Italian Parliament passes law limiting Italian citizenship by descent

Key Takeaways

• Italy’s 2025 reform limits citizenship by descent to two generations: parent or grandparent born in Italy.
• Applications filed before March 27, 2025, processed under old rules; stricter documentation required after this date.
• Only full official documents accepted; no affidavits or testimonies; court appeal possible if denied.

Italy’s 2025 Citizenship Reform: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Pathways, Requirements, and Procedures

Italy 🇮🇹 has long been known for its generous citizenship by descent policy, allowing millions worldwide to claim Italian citizenship through their ancestors. However, a sweeping reform passed by the Italian Parliament in May 2025—Decree-Law No. 36/2025, also known as the “Tajani Decree”—has dramatically changed who qualifies, how applications are processed, and what evidence is required. This guide provides clear, step-by-step legal guidance on the new rules, eligibility, application process, and what these changes mean for individuals and families seeking Italian citizenship.

Overview of Pathways to Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship can be acquired in several ways, but the most common for people living outside Italy is citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis). Before 2025, this pathway allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor alive after 1861 to apply, regardless of how many generations had passed. Now, Decree-Law No. 36/2025 has imposed strict new limits.

Main Pathways (Post-2025 Reform)

• Citizenship by Descent (Ius Sanguinis): Now limited to two generations—parent or grandparent born in Italy, or a parent who lived in Italy for at least two years before the applicant’s birth.
• Citizenship by Marriage or Naturalization: Unchanged by this reform; separate requirements apply.
  – Citizenship by Birth in Italy (Ius Soli): Still only available in rare cases, such as statelessness.

This guide focuses on the citizenship by descent process, as this is where the most significant changes have occurred.

Eligibility and Residency Requirements

The new law sets out strict eligibility criteria for those seeking Italian citizenship by descent. Understanding these requirements is essential before gathering documents or starting an application.

Who Is Eligible Under Decree-Law No. 36/2025?

You may qualify if:

• You have a parent or grandparent who was born in Italy 🇮🇹; or
• Your parent resided legally in Italy for at least two years before your birth.

You are not eligible if:

• Your closest Italian-born ancestor is a great-grandparent or more distant, and neither your parent nor grandparent was born in Italy or lived there recently.
• You cannot provide full documentary proof of your qualifying relationship and, if applicable, your parent’s residency in Italy.

Special Exception:
If you can demonstrate a “genuine link” to Italy—such as recent, direct family ties or significant cultural connection—you may still apply, but this is expected to be rare and will require strong evidence.

Key Deadline:
March 27, 2025, 11:59 PM (Rome time):
Applications filed before this date are processed under the old, more generous rules. All others must meet the new criteria.

Testing and Documentation Procedures

Unlike some countries, Italy does not require a language or civics test for citizenship by descent. However, the documentary requirements have become much stricter.

What Documents Are Required?

You must provide:

• Birth certificates for yourself and each ancestor in the direct line (parent, grandparent).
• Marriage certificates for each generation in the direct line.
• Proof of Italian birth or residency:
  • For a parent or grandparent: Italian birth certificate.
  • For a parent who resided in Italy: Official residency records showing at least two years’ legal residence before your birth.
• Proof of uninterrupted citizenship:
  • Evidence that your Italian ancestor did not naturalize in another country before the birth of the next person in the line.
• No sworn statements or testimonies:
  • Only official, original documents are accepted. Notarized affidavits or family stories are no longer sufficient.

All documents must be:

• Official (issued by the relevant government authority)
• Translated into Italian by a certified translator
• Legalized or apostilled, depending on the country of issue

Example Scenario:
Maria, living in Argentina, wants to apply for Italian citizenship. Her great-grandfather was born in Italy, but her grandfather and father were both born in Argentina and never lived in Italy. Under the new law, Maria is not eligible unless she can prove a recent, genuine link to Italy—simply having a great-grandparent born in Italy is no longer enough.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guidance

The process for applying for Italian citizenship by descent has changed significantly. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Determine Your Eligibility

• Confirm that your parent or grandparent was born in Italy, or that your parent lived in Italy for at least two years before your birth.
• If your closest Italian-born ancestor is a great-grandparent or earlier, check if you can prove a recent, genuine link to Italy.

2. Gather Required Documentation

• Collect all birth, marriage, and residency records for each generation in your direct line.
• Obtain official Italian documents from the local municipality (comune) where your ancestor was born.
• Make sure all foreign documents are translated and legalized or apostilled.

3. Submit Your Application

• Centralized Office:
  The new law plans to centralize all citizenship applications in a single office. However, as of May 2025, this office is not yet operational, causing delays and confusion.
• Consulates and Municipalities:
  Some Italian consulates and local municipalities in Italy may still accept applications, but many have suspended new bookings due to the reform.
• Online Submission:
  Monitor the Ministry of the Interior’s official website for updates on where and how to submit your application.

4. Judicial Route (If Denied)

• If your application is denied, you may challenge the decision in court.
• You must provide full documentary evidence—no exceptions.
• Any constitutional challenge to the law must first be raised before an ordinary judge, who can refer the case to the Constitutional Court.

5. Monitor for Updates

• The Ministry of the Interior is expected to issue clarifying guidelines soon.
• Stay in contact with your local consulate or legal advisor for the latest procedures.

Important:
Applications filed before March 28, 2025, are “grandfathered in” and will be processed under the old rules. If you filed after this date, you must comply with the new requirements.

Rights and Responsibilities of Italian Citizens

Acquiring Italian citizenship brings significant benefits, but also certain responsibilities.

Rights

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Italy 🇮🇹 and the European Union (EU)
• Vote in Italian and EU elections
• Access healthcare and social services in Italy
• Pass citizenship to your children (subject to future legal changes)
• Hold dual or multiple citizenships (Italy allows this, but check your other country’s laws)

Responsibilities

• Obey Italian laws and respect the country’s constitution
• Pay taxes on income earned in Italy (and possibly worldwide, depending on your tax situation)
• Serve in jury duty if called
• Keep your personal information updated with Italian authorities, especially if living abroad

Key Changes at a Glance

Practical Implications and Examples

If your Italian ancestor is a great-grandparent or more distant:
You are no longer eligible for citizenship by descent unless you can prove a recent, genuine link to Italy.

If you filed your application before March 28, 2025:
Your case will be processed under the old rules, with no generational limit.

If you are considering applying now:
You must meet the new, stricter criteria and provide full documentation.

Example:
John, a U.S. citizen, discovers his great-grandfather was born in Italy. His grandfather and father were both born in the United States 🇺🇸 and never lived in Italy. John is not eligible under the new law, unless he can show a recent, direct connection to Italy.

Multiple Perspectives on the Reform

Italian Government:
Supports the reform, citing national security, administrative efficiency, and the need for a real connection to Italy.

Diaspora Organizations:
Strongly oppose the changes, arguing they unfairly cut off millions of descendants—especially in the Americas—who have maintained cultural and family ties to Italy.

Legal Community:
Divided. Some agree reform was needed to manage overwhelming demand, while others warn the law’s retroactive effect may violate constitutional and human rights.

Consulates and Municipalities:
Previously overwhelmed by a surge in applications, now facing confusion and backlogs due to the abrupt changes.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the reform is expected to drastically reduce the number of eligible applicants and reshape the Italian diaspora’s relationship with Italy.

What to Do Next: Actionable Steps

1. Check Your Eligibility:
   Review your family tree and confirm if your parent or grandparent was born in Italy or if your parent lived in Italy for two years before your birth.

2. Gather Documents:
   Start collecting official records as soon as possible. Delays in obtaining documents can slow your application.

3. Monitor Official Updates:
   The Ministry of the Interior’s citizenship page will have the latest forms and instructions.

4. Seek Legal Advice:
   If your situation is complex or you believe you may qualify under the “genuine link” exception, consult a lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship.

5. Stay Informed:
   Follow updates from diaspora organizations and legal experts, as further changes or clarifications may be issued in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still apply if my ancestor is a great-grandparent?
A: Only if you can prove a recent, genuine link to Italy. Otherwise, you must have a parent or grandparent born in Italy, or a parent who lived in Italy for two years before your birth.

Q: What if I already submitted my application?
A: If you filed before March 28, 2025, your application will be processed under the old rules.

Q: Where do I submit my application now?
A: The centralized office is not yet operational. Check with your local consulate or the Ministry of the Interior for current procedures.

Q: What if my application is denied?
A: You can challenge the decision in court, but you must provide full documentary evidence.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Ministry of the Interior (Ministero dell’Interno):
  Official citizenship information and updates
• Italian Consulates and Municipalities:
  Contact your local consulate or the relevant comune in Italy for application status and procedural questions.
• Legal Assistance:
  Many law firms specializing in Italian citizenship offer consultations and updates.

Conclusion

Decree-Law No. 36/2025 marks a major turning point in Italian citizenship policy. The Italian Parliament’s approval of this law means that only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy—or a parent who lived in Italy for two years before their birth—can now claim citizenship by descent. The law’s retroactive effect, strict documentation requirements, and centralization of applications have immediate and profound consequences for millions of people worldwide. If you are considering applying for Italian citizenship, it is essential to review your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and stay updated on official procedures. Legal challenges and further clarifications are expected, so ongoing attention to this issue is crucial for anyone affected by the reform.

Learn Today

Decree-Law No. 36/2025 → Italian legislative act reforming citizenship eligibility and requirements, effective in 2025.
Ius Sanguinis → Citizenship by descent through Italian ancestors, previously without generational limits.
Apostille → An international certification validating official documents for use abroad.
Centralized Office → A planned single government office to handle all citizenship applications in Italy.
Genuine Link → A rare exception allowing citizenship if strong recent family or cultural ties to Italy exist.

This Article in a Nutshell

Italy’s 2025 citizenship reform narrows eligibility to two generations, requiring strict proof and centralized applications. Applicants must act before March 2025 or meet tougher standards. This law reshapes Italian citizenship claims, balancing national security with diaspora rights concerns amidst evolving legal challenges and administrative changes.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive helps green card holders apply for US citizenship
• South Carolina strengthens voter citizenship checks, says Election Commission
• California State Assembly backs birthright citizenship in new resolution
• Pamela Albright cancels surgery after Temple University Hospital questions citizenship status
• Josephine Maurice jailed for UK citizenship test impersonation scheme