Record Number of New Italian Citizens in Sao Paulo: A Testament to the Consulate’s Efforts
The Consulate General of Italy in Sao Paulo has celebrated a remarkable year of growth in 2025, with a staggering 53 thousand new members registered, bringing the total number of citizens to 390,038. This represents a significant increase of 47% over the past five years. According to Consul General Domenico Fornara, “It’s as if the Consulate of São Paulo were a city like Bologna,” highlighting the impressive scale of the growth.
New Citizenship Rules and Consular Services
The recent changes to the rules for the recognition of citizenship by blood have led to a surge in applications, with many individuals seeking to obtain Italian citizenship. Once recognized, new citizens have access to a range of consular services, including the issuance of passports, identity documents, and recognition of citizenship for minor children. In 2025, the Consulate issued 39,571 passports and 2,234 work visas, demonstrating the significant demand for these services.
Deadline for Citizenship Declaration and Electronic Identity Documents
A key innovation is the introduction of a deadline of May 31, 2026, for parents to submit the declaration of intent for the acquisition of citizenship for their minor children born abroad before May 25, 2025. This has triggered a “rush” to the Consulate, with many parents seeking to register their children, including those who are now 17 years old. The Consulate is also set to issue electronic identity documents starting from 2026, taking on an additional function to support Italian citizens in the region.
Promoting Italy and Consular Services
Beyond providing essential consular services, the Sao Paulo office is actively engaged in promoting Italy on a cultural, educational, technological, and entrepreneurial level. Notable events in 2025 included “A Caminho do Interior,” a traveling opera circuit, and the “Italian Regional Cuisine Week,” which showcased the gastronomy of Italy’s 20 regions. These initiatives attracted 30 thousand in-person participants and reached millions virtually, demonstrating the Consulate’s commitment to promoting Italian culture and values.
For more information on the Consulate General of Italy in Sao Paulo and its services, please visit the official website or consult the source for the latest updates.