New Rules for Italian Citizenship by Descent: What You Need to Know

So many of my clients plan to apply for Italian citizenship, but they don't realize that there are some changes afoot that may crush that possibility for some.

As of March 28, 2025, Italy has implemented stricter regulations for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), a move that narrows eligibility and introduces new requirements for applicants, especially those living abroad.

Here's what you need to know if you're an American considering applying for Italian citizenship through your family lineage.

What Changed?

Until recently, Italy's citizenship laws allowed individuals to claim Italian citizenship indefinitely through a qualifying bloodline, often tracing back to great-grandparents or beyond.

The new law now limits eligibility to those with Italian parents or grandparents only, with a few exceptions for cases already in process.

Key changes include:

• Eligibility cutoff: You may now only be eligible for citizenship if you had a parent or grandparent who was born in Italy and held Italian citizenship at the time of your birth.

• Residency requirement: If you do not reside in Italy, you may need to demonstrate a strong connection to Italian culture and justify why you're requesting citizenship from abroad.

• Documentation standards tightened: Italian consulates are now requiring more rigorous documentation, including certified translations and apostilles that meet stricter verification standards.

• Application fees increased: As an example, if you apply at an Italian consulate, the fees that were €300 last year are now €600.

  
  

Who’s Still Eligible?

Before you break out in a sweat, thinking you can't move to Italy, read on. You may still qualify if:

• Your parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen when you were born and never renounced citizenship before that time.

• You submitted your application before March 28, 2025: your case will be assessed under the previous rules, provided your documentation is complete.

• You're willing to relocate to Italy and apply for naturalization under the new guidelines (which generally require years of legal residency).

Why This Matters for Americans

This legislative change directly affects thousands of Americans with Italian ancestry, many of whom began the process or were considering it, inspired by the appeal of dual citizenship, access to the EU, and a cultural connection to their heritage.

If your link to Italy is more distant...say, a great-grandparent...you may now be disqualified unless your application was already underway. That said, the law may evolve further, and legal challenges are already brewing.

What You Can Do Now

• Check your lineage: Confirm whether your most recent Italian-born ancestor is a parent or grandparent. If so, you may still be eligible.

• Gather documentation ASAP: Even with the new rules, applications are still being accepted...but the timeline and standards are tighter.

• Consult a citizenship specialist or attorney: With the laws changing, a professional can help you navigate exceptions or explore alternative pathways. (Need an immigration attorney? Contact me for a referral.)

• Consider residency-based citizenship: Living in Italy for a set number of years can open the door to naturalization, even without qualifying ancestry. Non-EU citizens must live here for 10 years before they can apply for citizenship...unless you do like me and marry an Italian! Then you can apply after two years.

Looking Ahead at Italian Citizenship by Descent

As Italy continues to modernize and digitize its citizenship process, further changes are possible, including referendums or legal adjustments that may reopen pathways for more distant descendants. If you’re serious about becoming an Italian citizen, it’s wise to act swiftly...or at least stay informed.

Thinking about applying? I’m happy to connect you with vetted resources or answer questions in future posts.