Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship at the Italian Consulate in London (2025–2027)

17 Apr Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship at the Italian Consulate in London (2025–2027)

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Introduction

Reacquiring Italian citizenship has become significantly easier thanks to recent legislative changes. Under the updated law introduced in 2025, former Italian citizens can now regain their citizenship through a simplified declaration process at the Italian Consulate in London. This guide explains eligibility, requirements, and the application procedure.

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What Is Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship?

Reacquisition applies to individuals who were previously Italian citizens but lost their citizenship in the past. A new legal provision (Law 74/2025) allows eligible former citizens—even those living abroad—to reacquire Italian citizenship through a simple formal declaration. ()

This is a temporary opportunity, available only between:

• 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2027 ()

Importantly, citizenship is not restored retroactively—it becomes effective the day after the declaration is made. ()

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Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for reacquisition at the Italian Consulate in London, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a former Italian citizen
• Be born in Italy, OR have lived in Italy for at least 2 continuous years if born abroad
• Have lost Italian citizenship before 15 August 1992 ()

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Who Is NOT Eligible?

The simplified procedure does not apply to certain cases, including:

• Individuals who lost citizenship due to specific military or government service obligations with foreign states
• Individuals who failed to exercise citizenship options under previous laws
• Those who renounced citizenship after 16 August 1992 (different rules apply) ()

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Application Process at the Italian Consulate in London

1. Preliminary Document Submission

Applicants must first email scanned copies of required documents to the consulate for eligibility verification.

2. Book an Appointment

Appointments are assigned by the consulate after reviewing your documents. You must include the subject line:
“DICHIARAZIONE RIACQUISTO DI CITTADINANZA” ()

3. Prepare Required Documents

You will typically need:

• Valid passport or ID
• Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction
• Birth certificate:
  • Italian birth certificate (if born in Italy), OR
  • Foreign birth certificate (legalised and translated) + Italian transcription

4. Payment Requirement

A bank transfer must be completed before the appointment, and a printed receipt must be presented. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. ()

5. Attend the Appointment

You must attend in person to sign the declaration.

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Processing Time

Unlike other citizenship routes, reacquisition is relatively fast:

• Citizenship is granted immediately after the declaration (effective next day) ()

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Key Advantages

• No long waiting periods
• No language requirement
• No residency requirement in Italy at the time of application
• Available to applicants living in the UK

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Important Considerations

• This is a time-limited opportunity (until 2027)
• You will not be considered an Italian citizen from birth after reacquisition
• Ensure all documents are correct and complete before submission

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Conclusion

The reacquisition of Italian citizenship at the Italian Consulate in London offers a rare and streamlined pathway for former citizens. With minimal bureaucracy and immediate effect, this process is one of the fastest ways to regain Italian nationality—provided you meet the eligibility criteria.