Italy Citizenship Update: New Restrictions on Ancestry Claims
As of March 29, 2025, Italy has enacted significant changes to its citizenship by descent laws. These updates will have a direct impact on those seeking Italian citizenship through their ancestral ties. For many, the ability to claim Italian citizenship via descent has been a long-standing option, offering the chance to reconnect with their Italian roots. However, the new restrictions impose tighter eligibility requirements that could complicate this process for many individuals.
What’s Changing with Italian Citizenship by Descent?
Under the new rules, Italian citizenship by descent will now be limited to a maximum of two generations. This means that individuals will only be able to claim citizenship if they have an Italian parent or grandparent. Prior to these changes, it was possible for people with Italian ancestors from even more distant generations to qualify. However, the Italian government has narrowed this eligibility window to streamline the process and prevent exploitation of the ancestry route.
This shift is part of a broader effort by Italy to regulate and modernize its immigration and citizenship laws, which have been under scrutiny due to increasing numbers of individuals seeking citizenship by descent from countries outside of Italy.
Who Is Affected?
These changes primarily affect those whose connection to Italy is through a great-grandparent or earlier. Under the old rules, applicants with Italian ancestry beyond their grandparents could still apply for citizenship. However, with the new regulations, only those whose Italian ancestry can be traced back to their parents or grandparents will be eligible for citizenship.
For example, if your great-grandparent was born in Italy, you will no longer be able to claim citizenship under the new law. On the other hand, if your grandparent was born in Italy, you would still be eligible to apply for citizenship, provided that the lineage is documented properly.
The Implications of the Changes
The new law represents a fundamental shift in how citizenship is transmitted through descent. As a result, many people who had been planning to apply for Italian citizenship based on their distant Italian roots may now find themselves ineligible. This may impact a wide range of individuals, including those living in countries with large Italian communities, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.
The law also signals a tighter control over citizenship claims, with the aim of reducing the number of applications that are based on distant or unclear ancestral ties. While this may help reduce fraudulent claims, it will undoubtedly be a disappointment for many individuals who had hoped to reconnect with their Italian heritage through citizenship.
What You Need to Know About the Application Process
For those who remain eligible, it’s important to understand the application process and the documentation required to prove Italian ancestry. This will involve providing official records that link the applicant to their Italian parent or grandparent. Commonly required documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of naturalization or lack thereof for the ancestor who passed down Italian citizenship.
Applicants will also need to submit these documents to the appropriate Italian consulate, where a thorough review process will take place. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult with legal professionals or genealogists to ensure that the application is submitted correctly.
Why These Changes Are Happening
The tightening of the rules for citizenship by descent comes in response to both practical and political considerations. On one hand, the Italian government has expressed concerns about the growing number of people claiming Italian citizenship, particularly in countries with large Italian diaspora populations. On the other, the changes may also be seen as a way to safeguard the integrity of Italian citizenship, ensuring that only those with clear, documented connections to the country are granted citizenship.
Additionally, this shift is consistent with broader trends in European immigration policies, where many countries are seeking to reduce the number of citizenship claims that are based on ancestral ties rather than direct immigration.
How to Stay Informed
For those interested in applying for Italian citizenship by descent, it’s important to stay informed about these changes. The official Italian government website and local consulates will provide up-to-date information on how to navigate the application process under the new rules.
These resources will provide valuable information on eligibility, necessary documents, and how to submit your application. It’s important to begin your preparations early, especially given the likely increase in applications before the new rules take full effect.
The recent updates to Italy’s citizenship laws have made the process of claiming citizenship through descent more restrictive, particularly for those with Italian ancestors from the great-grandparent generation or beyond. While these changes may come as a disappointment to some, they are also part of an effort by Italy to modernize its citizenship laws and ensure a more streamlined and transparent application process.
If you believe you may still be eligible for citizenship by descent, it’s crucial to start gathering the necessary documentation and consult the relevant Italian consular services to ensure your application is properly processed before the rules take full effect. Stay informed, and don’t hesitate to reach out to consular services for any clarification you may need.
Note: The information provided is based on the latest available data as of May 2025. For the most current updates and specific guidance, please refer to the official websites of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Italy in New York.
Article by Easy Milano editorial staff
Featured image by Antonio Vivace
