Changes to Italian Citizenship Law: What You Need to Know
Italy has recently enacted a significant reform to its citizenship laws, introducing stricter requirements for those seeking to claim Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis). The new law, approved on March 28, 2025, is set to impact thousands of people worldwide who had planned to apply for Italian citizenship through their ancestral ties.
What Has Changed?
Previously, individuals with an Italian ancestor who was alive after March 17, 1861 (the unification of Italy) could apply for citizenship without generational limits, provided they could prove their lineage. However, the new law introduces several key restrictions:
• Citizenship Limited to Two Generations
• Applicants must now have at least one parent or grandparent who was born in Italy. Those with more distant ancestry, such as great-grandparents or beyond, will no longer qualify automatically.
• Requirement of a Strong Connection to Italy
• The Italian government now requires applicants to demonstrate a tangible connection to Italy, such as recent residence, direct parental ties, or cultural engagement. This change aligns Italy’s citizenship rules more closely with those of other EU nations.
• Centralized Processing of Applications
• To reduce the backlog at Italian consulates, all applications will now be processed in Rome, rather than at consulates worldwide.
Why Is Italy Making These Changes?
In recent years, Italy has experienced a surge in citizenship applications, particularly from individuals in North and South America who claim Italian ancestry. While these individuals may have never lived in Italy, current laws allowed them to become citizens, often granting them access to EU benefits, including the right to live and work across Europe.
The government argues that the new restrictions are necessary for several reasons:
(1) Administrative Overload – The sheer volume of applications has overwhelmed consulates and local municipalities, leading to long processing times and inefficiencies.
(2) Economic and Social Considerations – Many new citizens do not reside in Italy, meaning they contribute little to the country’s tax system or economy.
(3) Alignment with Other European Countries – Italy’s previous citizenship law was one of the most lenient in Europe. The new changes bring Italy closer in line with countries like Spain and Portugal, which require a stronger link to the country.
Who Will Be Affected?
If you were planning to apply for Italian citizenship based on distant ancestry, these changes may impact your eligibility. However, individuals with an Italian-born parent or grandparent will still be able to apply, provided they meet the new connection requirements.
Those who are already in the process of applying may also need to provide additional documentation to prove their ties to Italy.
What Can You Do Next?
If you are considering applying for Italian citizenship, it is crucial to stay informed and seek legal advice to determine your eligibility under the new rules. At Expats Living in Rome, we provide consultation services to help guide you through the application process and explore alternative pathways to legal residency in Italy.
The note said that the main countries of Italian emigration have recorded over the last few years a strong increase in successful citizenship applications.
Between the end of 2014 and the end of 2024, citizens residing abroad have increased from some 4.6 million to 6.4 million, up 40% in a decade, it said.
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Need Help with Your Citizenship Application? Email us at legal@expatslivinginrome.com for a free consultation!
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