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Key Changes to Citizenship Eligibility:
- Generational Limit: Previously, individuals could claim Italian citizenship if they had an Italian ancestor who was alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was established. The new decree, effective March 28, 2025, restricts automatic citizenship by descent to only two generations. This means only those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy are eligible for citizenship by birth.
- Effective Bond Requirement: The reform introduces the principle of an "effective bond" (vincolo effettivo) with Italy. Applicants must demonstrate tangible connections to the country, such as recent residence in Italy or direct parental ties to the territory. This change aligns Italy's approach with that of several other EU countries.
Changes in Application Procedures:
To streamline the application process and alleviate the burden on consulates, the Italian government has centralized the handling of citizenship applications:
- Centralized Processing: Residents abroad seeking Italian citizenship will no longer apply through local consulates. Instead, applications will be processed by a specialized centralized office at the Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome. A transitional period of about one year is planned to establish this office. Ambasciata d'Italia Beirut
Implications for Applicants:
- Pending Applications: Applications submitted to Italian consulates or municipalities by 11:59 p.m. Rome time on March 27, 2025, will be processed under the previous rules. Similarly, court cases filed by this deadline will follow the former eligibility criteria.
- Recognized Citizens: Individuals already recognized as Italian citizens through consulates, municipalities, or court cases retain their citizenship status.
These reforms aim to address the surge in citizenship applications, particularly from descendants of Italian emigrants in South America, and to ensure that those obtaining Italian citizenship have a genuine connection to the country. Reuters+1IMI Daily+1
It's advisable for potential applicants to consult official Italian government sources or legal experts specializing in Italian citizenship to understand how these changes may affect their specific situations.
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