What is AIRE? A Comprehensive Guide to the Registry of Italian Citizens Residing Abroad

Who Needs to Register with AIRE?

Italian citizens are required to register with AIRE if they:

1. Relocate abroad for more than 12 months.
2. Were born abroad or acquired Italian citizenship through descent, marriage, or other means.

Registration must be done with the AIRE of the Italian Consulate that has jurisdiction over the foreign country where they reside, within 90 days from the day of arrival. The file will be held by both the Italian Consulate and the “comune” (municipality) where they last resided in Italy.

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Exceptions

Italian citizens do not need to register with AIRE if they:

• Reside outside Italy for less than 12 months.
• Are seasonal workers abroad.
• Are employees of the Italian government stationed abroad.
• Are members of the Italian Armed Services stationed at NATO posts abroad.

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Why Register with AIRE

Registration with AIRE is necessary for:

• Accessing Italian consular services, such as passport requests or renewals.
• Reporting vital records (births, marriages, deaths, divorces) to the Italian government.
• Voting in Italian administrative and political elections.
• Keeping personal details updated, including changes of residence.

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How to Register with AIRE

AIRE registration is now done almost exclusively online through FAST.it, the Consular services platform.

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Steps for Online Registration:

1. Select the Category: Choose "Consular and AIRE Registry," then "Request AIRE registration."
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Scanned copy of your Italian passport.
   • Scanned copies of proofs of residence (e.g., valid American passport, Naturalization Certificate, residency permit, work authorization card, utility bills, or bank statements).
3. Submit the Form:
   • Sign the pre-filled AIRE form with a digital signature or a qualified electronic signature and send it through the Italian Consular Services portal.
   • Alternatively, print the AIRE form, sign it with a “wet ink signature,” scan it, and upload it to the portal.

Once the online application is submitted, it will be forwarded to the Italian Consulate. If no additional information is needed, it will be sent to the “comune” where you last resided or to the “comune” of origin in Italy. Pending a response from the “comune,” you are automatically registered in the Italian Consular file of your Italian Consulate.

Note:

The AIRE application is not automatically accepted at the time of submission. You will receive updates on the status of your file and be notified when completed.

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Recent Changes to AIRE

A recent law (Law No. 213 Art. 1 paragraph 242, December 23, 2023) mandates that failure to register with AIRE will result in a fine of up to €1,000 for each year, for a maximum of five years. This new provision aims to ensure compliance and maintain accurate records of Italian citizens abroad.

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Benefits of AIRE Registration

• Consular Services: Access essential consular services such as passport renewals and legalizations of documents.
• Voting Rights: Participate in Italian national and municipal elections, and EU elections if residing within the EU.
• Emergency Medical Services: Receive up to 90 days of emergency medical services in Italy per year, provided you have no other health coverage.

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Relocating to Italy

If you move back to Italy, your AIRE file will be closed once you register as a resident in the Italian municipality where you intend to reside. You will regain access to the Italian Healthcare System and can update your ID and passport.