Italy is introducing sweeping reforms to its much-debated citizenship law, offering long-awaited relief to immigrants through faster, digitized, and more transparent procedures. The changes were approved as part of the country’s 2026 national budget, according to the Italian Interior Ministry.
The new law focuses on modernizing the citizenship application process by shifting it fully to digital platforms. Immigrants from various countries, including Bangladesh, are expected to benefit from reduced bureaucracy and quicker processing times. Italian expatriates and long-term residents say the reforms could eliminate many administrative delays that previously stretched applications over several years.
Under the new system, citizenship applications will be automatically processed through Italy’s National Population Register (NPR). Once an application is submitted, verification will begin immediately, replacing the old method in which files moved slowly between government offices.
Artificial intelligence will also be used to verify residency data, particularly for applicants who have legally lived in Italy for the required 10 years. Authorities say this will reduce errors, prevent files from being overlooked, and speed up decision-making.
The reforms also bring significant benefits for children born abroad. Under the 2026 budget law, the deadline for declaring citizenship has been extended from one year to three years. Additionally, the €250 fee previously charged for many such declarations has been abolished as of January 1, 2026.
The digital system is expected to be fully operational by June under the Italian government’s Italia Digitale 2026 project. Once activated, applicants will be able to track each stage of their citizenship application in real time via smartphone using SPID or CIE digital identification.
Immigrant communities say the reforms are especially important for new arrivals and seasonal workers planning to settle permanently in Italy. Through these measures, the government aims to integrate skilled and legally residing immigrants more efficiently into Italian society by accelerating access to citizenship.
Courtesy: Jugantor
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
