Understanding the Italian Citizenship New Law 2025 and Its Impact

The Italian citizenship law 2025 significantly changes eligibility criteria under the new Italian citizenship law 2025. These laws introduce stricter generational limits and new residency requirements. This article will cover the key changes and their impacts on your application process regarding Italian citizenship law 2025.

Acquiring Italian citizenship is a serious thing, and understanding the new law’s impact is essential.

Understanding the implications of the Italian citizenship law 2025 is vital for all applicants.

Key Takeaways

• The new Law 74/2025 enforces stricter generational restrictions and residency requirements for Italian citizenship, limiting eligibility primarily to individuals with Italian-born parents or grandparents.
• The law was officially announced during a government press conference, marking a significant and unexpected moment when officials disclosed and explained the legislative changes to the public.
• Applications submitted after March 28, 2025, will be subject to the new eligibility criteria, potentially decreasing the number of successful citizenship claims among expatriate descendants.
• Legal challenges regarding the constitutionality of the new laws may arise, necessitating careful monitoring of judicial interpretations and their implications for citizenship applications.
  

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The present article is not intended as legal advice and does not constitute a legal explanation for specific cases, as the new rules may be subject to future changes.
The article is designed to provide general information about the Italian citizenship new law 2025. Readers seeking legal advice or assistance with their specific circumstances are encouraged to book a consultation call to address their particular needs and questions.

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Understanding Italian citizenship law 2025 is crucial for anyone considering applying for Italian citizenship law 2025.

Overview of the New Law Decree 36/2025

On March 28, 2025, Decree-Law No. 36/2025 was enacted as a 60-day emergency measure by the Italian government to address the overwhelming volume of citizenship requests and ensure that those granted citizenship possess a genuine connection to Italy. Introduced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, and signed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni along with other high-ranking officials, this decree has introduced significant limitations on how Italian citizenship is transmitted.

The immediate effect of this decree is that the new provision applies to all citizenship applications submitted from March 28, 2025, onward. Under the new provision, responsibilities that were previously managed by municipal offices are now centralized at the federal level, illustrating a major administrative reform. This move aims to streamline the process and manage the influx of requests, particularly from those who do not intend to relocate to Italy.

The new rules have profound implications for those seeking Italian citizenship by descent, making it more challenging for individuals to claim their heritage based on distant ancestry.

Overview of the New Law 74/2025, the definitive after the approval and conversion of Law Decree 36/2025

The Italian citizenship law 2025 introduces significant reforms that every applicant must be aware of.

The initial decree has now culminated in Law 74/2025, marking a definitive change in Italy’s approach to citizenship, particularly in the realm of citizenship by descent. This law officially took effect on May 24, 2025, following its publication and the Italian Parliament’s approval on May 23, 2025. The legislative process involved converting the emergency decree into a permanent law, which has resulted in many applicants losing eligibility for citizenship.

Law 74/2025 has added complexity to citizenship cases, necessitating thorough legal analysis and strategic planning in several aspects. The official text is accessible on the Gazzetta Ufficiale website, providing a resource for those needing detailed information.

For those interested in obtaining Italian citizenship through the new Italian citizenship law 2025, understanding how the law applies is critical.

This amended law signifies a paradigm shift, affecting individuals born abroad who seek to claim Italian citizenship by claiming italian citizenship through their Italian descent, including italian citizens. Law 74/2025 represents a new path forward for Italy in managing citizenship by descent and legislative reforms.

Key Changes in Italian Citizenship Law 2025 Eligibility

The new Italian citizenship law 2025 has introduced major changes in citizenship eligibility, impacting how individuals can claim Italian citizenship law 2025. The most significant alterations include new generational restrictions, which now require eligibility through at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy, as well as updated residency requirements.

Becoming an Italian citizen under the new law is subject to stricter requirements and carries significant legal responsibilities. Additionally, the residency requirements have been modified, requiring applicants to demonstrate genuine cultural or linguistic ties to Italy. These key amendments reshape the landscape of citizenship applications, making it imperative for applicants to understand the new rules and their implications.

Generational Restrictions

These changes under the Italian citizenship law 2025 make it imperative for applicants to understand the implications of their eligibility.

The decree restricts citizenship claims to only individuals with a direct italian born ancestor born in Italy, specifically limiting claims to parents, grandparents, or great grandparents. This generational limit is important. If your qualifying Italian ancestor is further back than a grandparent, you no longer qualify for Italian citizenship by descent. Applicants whose ancestors emigrated centuries ago are now excluded from eligibility. Under the new law, some individuals may be considered to have lost their Italian citizenship, especially if their lineage is too distant. This change significantly narrows the pool of eligible applicants and emphasizes a closer, more immediate connection to Italy.

Individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy can still reclaim their Italian citizenship, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. This restriction aims to ensure that only those with a direct and traceable italian lineage to Italy can apply, upholding the integrity and intention behind the citizenship by descent law. Additionally, italian parents play a crucial role in this process.

Residency Requirements

The new residency requirements mandate that applicants demonstrate a genuine connection to Italy, particularly through residency established before the child’s birth to qualify for citizenship transfer. Adults cannot pass citizenship to their minor children in Italy. This rule applies unless they have lived in the country for two consecutive years prior to the child’s birth. This criterion underscores the importance of establishing a real connection to Italy, beyond mere ancestral ties, including considerations of birthright citizenship.

Additionally, the law stipulates that applications submitted must meet these residency conditions to be considered valid. Applicants must also register the birth certificate of Italian descendants born abroad before a certain age to maintain eligibility for citizenship. This change aims to ensure that those applying for Italian citizenship are genuinely invested in the country, either through living there or maintaining substantial ties.

Impact on Current and Future Applications

The new Italian citizenship law 2025 necessitates that all applicants understand the revised eligibility criteria.

The changes to the Italian citizenship law 2025 aim to ensure that all claims are valid and traceable.

Applications submitted before March 28, 2025, will retain the previous citizenship eligibility criteria, meaning they won’t be affected by the new decree-law. However, any applications submitted after this date will be subject to the new, stricter rules, potentially creating a retroactive deadline that affects those who were preparing their citizenship applications under the old rules.

Previously, applications for Italian citizenship were processed by Italian municipalities, which played a key role in administrating citizenship matters at the local level. With the new law, this function is expected to become centralized, shifting the responsibility away from individual municipalities.

The newly codified law is expected to lead to a gradual decline in Italian citizenship among expatriate descendants, as it restricts citizenship transmission to two generations. As the application process becomes more centralized, international cooperation will be increasingly important to facilitate cross-border administrative and judicial procedures, especially for applicants residing abroad.

Current applicants should stay updated on legal implications that may influence their cases.

Legislative Process and Legal Challenges

Decree-Law No. 36/2025 was classified as a temporary emergency measure aimed at altering the criteria for acquiring Italian citizenship through descent. The Italian Parliament approved the decree on May 20, 2025, after its passage in the Senate without amendments. For the decree to become permanent, Parliament had to convert it into law within 60 days post-enactment, which they successfully did.

Concerns have been raised regarding the constitutionality of the emergency decree and its enactment process, which may lead to significant legal challenges. Critics argue that certain provisions of the new law may conflict with the Italian Constitution, particularly in relation to fundamental rights such as personal autonomy and the prohibition of automatic loss of citizenship. These critics emphasize that any restriction or retroactive application could be seen as an unconstitutional infringement on these fundamental rights.

The Supreme Court has previously affirmed that Italian citizenship acquired via iure sanguinis is effective from birth and cannot be lost automatically or retroactively. Such rulings highlight the permanence and constitutional protection of citizenship status, suggesting that the new decree’s provisions could violate established principles under the Italian Constitution.

These challenges could escalate to the European Court of Justice if the decree is deemed inconsistent with EU law. The Constitutional Court also has the authority to review and potentially invalidate the new law based on constitutional grounds.
We think there’s growund to bring the applications in front of the Constitutional Court, as the Law 74/2025, together with the Decree Law, has raised many Constitutional concerns.

Implications for Italian Descendants Abroad

Public sentiment among the Italian diaspora is one of confusion and concern regarding the revised citizenship rules. The text of the law has caused worry due to ambiguities surrounding application deadlines and requirements. These adjustments primarily impact individuals applying from abroad, especially those with Italian ancestry who now face stricter eligibility criteria. Under the new law, failing to engage in activities such as paying taxes, voting, or renewing passports may result in loss of eligibility for citizenship.

In countries like Brazil, there was a notable surge in citizenship applications in 2024, with 20,000 citizenship recognition recorded. This indicates the high demand for Italian citizenship and the potential impact of the new rules on future applications. In such cases where applicants are affected by historical rules like the 1948 rule or new restrictions, the legislation outlines specific procedures for how these cases are to be handled.

The changes emphasize the need for applicants to have a clear understanding of the new requirements and how they affect their eligibility.

Recommendations for Applicants

Applicants eligible under previous regulations should gather all necessary supporting documents promptly to avoid delays. Ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate is crucial to minimize the risk of unfavorable decisions in the final version.

Given the increased complexity of the new laws, consulting with legal experts familiar with Italian citizenship law can help navigate complex cases effectively.
Our Recommendation: Move Forward With Your Application. Fight for your Italian heritage.

Amid ongoing debates around sudden changes in citizenship law, those who act swiftly to submit their petitions may gain an advantage from forthcoming legislative and judicial developments. There’s a possibility that Parliament could push back the original deadline or the government might revise the legislation following decisions by the Constitutional Court—which wouldn’t be retroactive. By proceeding with your application now, any positive outcomes will directly affect your case.

Should you feel uncertain about initiating your claim for Italian citizenship, this is an opportune time to weigh up your choices. Standing up for what you’re entitled to at this moment is crucial. Despite potential challenges, including holdups, adverse verdicts, and financial commitments involved, historical precedent suggests legal struggles can lead to significant reforms. If it weren’t for prior generations’ ‘ ‘1948 cases’, numerous individuals would not have had access to citizenship rights. These pursuits were instrumental in achieving justice as they culminated in multiple appearances before the Court of Cassation until a landmark decision emerged in 2009 granting women equal footing in passing on their citizenship status.

Why We Think You might Qualify. You might still qualify if:

• You have a 1948 Case of Italian Citizenship.
  
  Why?
  If you have a 1948 Case, in our opinion, you won’t be affected by the new rules.
  Indeed, Decree-Law 36/2025 sets a bunch of limitations referred to the old legislation recalled into the same text (Law 555/1912, Law 91/1992).
  Those Laws do not set the 1948 case.
  The 1948 Cases are an extraordinary judicial process, managed under the discretion of the Italian Immigration Courts, and so, any provision affecting the recalled legislations is not considered to affect the 1948 cases.
  
• You have a pending case with the Italian Consulate / Italian Court;
  Why?
  As you already have the application pending with the Italian Consulate (And it also comprehends the case you have the application ready since years, and you can show evidence you tried to book your appointment in the past) ,   we can file the court application as soon as possible, for having it considered “Timely” under the new rules.
  Indeed, the fact you didn’t have an appointment (or, if you had it, it’s still pending) means the current regulations is not applicable to you, and you should file under the “old rules”.
  In this way, we can file a case still under the previous regulations.
  
• You are on the wait list of the Italian Consulate, and/or you were on a wait list, and the Consulate cancelled your appointment ;
  
  Why? For the same reasons.
  As you already have the application pending with the Italian Consulate (And it also comprehends the case you have the application ready since years, and you can show evidence you tried to book your appointment in the past) ,   we can file the court application as soon as possible, for having it considered “Timely” under the new rules.
  Indeed, the fact you didn’t have an appointment (or, if you had it, it’s still pending) means the current regulations is not applicable to you, and you should file under the “old rules”.
  In this way, we can file a case still under the previous regulations.
  
• You tried for years to get your appointment at the local Italian Consulate (and you can show evidence you tried, with no results);
  
  Why? For the same reasons.
  As you already have the application pending with the Italian Consulate (And it also comprehends the case you have the application ready since years, and you can show evidence you tried to book your appointment in the past) ,   we can file the court application as soon as possible, for having it considered “Timely” under the new rules.
  Indeed, the fact you didn’t have an appointment (or, if you had it, it’s still pending) means the current regulations is not applicable to you, and you should file under the “old rules”.
  In this way, we can file a case still under the previous regulations.

The new rules, at the current moment, might not cover those scenarios, so you might still have a case through the Courts.

Of course, there are risks of negative outcomes, of rejections, and so a potential need to appeal the denials, and we understand the financial commitment of going through new challenges without prior legal precedents.
Risks are part of every judicial process, as nobody can guarantee you a result.
But that’s the only way to fight for the rights of Italian Citizenship by descent.

For those affected by the Italian citizenship law 2025, navigating these changes is essential.

Our firm stands resolute against these abrupt revisions made within Italian nationality regulations—questioning its alignment with constitutional principles—and asserts that anyone born before such constitutionally sanctioned amendments should remain eligible under Italian citizenship jure sanguinis. This principle holds true regardless of when one opts to pursue a jus sanguinis Citizenship Application—presently or at some point down the line—is integral to both immediate action plans and our overarching approach moving forward.

Consulting experts on the Italian citizenship law 2025 can aid in preparing for application submissions.

Role of Italian Consulates and Municipalities

Citizenship applications will now be processed at a centralized office rather than at consulates, streamlining the application process. Key points include:

• In-person interviews are mandatory for all applicants.
• Applicants must present vital documents during their interview.
• All documents must be translated into Italian.
• All documents must be accompanied by apostilles.

The recent guidelines specify that applications submitted at consulates may be affected by interpretations relating to a minor child acquiring foreign citizenship and the citizenship application process. It is advisable to make appointments at consulates early, as wait times can be extensive.

This centralization aims to ensure a more uniform and efficient application process.

Comparing Italy’s Citizenship Rules with Other Countries

Compared to other European countries, Italy’s new citizenship rules are relatively strict, particularly with the introduction of generational limits. Key points include:

• Italy imposes stringent generational restrictions on citizenship.
• Global trends show countries tightening citizenship rules.
• Few countries have generational restrictions as strict as Italy.
• Some countries require proof of lineage to obtain citizenship by descent, similar to Italy’s approach.

Italy primarily follows a citizenship-by-descent law based on bloodlines, known as jure sanguinis and italian citizenship iure sanguinis. This approach emphasizes the importance of direct lineage and maintaining a genuine connection to the country. The new rules highlight Italy’s commitment to ensuring that citizenship is granted to those with a strong and verifiable connection to their Italian heritage.

Monitoring Developments and Future Updates

Staying informed about updates to citizenship laws and regulations is crucial for applicants. Current updates on Italian citizenship can be found on reliable resources such as italianscitizenshipassistance.com. Legal professionals continue to discuss the implications of the new law, particularly regarding cases that followed the ‘1948 rule’.

The law mandates that Italian consulates and courts must adhere strictly to its provisions when handling citizenship applications. Keeping abreast of these developments will help applicants navigate the evolving legal landscape and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Summary

The new Italian citizenship laws enacted in 2025 represent a significant shift in how citizenship by descent is managed. By introducing generational restrictions and new residency requirements, the laws aim to ensure that those granted citizenship have a genuine connection to Italy. These changes affect both current and future applications, making it essential for applicants to understand the new requirements and gather all necessary documentation promptly.

As the legislative process continues and potential legal challenges arise, staying informed about updates to the law will be crucial. Consulting with legal experts can provide valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of the new regulations. Ultimately, understanding and adapting to these changes will help applicants successfully claim their Italian heritage and enjoy the benefits of Italian citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main changes introduced by the new Italian citizenship laws in 2025?

The new Italian citizenship laws introduced in 2025 impose generational restrictions on citizenship by descent, allowing only those with an Italian-born parent or grandparent to apply, and establish stringent residency requirements that necessitate a demonstrable genuine connection to Italy.

How do the new laws affect applications submitted before March 28, 2025?

Applications submitted before March 28, 2025, will not be impacted by the new laws and will continue to adhere to the previous eligibility criteria. This ensures that earlier submissions remain valid under the former regulations.

What are the new residency requirements for passing citizenship to minor children?

To pass citizenship to minor children, parents must have resided in Italy for two consecutive years before the child’s birth. This emphasizes the importance of establishing residency to ensure citizenship eligibility.

How can applicants ensure their documentation is complete and accurate?

Applicants can ensure their documentation is complete and accurate by promptly gathering all necessary documents and seeking guidance from legal experts knowledgeable in Italian citizenship law. Taking these steps will help avoid errors and omissions in the application process.

Where can applicants find updates on Italian citizenship laws?

Applicants can find updates on Italian citizenship laws by visiting reliable resources such as italianscitizenshipassistance.com to stay informed about legal developments.

Future updates to the Italian citizenship law 2025 should be monitored closely for their implications.

Understanding the Italian citizenship law 2025 is vital for successfully navigating the application process.

The Italian citizenship law 2025 outlines the essential criteria for applicants.

Applicants must familiarize themselves with the Italian citizenship law 2025 to avoid errors.

The implications of the Italian citizenship law 2025 are critical for maintaining eligibility.

Thorough understanding of the Italian citizenship law 2025 is critical for citizens maintaining their rights.

Staying up-to-date on the Italian citizenship law 2025 is crucial for prospective applicants.