If you’ve been thinking about applying for Italian citizenship by descent or you already started the process, a new law just changed the rules. And it’s important to understand what that means for you and your family.

On May 23, 2025, Italy officially passed Law 74/2025, which updates how Italian citizenship is passed down through families. The changes come into effect starting May 24, 2025.

Whether you’re planning to apply or just curious if you qualify, here’s what you need to know.

🧬 What Is Italian Citizenship by Descent?

Many people around the world are eligible to claim Italian citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent. This is called jure sanguinis (“by blood”), and it’s how millions of Italians abroad (and their children) have become citizens.

Until now, Italy had very generous rules. If no one in your family ever officially gave up their Italian citizenship, you could usually claim it—no matter how many generations back your Italian ancestor was.

⚠️ What’s Changed?

Starting May 24, 2025, Italy has introduced new rules. The government now requires a closer connection to Italy in order to pass on citizenship or be recognized as Italian.

Here’s what the new law says:

👥 Who’s Still Covered by the Old Rules?

Good news: If you already submitted your application before March 27, 2025 (or scheduled an appointment or filed a court case), your case is still valid under the old rules. That means:

• No limit on how many generations back your Italian ancestor was

• No requirement that your parent or grandparent only held Italian citizenship

• No recent ties to Italy needed

You’re still in the system, and your application should continue as planned.

❌ Who’s Affected by the New Rules?

If you didn’t start the process by March 27, 2025, the new rules apply to you.

To qualify now, you must meet one of these conditions:

✅ You have a parent or grandparent who:

• Was only an Italian citizen (not a dual citizen), or

• Lived in Italy for at least two years as an Italian citizen before your birth or adoption

If neither of these apply, you may no longer qualify under the new law.

👶 What About Children Born Abroad?

This is one of the biggest changes.

Children born abroad to Italian parents are no longer automatically Italian at birth, unless:

• One parent or grandparent was exclusively Italian, or

• A parent lived in Italy as an Italian citizen for two years before the child was born

But there’s still hope:

🍼 Children can become Italian if:

• Their parent is an Italian citizen by birth, and

• Either the child’s birth is registered within 1 year, or

• The child lives in Italy for 2 years as a minor

This means timing really matters for young families abroad.

⏳ Grace Period for Minor Children (Until May 31, 2026)

If you’re already recognised as an Italian citizen by descent, and you have a minor child, you have until May 31, 2026 to register their birth, even if they’re older than one.

This is a one-time window that gives families a chance to secure citizenship for their kids before the new limits apply fully.

🏛 What Happens Next?

The Italian government is expected to release more detailed instructions soon for consulates, embassies, and city offices in Italy. Until then, there may be some delays or pauses in processing applications under the new rules.

Also, Italy’s top court is hearing a related case on June 24, 2025, about whether “unlimited citizenship by blood” fits with Italy’s constitution. It won’t undo this new law, but it could affect future rules or interpretations.

✅ What Should You Do?

If you already started your application:

• Don’t worry, your case will follow the old rules.

• Keep copies of your submissions and appointment confirmations.

If you haven’t started yet:

• Check if your parent or grandparent was only Italian

• See if a parent lived in Italy for 2 years before you were born

• If you have children, act before May 31, 2026 to register them

If you’re unsure:

• Talk to a citizenship consultant or lawyer

• Don’t wait, there may still be options available, but timing is key

Final Thoughts

For many years, Italy offered one of the most open paths to dual citizenship in the world. That’s now changed. The government wants to strengthen the legal connection between citizens and Italy—through heritage, yes, but also through residency, exclusivity, and timely action.

If you’re eligible or think you might be, now is the time to review your case and take action.

📩 Have questions or need help with your case? Reach out to a legal expert or follow our updates as more information becomes available.

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