The Italian government has recently enacted new legislation introducing more stringent criteria and limitations on acquiring citizenship by descent. This reform represents one of the most significant updates to Italy’s citizenship laws in recent decades and is expected to affect thousands of individuals of Italian heritage worldwide.

In the following sections, we review the key provisions of the newly enacted regulation and explore its potential impact on those pursuing Italian citizenship by descent. A clear understanding of these changes is essential for navigating the updated legal framework.

From Past to Present: The Evolution of Italian Citizenship by Descent

Italy’s citizenship framework was governed by Law 91/1992, which allowed individuals of Italian descent to claim citizenship through ancestry without generational limits through the principle of jure sanguinis — by right of blood. This law represented a modern and inclusive approach, reinforcing the principle that Italian identity could be preserved and transmitted through generations regardless of birthplace or residence.

Significant changes were introduced with the promulgation of Law 74/2025 on May 23, 2025, which converted Decree-Law 36/2025 into permanent legislation. This law substantially revises the eligibility criteria for citizenship by descent, notably introducing a generational limit on claims based on ancestry, thereby imposing new restrictions on applicants.

Who Still Qualifies?

Under the new regulations, Italian citizenship by descent is now recognized only in the following cases:

• Direct Descent (Limited to Parents or Grandparents): Applicants must have an Italian parent or grandparent who held exclusively Italian citizenship, either currently or at the time of their death.
  
  
• Birth or Adoption Following Residency in Italy: The Italian parent or adoptive parent must have resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years prior to the applicant’s birth or adoption.

Importantly, individuals who have already been recognized as Italian citizens—whether through administrative institutions (via consulates or Italian municipalities) or by judicial ruling—retain their citizenship status and will continue to be considered Italian by birth.

Exceptions to the law

Applicants who meet any of the following conditions will continue to have their cases processed under the previous regulations:

• Applications Submitted to Consulates or Italian Municipalities: Individuals who submitted their citizenship application to an Italian consulate or municipality prior to March 28, 2025, will not be subject to the new eligibility criteria.
  
  
• Judicial Claims Filed in Court: Those who initiated judicial proceedings to claim Italian citizenship before March 28, 2025 will also be evaluated under the previous regulations.
  
  
• Appointment Confirmations Received Before the Deadline: Applicants who received an appointment confirmation with a relevant authority prior to March 28, 2025, will have their applications processed according to the previous law.
  

Citizenship for Minor Children of Italian Descent

Under the new law, children born abroad are no longer automatically recognized as Italian citizens. However, they can still acquire Italian Citizenship as follows:

• Children under 1 year old: the parent must submit a declaration for the child to acquire citizenship within one year of birth.
• Children over 1 year old: the parent must submit a declaration for the child to acquire citizenship, but the child must also reside in Italy for two consecutive years to qualify.

If the minor already holds another citizenship, they may renounce Italian citizenship upon turning 18.

Special Grace Period for Dual Citizens with Minor Children

For Italian citizens—including those recognized via jure sanguinis and dual citizens—who have unrecognized minor children, a grace period has been introduced. These minors may acquire citizenship regardless of age, provided their registration is finalized with the relevant Italian authorities by 11:59 PM (Rome time) on May 31, 2026.

Citizenship by residency for Foreigners with Italian Ancestors 

Article 1-bis, paragraph 2 of the new law shortens the residency requirement: foreigners whose parent or grandparent is or was an Italian citizen by birth can now apply for Italian citizenship after just two years of legal residence in Italy, reduced from the previous three years.

Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship 

One of the more favorable aspects of the new law is a limited-time opportunity for individuals who lost Italian citizenship due to naturalization in another country prior to 1992.

From July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, these individuals may reacquire their Italian citizenship by submitting a formal declaration and supporting documents at their local consulate — without needing to establish residency in Italy, which is normally required.

Once this window closes, reacquisition will again be tied to living in Italy.

Final Thoughts

Law 74/2025 represents a significant shift in Italy’s approach to citizenship by descent, moving from an open-ended system to one that is far more regulated and time-sensitive. If you believe you qualify or want to secure Italian citizenship for your children, timing is now critical.

For those affected, it is essential to stay informed, seek legal guidance, and explore alternative pathways to maintaining a connection with Italy. As further developments emerge, we will continue to provide updates on the evolving landscape of Italian citizenship law.

If you wish to check your eligibility to apply for Italian Citizenship by descent, feel free to reach out at ciao@fastrackitaliancitizenship.com or call +1 202 738 4689

To check if you still qualify, take our eligibility test at this link!