Italian citizens abroad will have another chance to enjoy their rights next year. From June 2026, Brazilians with dual citizenship will be able to request an electronic identity (Carta di Identità Elettronica) in Italy. The reform change included in bill AC 2369-A was proposed and received House approval, but still needs Senate approval.
Under this measure, citizens registered in the Register of Italians Residing Abroad (AIRE) will be able to obtain the document directly from Italian municipalities. The change aims to speed up the process of issuing an Electronic Identity Card (CIE) to citizens living abroad who currently rely on waiting queues at consulates.
The electronic ID card can be requested in any municipality
With the possible approval of the legislation, Italian citizens residing abroad will have the possibility to apply for an identity card while in Italy for short trips, such as holidays or visiting family. Moreover, the project does not limit the application only to the municipality in which the citizen is registered in AIRE. In other words, a CIE can be issued in any municipality that provides the service.
Italy will “retire” its paper ID card in order to comply with EU regulations, which will, from August 2026, require all European citizens to use documents containing a microchip for travel within the Schengen Area.
Use your ID card as a travel document
According to the project also approved in Parliament, the Carta di Identità Elettronica (CIE) can be used as a travel document within the European Union. In other words, citizens who often have to wait several months for their passports to be issued will only be able to travel with an electronic ID card.
Where there is a specific impediment to the issuance or use of a passport, a note will be recorded restricting the use of the ID for international travel. However, it should be noted that for travel outside the EU, an Italian passport will still be required.
Who is entitled to obtain an electronic ID card?
As Anna Paola Sosnowski, commercial supervisor at Nostrali Cidadania Italiana, explains, “All Italian citizens are entitled to the Carta di Identità Elettronica, including those residing outside the country.” To request the document, obtaining specialist advice on Italian citizenship can make the process less bureaucratic.
In addition to being an Italian citizen, your AIRE registration must be up to date. For minors, an Atto di Assenso from both parents is essential.