The Italian government introduced significant amendments to Italian citizenship laws on March 28, 2025 (Decreto Legge n. 36). In response, most Italian Consulates have temporarily suspended citizenship recognition procedures while awaiting further guidance from the government and relevant Ministries.
The Italian government issued a Decreto Legge or Law Decree (a decree with the force of law) – immediately enforceable – together with legislative proposals it intends to present to Congress as part of a broad citizenship reform plan, mainly affecting citizenship by descent (2025 Reform). The 2025 Reform will continue to allow jus sanguinis citizenship for non-resident descendants of Italian emigrants while seeking to tie this recognition of Italian citizenship to a demonstrable relationship with Italy.
The Law Decree: What Changes Now?
The provisions of the Decreto Legge n. 36 are in effect as of March 28, 2025.
Key Provisions
- Limitation on Generational Eligibility: The Decreto Legge provides automatic Italian citizenship by descent for two generations. Applicants born outside of Italy with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy will be considered Italian citizens from birth.
- Exceptional Clause for Residency: There is an exception for individuals whose parents resided in Italy for at least two years before their birth. If your Italian-born ancestor is a great-grandparent (or a more distant ancestor), you may still qualify for citizenship—provided that your parent lived in Italy for at least two years before your birth.
Potential Changes
The draft legislative proposals (disegni di legge) presented together with Decreto Legge n. 36 are not immediately enacted and will require further development and approval before becoming effective. The following are potential changes, subject to modifications during the legislative process.
- Effective Ties to Italy: The government is considering adding a residency requirement for all citizenship applications, not just those based on jus sanguinis. There is also ongoing discussion about introducing an Italian language exam.
- Effective Ties for Current Citizens: The proposed reform may require even those who have already acquired Italian citizenship – but do not reside on the territory – to act as effective citizens. This could be enforced through actions such as exercising voting rights.
- New Overseas Citizenship Offices: A shift in administrative procedures is also under discussion. Instead of processing applications through Italian Consulates, dedicated offices may be established to handle citizenship applications abroad.
Although it is still too early to predict the final shape of the 2025 Reform, the Italian government’s direction is to continue to recognize Italian citizenship by descent and, at the same time, tighten eligibility criteria for obtaining Italian citizenship.
Who Will Be Affected?
It is important to clarify that these changes will not revoke citizenship from those who have already been recognized as Italian citizens by a court ruling, municipal authority, or Italian Consulate.
The new provisions apply to individuals who have not submitted their citizenship applications—whether via consular, judicial, or municipal routes—before midnight (Italian time) on March 27, 2025.
Keep Calm, Stay Informed
The sudden introduction of restrictive measures and the prospect of further reforms may be disconcerting. However, it is crucial to remember that this is a developing situation, and the Decreto Legge could face amendments in the coming weeks.
We recommend staying updated as more information emerges. We will continue to provide information on further developments on the 2025 Reform.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these changes affect your case, do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you navigate this evolving legal landscape and ensure your application is handled as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
To learn more about becoming an Italian citizen and if it is the right path for you, call us at 917-310-2246 or fill out our contact form or schedule a consultation today.