the Comune’s records, when carried out by this Consulate, is completely free.
What documents should I submit?
- The birth registration application form will need to be filled in and signed by both parents of the applicant (for the form click here – STATO CIVILE/CIVIL STATUS). If one of the parents is not an EU citizen, the form will need to be signed by a Justice of the Peace, alternatively the non-EU citizen can come in person (with a valid ID) and sign the form in front of a Consular Officer.
- The original copy of the birth certificate issued by the “Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages”. The certificate will be deposited at the Italian Consulate in Adelaide and will not be returned.
- The original copy of the birth certificate will need to be Apostilled (issued) by the “Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade”). The Apostille will need to be applied to the original copy of the birth certificate. Do not apply the Apostille on the translation.
- The original copy of the birth certificate will need to be translated into Italian using the appropriate (digital) form, and not necessarily done by an official-NAATI translator. Please note that if the translation is not correctly done, it will not be accepted and will need to be corrected until it is true to the original. There is no need to translate the Apostille.
- A copy of both parents’ valid ID with signatures.
According to the new provisions of Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025, mentioned above, it will also be necessary to present appropriate documentation to demonstrate that:
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A parent (including adoptive) or a grandparent has – or had at the time of death – exclusively Italian citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth;
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A parent (including adoptive) who is a citizen has been a resident in Italy for at least two consecutive years, after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the birth or adoption of the child (historical residency certificate issued by the competent Italian municipality).
Consular office retains the right to request further documentation deemed necessary in order to process the application.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes, registration of a birth certificate is provided through appointment to be booked on the platform Prenot@mi / citizenship and registration of birth certificate.
Will I receive back the original copy of the birth certificate?
No. The original copy must be kept in the Consular Archive.
How soon can I apply for an Italian passport for my son/daughter?
As soon as the birth certificate is sent to the Italian Comune, the applicant will receive an email. From then, at least 30 days shall pass before booking an appointment for passport. For passport details please check the appropriate section.