Italy Restricts Citizenship by Descent to Two Generations

On March 27, 2025, Italy passed a sweeping reform to its citizenship laws that immediately changes who qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). The new rule limits eligibility to those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy, a dramatic departure from the long-standing policy that allowed applicants to claim citizenship through ancestors going back to 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was unified.

This law takes effect immediately in Italy and at all Italian consulates abroad, and it marks a major turning point for those hoping to secure an Italian passport through distant ancestry.

Why the Change?

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained that the previous system had been “abused,” with foreign nationals—particularly in South America—overwhelming consulates in a rush to claim Italian passports. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of registered Italians living abroad surged from 4.6 million to 6.4 million, thanks largely to jure sanguinis claims. In Argentina alone, citizenship recognitions jumped to 30,000 in 2024 from 20,000 in 2023. Brazil saw a rise from 14,000 to 20,000 in the same period.

“Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing,” Tajani said at a press conference. “It’s not a game to get a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami.”

Tajani also pointed to the booming industry of firms that track down Italian ancestors and produce the required documentation for a fee—often clogging up municipal offices in Italy. The government plans to centralize the citizenship process in Rome going forward, in an effort to reduce the burden on local and consular offices.

Impact on Current Applicants

The most pressing question now is: what happens to people already in the process?

Unfortunately, Italy has a long history of applying new citizenship laws retroactively. This means that even applicants who filed before March 27, 2025, may be affected. Those whose cases are still pending—whether at consulates or in court—could find themselves deemed ineligible under the new two-generation rule. Courts in Italy are expected to take up a constitutional hearing on this issue in June 2025, and most legal experts predict they will uphold the new restriction.

Applicants hoping to bypass this restriction by applying directly in Italy may face a patchwork of outcomes. The law is clear, but enforcement may vary depending on the municipality (comune). Some comuni may adopt a more flexible interpretation during the transition period, while others will strictly enforce the new standard. If you're pursuing citizenship through residency, be prepared for inconsistencies—and possibly lengthy legal battles.

A Shifting Landscape

Italy's foreign ministry estimates that under the old rules, as many as 60 to 80 million people worldwide were potentially eligible for citizenship. The new law reduces that number dramatically. It reflects a growing sentiment in the Italian government that citizenship should be tied to genuine ties to Italy—whether cultural, linguistic, or familial.

At the same time, critics of the old system have pointed out the irony that individuals with no meaningful connection to Italy could claim citizenship by descent, while children of immigrants born and raised in Italy must wait until they turn 18 to even apply.

What You Should Do Now

If you're affected by the change, here's what you need to know:

• Re-evaluate your eligibility: If you don’t have a parent or grandparent born in Italy, you may no longer qualify.
• Speak with a legal expert: Especially if your case is already underway, a qualified attorney may be able to help you explore remaining options.
• Stay updated: Watch for further announcements, especially after the June 2025 Constitutional Court hearing, which could solidify the future of this law.
• Be cautious with services: Many companies may continue to advertise pathways that are now closed or uncertain. Vet all services carefully.

‍