The year 2026 brings important changes for Italian citizens living abroad and registered with the A.I.R.E. (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad – Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero). The new measures introduced by the Italian authorities aim to simplify certain administrative procedures and align Italian identity documents with current European standards.

Applying for the Electronic Identity Card (Carta d’Identità Elettronica – CIE)

The first major change stems from Law No. 11/2026, which introduces a significant simplification for Italian citizens residing abroad who wish to apply for or renew their identity document.

What changes from 1 June 2026?

As of 1 June 2026, Italian citizens registered with A.I.R.E. may apply for the issuance or renewal of their Electronic Identity Card (Carta d’Identità Elettronica – CIE) at any Italian municipality, without having to apply exclusively through the municipality listed in their A.I.R.E. registration or through the Italian Consulate responsible for their place of residence abroad.

This measure will allow Italian nationals to take advantage of temporary stays in Italy to obtain or renew their identity card more easily and conveniently, regardless of the municipality where they last resided in Italy.

Applicants will, however, continue to have the option of submitting their application through the competent Italian Consulate in their country of residence.

Paper Identity Cards No Longer Valid for International Travel

The second important change concerns Italian citizens who still hold a paper-format Identity Card (Carta d’Identità).

What changes from 3 August 2026?

As of 3 August 2026, Italian paper identity cards will no longer be valid for international identification purposes or for international travel. However, they will remain valid within Italy until the expiry date shown on the document.

This measure is intended to ensure compliance with the security standards established by European legislation governing identity documents.

For this reason, we recommend that all Italian citizens residing abroad who still hold a paper identity card arrange the issuance of an Electronic Identity Card (CIE) well in advance in order to avoid any inconvenience when travelling or dealing with administrative procedures.

Future Changes to Healthcare Access for Italians Living Outside the European Union

Another matter of particular interest concerns Italian citizens residing in non-EU countries and the ongoing review of access to the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN).

At present, Italian citizens registered with A.I.R.E. and residing outside the European Union generally do not retain ordinary affiliation with the Italian public healthcare system, which limits their access to certain healthcare services during temporary stays in Italy.

The Italian authorities have announced plans to introduce a mechanism allowing Italian citizens living in non-EU countries to maintain or regain access to the National Health Service by paying an annual contribution, the amount of which has yet to be determined.

Although further clarification is still awaited regarding the practical implementation and eligibility requirements, this proposed reform could become a valuable option for Italian nationals who permanently reside outside the European Union and wish to maintain healthcare coverage in Italy.

Our Services

At Feliu N&I, we assist Italian citizens residing in Spain and other countries with procedures related to their status as Italian nationals living abroad.

Our multidisciplinary team, specialised in international mobility and corporate immigration, provides advice on, among other matters:

• Registration with and updates to the A.I.R.E. Registry;
• Consular documentation and administrative procedures;
• Advice on the rights and obligations of Italians residing abroad;
• Relocation services in Spain;
• Assistance to Italian companies operating in Spain and with employee assignments;
• Tax advice for Italian nationals living and working in Spain.

For further information about the changes introduced in 2026 or any matter relating to the residence of Italian citizens in Spain, our team will be pleased to assist you.

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