In March 2025, the Italian government introduced a major reform concerning Italian citizenship and ius sanguinis, tightening access for descendants of Italians living abroad.
The ius sanguinis principle remains, but it has been redefined: only descendants up to the second generation (those with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy) are now entitled to automatic citizenship.
Additionally, maintaining a concrete link with Italy by exercising a civil right or duty at least once every 25 years will be mandatory.
👉 Decree-Law of March 28, 2025, No. 36 is available in PDF attached.
Citizenship and generational limitation
Automatic citizenship transmission is now limited:
Only individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy qualify automatically, aiming to prevent abuses and reassert the values of participation, civic responsibility, and belonging.
Who can apply under the new Decree-Law?
From March 28, 2025, applications will be accepted only if:
- The Italian citizen parent or adopter was born in Italy;
- The Italian citizen parent or adopter resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the child’s birth or adoption;
- A first-degree ascendant (grandparent) was born in Italy.
Pending applications filed under previous laws remain valid.
Planned developments: the new bill
The bill, still pending approval, proposes:
- Minor children of Italian citizens will acquire citizenship if born or residing two years in Italy with a parental declaration;
- Former citizens can regain citizenship after two years of residency;
- Grandchildren of Italians can obtain citizenship after three years of residency;
- Spouses of Italian citizens can naturalize only if residing in Italy.
Maintaining the link every 25 years
The future law will require Italian citizens born abroad to exercise a civic duty (e.g., vote, renew passport, maintain tax and registry compliance) at least every 25 years to retain citizenship.
Context: a surge in requests
Between 2014 and 2024, Italian citizens abroad grew by 40%, reaching 6.4 million.
In Argentina alone, recognitions rose from 20,000 to 30,000 within a year.
More than 60,000 court cases are pending regarding citizenship recognition.
Centralization at the Farnesina
Recognition procedures will be centralized at a new office within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speeding up processes and improving consular services.
Philosophy of the reform
This reform is selective, not punitive:
Italian citizenship remains based on ius sanguinis but will be awarded only to those maintaining a true bond with Italy.
Conclusion
Italy modernizes its citizenship model, reaffirming ius sanguinis as an active and conscious identity rooted in real connection and participation.