Fast It Portal: how it works and what will change

The access system for Fast It, the platform operated by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Farnesina) dedicated to the main consular services and the management of AIRE procedures, is preparing for a significant transformation. The transition to digital identities is already under way, but Italian citizens residing abroad will have more time to adapt to the new authentication methods.

The legislation has in fact postponed the decommissioning of traditional credentials. Pursuant to the provisions introduced by Decree-Law No. 200 of 31 December 2025, the use of a username and password will remain possible until the end of 2028, instead of the deadline initially set for 31 December 2026.

Fast It: the new dates to remember

The transition timetable has therefore been updated. For users of the portal, it is important to distinguish three stages.

Until 31 December 2028: it will still be possible to create a new Fast It account and to use existing accounts through traditional credentials consisting of a username and password.

From 1 January 2029: authentication using the old credentials will no longer be available. Access to the portal will require the use of a digital identity system.

The final phase of the transition will then end on 31 March 2029. By this date, users who still have a profile based on traditional credentials must have completed the transition to the new access methods. Thereafter, usernames and passwords may no longer be used.

How Fast It can currently be accessed

The change, however, should not be regarded as an operation to be carried out only as the deadlines approach. Fast It already allows users to authenticate using digital identities.

At present, there are two main methods available: CIE and SPID.

The Electronic Identity Card (CIE) allows users to access the portal through the dedicated “Enter with CIE” function. Authentication can also be carried out using the CieID app, thereby providing a digital identification system integrated with the user's identity.

It is also possible to use SPID, the Public Digital Identity System, which continues to constitute a valid channel for accessing Fast It services intended for Italians residing abroad.

Meanwhile, the national digital identity framework is expected to evolve, also in connection with the process towards the European IT-Wallet and the progressive integration of digital identity systems. With regard to access to Fast It from abroad, however, SPID remains currently available for use.

What happens when CIE or SPID is used for the first time

There is a particularly important point to be aware of for those who already have a Fast It account using a username and password.

The first access made using SPID or CIE results in the automatic deactivation of the previous traditional credentials associated with that profile. It is therefore not simply a matter of adding a new authentication method while keeping the previous one active at the same time.

Once the first login has been made using the digital identity, access to the user's Fast It profile must take place using CIE or SPID.

A transition that has already begun

The extension until 31 December 2028 gives Italians residing outside Italy a longer period in which to adapt, but the transition towards digital authentication is already operational.

For those who still have the old credentials, becoming familiar in advance with how the new system works therefore makes it possible to be prepared for the gradual elimination of access via username and password. The 2028 deadline does not mark the beginning of the transformation, but rather the deadline until which the traditional method may still be used.

The definitive transition to digital identity will be completed in 2029, according to the dates set out in the new timetable.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.