Renewing an Italian passport for those residing abroad

For Italian citizens who live permanently far from Italy, the passport is not just a document that allows one to cross borders: it is also a tangible sign of their citizenship, an administrative and symbolic link to their country of origin. When the expiration date is approaching — or when there are no remaining blank pages — renewing it becomes a priority, and doing so from abroad requires following certain specific procedures.

The importance of registering with AIRE

The first step, often underestimated, is being registered with AIRE (Registry of Italians Residing Abroad). This registration is mandatory by law for anyone who permanently moves outside Italy and must be completed within 90 days of arrival in the new country of residence.
AIRE is not just a registry: it is the key that grants access to consular services, including the issuance or renewal of a passport. If the registration is not yet active in the system, the process cannot proceed, even if all other documents are in order. This is why it is always advisable to verify one’s registration status before starting any request.

Who to contact

Passport renewal for those living abroad is handled exclusively by the Italian Consulate responsible for the applicant’s consular district — that is, the geographic area where they officially reside. Each consulate has a clearly defined area of competence, and it is not possible to go to another office that is “more convenient” or “faster” without a valid, documented reason.
In recent years, the Italian consular network has modernized many procedures, and passport appointments are now booked almost everywhere through the Prenot@Mi portal. The system, though straightforward to use, requires some patience: available slots are quickly taken, especially in the summer months or near holidays. Some consulates also keep phone lines open for those who are not comfortable with digital tools, but the procedures vary from country to country.

Preparing the documentation

Although specific requirements may vary slightly from one consulate to another, there is a set of documents that is generally requested in most cases:

• The completed and signed passport application form
• A valid Italian identity document (or expired for less than 12 months)
• Two recent photos, on a white background, compliant with biometric standards
• The expired or soon-to-expire passport
• Proof of residence within the consular district (rental contract, utility bill)
• The receipt of payment for the applicable consular fees

If the consulate requires the preliminary submission of documents in digital format, it is important to follow the instructions regarding format (usually PDF), clarity, and file naming. Even a slightly blurry photo or a confusingly named file can lead to requests for corrections and, consequently, delays.

Timing and best practices

An Italian passport is valid for 10 years if issued to an adult, and 5 years if issued to a minor. Upon expiration, it is not “renewed” on the existing document, but a new passport is issued following the same procedure as the first application. The best time to start the process is about six months before the expiration date: this helps avoid urgent situations, especially if travel is planned close to the expiry date. Waiting times can vary significantly: in some cases, an appointment is available within a few days, in others after weeks, while issuance can take from 5 to 15 working days afterward. Some consulates, if all documents are complete and the appointment is in the morning, are able to issue the passport on the same day.

Mistakes to avoid

Many delays stem from small, easily preventable errors: an AIRE registration not yet recorded in the system, photographs that do not meet the required standards, incorrect contact details in the booking portal, incomplete documents, or files in unreadable formats. Paying attention to these details can greatly reduce the risk of having to restart the entire procedure.

In summary

Renewing an Italian passport from abroad is not complicated, but it requires organization, patience, and good planning. With an active AIRE registration, the necessary documents ready, and an appointment booked well in advance, the process can be quick and trouble-free. In the end, receiving the new passport is not just a bureaucratic formality: it is the renewal of a thread that, even thousands of kilometers away, continues to connect the citizen to their homeland.

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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.