Italian Citizenship Just Got Harder: What Descendants Abroad Need to Know in 2025

A New Era Begins for Italian Citizenship by Descent

As of May 21, 2025, Italy has implemented sweeping reforms to its citizenship laws that will reshape the hopes of millions of people with Italian ancestry across the globe. The new Citizenship Decree, approved by the Chamber of Deputies with 137 votes, redefines how jus sanguinis (citizenship by bloodline) works — narrowing the eligibility criteria significantly.

Major Change: Citizenship Now Only Extends Two Generations Back

Previously, Italian citizenship could be passed down through generations without limit — even from great-great-grandparents. That generous interpretation is now over.

Under the new rules, only children and grandchildren of Italian-born citizens are automatically eligible.If your Italian-born ancestor is a great-grandparent or further back, you no longer qualify — unless you meet certain strict exceptions.

What About Existing Applications?

A key cutoff date was March 27, 2025. If you applied before this deadline, your case may still be processed under the old rules. But if your application was submitted after that date, the new restrictions apply — even if you had already started gathering documents.

Are There Any Exceptions? Who Can Still Qualify?

You may still be eligible for Italian citizenship if:

• One of your parents or adoptive parents was born in Italy.

• One of your parents lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years before your birth or adoption.

• One of your grandparents was born in Italy.

• You were already recognized as a citizen or had a court ruling in your favor before March 27, 2025.

  
  

If none of the above apply, your path to Italian citizenship by descent is likely closed — unless Italy revises its laws again in the future.

Why the Reform? A Stronger Link to Italy

Italy’s government has made it clear: this change is about reinforcing a genuine connection between Italian citizens and the country itself. While they still recognize the value of heritage, they no longer support unlimited transmission of citizenship rights across distant generations.

This reform brings Italy in line with other EU nations and aims to ensure that those with real, recent ties to Italy are the ones who benefit from European Union citizenship privileges.

New Pathways: Work Visas for Italian Descendants

It’s not all bad news. As part of the reform, Italy is opening a new non-quota work visa specifically for descendants of Italian emigrants — especially from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

This visa provides a legal pathway to live and work in Italy, even for those who lost eligibility for citizenship.

What Should You Do Now?

If you’re considering an Italian passport, take the following steps:

• Recheck your ancestry line: If your parent or grandparent was born in Italy, you may still qualify.

• Stay updated: Avoid misinformation — many online sources still show outdated rules.

• Explore alternatives: Work visas, family reunification, or even residency options might still be viable.

Final Reflection: A Closing Door, But Not the End

For many Italian descendants around the world, especially across Latin America and North America, this law change may feel like a loss. But for those with a stronger and more recent familial connection, the door remains open — and perhaps even more meaningful than before.

Whether through citizenship or legal work migration, Italy continues to welcome those who wish to reconnect — but now with clearer boundaries.