If you’ve ever dreamed of holding an Italian passport thanks to your family roots, there’s some important news you need to hear. Italy has officially introduced sweeping changes to its citizenship by descent laws, and these updates could significantly impact who qualifies and how.
Whether you’re deep into your citizenship process or just starting to trace your Italian ancestry, this post will break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and what you can still do if you want to secure your Italian citizenship by descent.
What’s New in Italy’s Citizenship by Descent Law?
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government approved a decree-law that redefines the rules for obtaining citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). These changes—led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration—aim to narrow access and centralize the process, particularly impacting applicants beyond the second generation.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Generational Limit
The law restricts citizenship by descent to those with an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy.
"Genuine Link" Requirement
The reform emphasizes a stronger connection to Italy, moving beyond purely genealogical ties to require a recent family presence in the country.
Residency Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a connection beyond ancestry, such as having a parent or adoptive parent who resided in Italy for at least two years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant's birth.
Retroactive Cut-off Date
Applications submitted before March 27, 2025, will still be evaluated under the previous regulations.
Centralized Processing
The entire process will be moved to a centralized office in Rome (no more applying at your local consulate).
Who Is Affected by These New Rules?
If your Italian ancestry traces back to great-grandparents or further, these changes could mean you’re no longer eligible under the citizenship-by-descent route. This is especially impactful for applicants in countries like Argentina, where Italian immigration has deep historical roots and many descendants were relying on more distant connections.
The decree also tightens rules around naturalization. If your Italian ancestor became a naturalized citizen in another country while their children were still minors, that could now break the citizenship line.
What Is the Timeline?
Phase 1: Immediate Changes (March 28, 2025)
- The new two-generation limit is already in effect.
- Consulates will continue to accept applications under the old rules through 2025 but will be subject to annual application caps.
Phase 2: Centralization in 2026
- All applications will be processed through a new office in Rome under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (known as “Farnesina”).
- Applicants will likely need to apply digitally or via mail, but the official process is still being finalized.
- Italian citizens born and living abroad will be required to show “genuine ties” to Italy every 25 years (through activities like voting or renewing a passport) or risk losing their citizenship.
What If You’ve Already Started the Process?
Good news: if you submitted your application before March 27, 2025, you’re still covered under the previous rules. However, the 2024 circular from the Ministry of the Interior (Circular No. 43347) could still impact your application—especially if your ancestor became naturalized before their child came of age.
If your application was recently rejected based on this circular, legal experts recommend exploring judicial remedies, as some courts have ruled in favor of applicants in similar cases.
The decree also tightens rules around naturalization. If your Italian ancestor became a naturalized citizen in another country while their children were still minors, that could now break the citizenship line.
What Options Remain for Applicants?
Even with these new restrictions, there are still pathways to Italian citizenship:
- Judicial Appeals: You can challenge rejections based on the 2024 circular, particularly if your case was denied due to a disputed naturalization timeline.
- Residency in Italy: If you don’t qualify by descent anymore, you may still be able to apply after three years of legal residence in Italy.
- Marriage: Spouses of Italian citizens can still apply for citizenship through marriage (after 3 years of residence in Italy, or 5 years if living abroad).
Why Is This Happening?
The Italian government has cited concerns over the mass commercialization of citizenship and a need to ease the pressure on consulates. Officials argue that becoming Italian shouldn’t just be a tool for easier travel, but rather a connection rooted in real cultural and personal ties to the country.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani put it bluntly: “Being an Italian citizen is not a game to obtain a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami.”
What Should You Do Now?
If you think you’re eligible under the old rules, act quickly. 2025 will be a critical transition year before the centralization in 2026. Check your file’s status, confirm your ancestor’s naturalization timeline, and, if needed, consult with a legal professional.
For those just starting their journey, it’s essential to stay informed and flexible. While the pathway may be narrower, options like residency and marriage remain valid alternatives.
Ready to Make the Move?
Join the “Abroad in a Year” Masterclass
If you have Italian ancestors and are still eligible under the current rules, now is the time to act. And if not, there are still plenty of other pathways to start your new life abroad—whether it’s in Italy, Portugal, Spain, or another beautiful destination.
Join the “Abroad in a Year” Masterclass, where we’ll guide you through the process of making your move abroad a reality. From visas and residency programs to finding your dream destination, this masterclass has everything you need to start your journey.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your move overseas? Researching and planning every detail on your own can be a time-consuming and stressful process.
