Nigerian Child Passport in Rome: Parental Consent Checklist

A Nigerian child passport application in Rome has an extra layer that adult applications do not: you need to establish the child's identity, the parent's Nigerian connection and the authority to consent to the application. The supporting paperwork can differ depending on whether the child is applying for a first passport, renewing one, or has a parent who cannot attend.

This guide distinguishes current Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) information from an older Rome appointment checklist. Do not assume that a downloadable checklist from an earlier year is the latest instruction. Last fact-check: 3 November 2026.

What the Nigeria Immigration Service says about minors

The NIS passport requirements page identifies extra requirements for applicants under 18. For a fresh passport, it lists evidence of Nigerian citizenship of the parent or parents, the child's birth certificate, parental consent, and the application acknowledgment and payment evidence. The NIS general page lists a consent letter from either parent for fresh minor applications.

An older Nigeria Embassy Rome passport appointment checklist, however, refers to a consent letter signed by both biological parents, along with their passport data pages. It also refers to proof of total custody for a sole-parent situation. Because these lists differ and the Rome document is old, ask the Embassy for its current signed-consent policy rather than treating either list as universally sufficient.

Start with the child's identity records

Before the NIS online form, review the child's legal name, date and place of birth, parent names and applicable Nigerian identification record. The child's details should be consistent wherever they appear.

Prepare these documents for review:

• The child's birth certificate. If the child was born in Italy, use the official Italian civil-status record and confirm whether additional certification is required.
• The Nigerian parent's passport data page or another identity document accepted by the issuing authority.
• Any existing passport, if the child is renewing rather than applying for the first time.
• A parental consent letter in the form currently required by the processing mission.
• Court or custody evidence where a parent has sole parental responsibility or there are special circumstances.
• The NIS application, receipt, appointment documents and any photo files required by the portal.

This is a working file, not a guarantee that the mission will accept every item. Do not submit custody or parental documents through unverified third-party services.

For guidance on organising a passport application before official submission, see our Nigerian passport preparation service.

What should a parental consent letter contain?

If the Embassy requires a letter, the basics to clarify with it are: the child's full legal identity; the consenting parent's name; the relationship to the child; the passport application being authorised; the date; and the signature or signatures.

Do not invent a legal requirement for notarisation, a specific consent template or witness signatures. Instead, ask the Embassy whether it requires an original, notarised signatures, both parents' attendance, certified ID copies or additional custody evidence.

A parent who cannot attend may still need to provide proof in a specified form. Do not assume that an informal WhatsApp message is an acceptable consent document. A disagreement between parents is not something a preparation agency can resolve by drafting a replacement letter.

First passport or renewal: the sequence differs

For first-time applicants, use the current official NIS passport application route and select the applicable processing centre. The general NIS instructions require online completion, payment and an in-person appointment for identity checks and biometric capture.

For renewals, the NIS process includes checking identification details, comparing information against the relevant NIN record, reviewing the existing passport data, and selecting the processing centre. It says applicants must appear at the chosen immigration office with their current booklet for biometrics.

Parents should check the specific requirements for children and infants with the mission. The rules on biometrics, photos, guardians and attendance may depend on the age of the child and current operational practice.

Our Rome Nigerian passport checklist provides adult-oriented preparation context, but the child-specific consent and identity requirements must still be confirmed.

What if a child was born in Italy?

An Italian birth certificate is evidence of a birth registered in Italy. It does not automatically replace evidence of Nigerian citizenship or meet every Nigerian passport application requirement. Where at least one parent is Nigerian, ask the NIS and Embassy what documents prove eligibility and which Nigerian identity registrations are required.

Check the names on the Italian record carefully, especially double surnames, middle names and accents. If an Italian birth record and a Nigerian record differ, consult our guide to Nigerian identity-name mismatches in Italy before assuming an affidavit or a new registration will fix the inconsistency.

Questions to send the Embassy before making payment

• Does the current minor application require one parental signature, both signatures or a specific written consent form?
• Must the child attend the appointment, and what applies to infants?
• What originals and photocopies are required for a first passport versus a renewal?
• What proof is accepted when a parent is deceased, absent, or has sole custody?
• Does an Italian-issued birth certificate require translation or legalisation for the passport application?
• Which fees are shown on the official NIS portal, and are any mission-specific charges currently applicable?

Keep a copy of the official answer and follow the instructions for the specific child and application type.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child born in Italy obtain a Nigerian passport?

A child's eligibility depends on Nigerian nationality law and evidence of Nigerian citizenship through the parent or parents. The NIS and Embassy decide the application requirements.

Must both parents sign the consent letter in Rome?

The NIS general guidance refers to either parent for a fresh minor passport; an older Rome checklist refers to both parents. Verify the current Rome practice before making the appointment.

Can I apply on behalf of my child without the child attending?

The NIS passport process involves personal attendance for biometric capture. Ask the Embassy what applies to a child's age and circumstances.

Can Liberty Digital obtain a passport without an Embassy appointment?

No. We provide independent document-preparation support. Passport decisions and biometric appointments belong to the competent Nigerian authorities.

Official references

• Nigeria Immigration Service: passport requirements for minors
• Nigeria Immigration Service: renewal and NIN comparison
• Older Nigerian Embassy Rome appointment requirements (verify current policy)

Related reads

• NPC birth attestation and Nigerian birth records for Italian processes
• Lost Nigerian passport preparation in Italy

Need help checking a child's paperwork? Review our passport-support preparation service before following the official NIS and Embassy process.