As of April 17, 2025, families across Italy can officially apply for the "Bonus Nuovi Nati," a one-time financial support of 1,000 euros for each child born or adopted from January 1, 2025. This initiative, introduced in the 2025 budget law, aims to encourage higher birth rates and provide tangible assistance to families during the early stages of parenthood.
The Italian National Social Security Institute (INPS) has clarified the application process and eligibility criteria through Circular No. 76, released on April 14, 2025. To qualify for the bonus, applicants must meet three key requirements: citizenship, residency, and economic status.
Eligibility for the bonus is open to various groups, including:
- Italian citizens
- Citizens of European Union member states or their family members with residency rights
- Non-EU citizens holding a long-term residence permit or a work permit valid for more than six months
- Stateless individuals, refugees, or beneficiaries of international protection, who are entitled to the same benefits as Italian citizens
- British citizens residing in Italy before December 31, 2020, are also eligible, while those arriving after that date fall under non-EU regulations.
For parents to qualify, they must have been residing in Italy from the moment of the child's birth or adoption until the date of application. This residency requirement ensures that the bonus supports those contributing to Italy's demographic growth.
Another critical aspect of eligibility is the economic condition. Families must have an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) not exceeding 40,000 euros annually. It is important to note that amounts received through the Universal Child Allowance (Assegno Unico Universale) do not count towards this limit. For instance, if a family receives 1,500 euros through the allowance, this amount is proportionally deducted from their ISEE calculation.
The bonus applies to every child born or adopted starting January 1, 2025. In the case of adoptions, the bonus is applicable solely for minors. For pre-adoptive foster care, the relevant date for the application is when the child enters the family, as established by the minor's court order. For international adoptions, the date of transcription of the adoption decree in the civil registry is the determining factor.
Applications for the bonus must be submitted to INPS within 60 days of the child's birth or entry into the family. Parents can apply through various methods, including:
- Online via the INPS website
- Through the INPS Mobile app
- By contacting the Multichannel Contact Center
- Or by visiting a patronato (a social welfare office)
In cases of separated or non-cohabiting parents, the application can be submitted by the parent who lives with the child. If the applying parent is a minor or legally incapacitated, the application must be made by the person exercising parental responsibility or a guardian, provided the requirements are met.
The government has allocated 330 million euros for this initiative in 2025, which is expected to cover approximately 330,000 new births. This funding is based on the birth rate trends, which reported around 370,000 births in the previous year.
According to the INPS announcement, the application process is designed to be straightforward. Parents must provide their ISEE and other relevant documentation when submitting their application. Payments will be processed in the order applications are received, meaning that those who apply earlier will receive their funds sooner.
As Italy grapples with declining birth rates, the "Bonus Nuovi Nati" represents a strategic effort by the government to bolster family support and incentivize new parenthood. The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the financial burdens associated with raising children and aims to alleviate some of that pressure.
For families who qualify, this bonus could make a significant difference in managing the costs associated with welcoming a new child. The government hopes that this financial support will not only assist families but also contribute to a more positive outlook on family growth in Italy.
As the application process officially opens, many families are expected to take advantage of this opportunity to receive much-needed financial assistance. The hope is that such measures will help foster a culture of family growth and sustainability in Italy.
