Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
by Adriana ruiz
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad.
Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at birth. This rule applies even if the person was born abroad, lives abroad, and already has another nationality.
Why Was the Case Brought to Court?
Several courts in Bologna, Rome, Milan, and Florence questioned whether it makes sense to grant citizenship to people who:
• Were born and live outside of Italy,
• Hold another nationality, and
• Have little or no real connection to Italy.
The judges asked the Constitutional Court if the law should include limits or require stronger ties to Italy.
What the Court Decided
The Constitutional Court said:
• It is not the Court’s role to rewrite the law. Only the Italian Parliament can decide if stricter requirements should be introduced.
• Having an Italian parent is a valid reason to grant citizenship. The parent–child connection is enough under the current law.
• The current law is not unconstitutional. The Court rejected arguments that it violates Italian or EU legal principles.
The Court also did not apply the new rules introduced in 2025 (Law 74/2025), which put some limits on citizenship by descent, because the cases under review started before those changes.
What This Means for Applicants
For now, nothing changes for people applying for Italian citizenship through ancestry:
• If you can prove you are a descendant of an Italian citizen, you can still claim citizenship under the existing rules.
• New restrictions introduced in 2025 will only affect future cases.
Want help navigating the process? Reach out to legal@expatslivinginrome.com — we offer personalized support and relocation assistance, all tailored to your unique path to citizenship.
Subscribe to our newsletter to access content and updates to help navigate life as an expat in Italy.
Bringing Your Family to Italy: A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens residing in Italy, having your family with you is a tangible goal. Italian law provides a framework for family reunification, allowing you to bring close relatives to live with you under specific conditions. This guide outlines the key requirements, procedures, and rights to help you navigate the process. Who Can Apply for […]
How to Become a Self-Employed Worker in Italy
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Italy? This guide explains the conditions you must meet, the procedures to follow, and the rights you can enjoy during your stay. Conditions for Self-Employment To legally engage in independent work in Italy, non-EU citizens must satisfy several conditions and obtain the […]
Transport strikes scheduled across Italy in September 2025
September is shaping up to be a turbulent month for travelers in Italy, with more than 14 national strikes scheduled. Widespread protests are expected to cause significant disruption across trains, flights, and local public transport networks. Rail and Air Travel Disruption Commuters and long-distance travelers on trains should be aware of a major nationwide strike […]
Buying Property in Italy: Understanding Judicial Real Estate Auctions or Aste Immobiliari
As a resident in Italy, you may already be familiar with the dynamics of the local housing market and perhaps have contemplated purchasing property. However, there exists a lesser-known yet potentially advantageous avenue worth exploring: Aste Immobiliari, or judicial property auctions. What Are Judicial Auctions? Judicial auctions in Italy are public sales of assets, including […]
Important Update: Changes to Shipping from Italy to the U.S.
If you live in Italy and need to send packages to the United States, there are new rules you should know about. Starting August 29, 2025, all goods shipped from Italy to the U.S. will be subject to customs duties before arriving. Until now, parcels valued under $800 could be sent duty-free, but this exemption […]
Italy’s Passport Ranks Among the World’s Most Powerful in 2025 rankings
The Italian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, ranking third in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This prestigious position is shared with passports from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark, allowing holders to travel to 189 out of 227 destinations without a pre-approved visa. The index, widely regarded as a […]
Rome Takes a Historic Step Toward Autonomy
Rome is undergoing a significant transformation with the recent approval of a constitutional bill aimed at elevating its status and granting it greater autonomy. This historic reform, championed by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, seeks to address the unique challenges of governing Italy’s capital. The proposed changes are designed to improve Rome’s ability to manage its own […]
Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad. Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at […]
