Published over the weekend, Italian Law No. 74/2025 includes amendments to Italian Law Decree No. 36/2025 (see our earlier article), creating two paths to citizenship for descendants of Italian citizens – by jus sanguinis or naturalization (i.e., residency).
Below is an overview of the most relevant provisions introduced by the new law.
- Generational Limit on Italian Jus Sanguinis Citizenship and Exclusivity
- The new legislation introduces a generational cap on transmission of Italian citizenship by jus sanguinis (or by descent). Under the new rules, Italian citizenship can be transmitted up to two generations from ancestors who had Italian citizenship from birth. (cittadinanza dalla nascita).
- An additional requirement introduced under the new law is that the Italian ancestor must have maintained exclusive Italian citizenship until death, i.e., never acquired citizenship from another country.
- Alternatively, in the case of a parent with dual Italian citizenship, if the applicant’s Italian parent legally resided continuously in Italy for at least two years before the applicant’s birth.
These restrictions do not apply to individuals who submitted a formal application or secured an appointment at an Italian consulate before March 27, 2025. Their claims will be processed under the previous framework.
2. Facilitated Citizenship by Residency for Italian Descendants
Italian Law 74/2025 introduces a simplified path to citizenship for descendants (up to the second generation) of naturalized Italian-born citizens. These individuals may apply for Italian citizenship after legally residing in Italy for at least two years – reducing the former requirement of three years. Thus, opening up a path to Italian citizenship after two years of residency in Italy.
2.1 Preferential Entry for Employment Purposes
The new law facilitates entry into Italy for employment purposes for descendants of Italian citizens, regardless of the number of generations.
This is a game-changer for descendants of Italian ancestors. Before this law, obtaining an Italian work visa was a challenge. With new provisions to be enacted, first to fourth generation descendants may now enter Italy with an employment contract (contratto di lavoro subordinato) without being subject to quota limits and procedural restrictions.
After two years of legal residency, first- or second-generation descendants may apply for Italian dual citizenship.
3. Citizenship for Foreign Minors
Children with at least one parent who is an Italian citizen may acquire Italian citizenship, provided that the parent formally declares the intention to transmit citizenship within one year from the child’s birth.
If the declaration is registered after the child’s first year, the minor must reside legally and continuously in Italy for at least two years for recognition of Italian citizenship.
New paths to citizenship
The 2025 Reform of Italian citizenship law introduces a more selective and residence-oriented framework, limiting so-called automatic citizenship by descent while simultaneously creating facilitated paths for those who can demonstrate a genuine link (legame effettivo) with Italy, specifically proof of residency in Italy. The government’s approach reflects a shift toward balancing heritage with residency criteria in the recognition of citizenship, creating a hybrid system between jus sanguinis and jus soli.
If you have questions about how these changes may affect your application or wish to explore the new pathways to Italian citizenship, 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, fill out our contact form or schedule a consultation today.