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Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules: New Regulations Impact Ancestry-Based Claims
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Italy has introduced stricter citizenship laws, significantly altering eligibility for those seeking Italian nationality through ancestry. Announced on March 28, 2025, the new rules aim to reduce claims based on distant family ties, affecting millions worldwide, particularly in countries with large Italian diasporas like Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S.
What’s Changing in Italy’s Citizenship Laws?
Previously, Italy’s jus sanguinis (right of blood) policy allowed descendants of Italian citizens—even those several generations removed—to claim citizenship, provided their lineage remained unbroken. This made Italy one of the most accessible EU countries for ancestry-based citizenship.
However, under the new decree (Decree-Law No. 36/2025), eligibility is now restricted to:
First-generation (parents born in Italy)
Second-generation (grandparents born in Italy)
Key changes include:
✔ No more claims based on great-grandparents or beyond
✔ Stricter documentation requirements (affidavits and witness statements no longer accepted)
✔ No retroactive impact—applications submitted before March 27, 2025, will be processed under old rules
✔ Temporary status—The decree must be approved by Parliament within 60 days to become permanent
Why Did Italy Change Its Citizenship Rules?
The Italian government cited a 40% surge in citizenship applications over the past decade, overwhelming consulates. In Argentina alone, approvals jumped from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024, with similar spikes in Brazil and the U.S.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated:
“Italian citizenship is not just a passport for travel—it’s a bond with our nation. We must ensure it reflects genuine ties to Italy.”
Critics argue the reform unfairly targets diaspora communities while failing to address lengthy naturalization for immigrants born in Italy.
Who Is Most Affected?
Countries with large Italian-descendant populations will see the biggest impact:
Argentina (over 30 million with Italian roots)
Brazil (25+ million descendants)
United States (17+ million Italian-Americans)
Venezuela, Canada, Australia
Many relied on Italian citizenship for EU residency, work rights, and visa-free travel. Now, those with great-grandparents or older ties no longer qualify.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
If you’re in the process:
✅ Already submitted? Applications filed before March 27, 2025, proceed under old rules.
✅ Gather official documents (birth, marriage, and naturalization records) if applying under the new criteria.
✅ Monitor updates—Parliament may amend the law before final approval in May 2025.
Final Thoughts
Italy’s tightened citizenship rules mark a major shift in jus sanguinis policies, prioritizing closer family ties over distant ancestry. While the government aims to reduce “citizenship of convenience,” the changes leave many descendants without a pathway to Italian nationality.
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