italian-citizenship-laws-history
The concept of Italian citizenship emerged with the unification of Italy in 1861. Before this, Italy was fragmented into multiple states, each with its own legal traditions and identity. The Law of March 17, 1861, proclaimed the Kingdom of Italy, laying the foundation for a unified national identity. However, formal citizenship laws were still undefined.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 approved and the new rules for Italian citizenship: Photo of the Italian parlament
On May 20, 2025, the Chamber of Deputies approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, now law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, with 137 votes in favor and 83 against, finalizing the proposal introduced in March by the coalition led by Giorgia Meloni, which was previously passed by the Senate on May 15.
From North to South - the best places to live in Italy: Photo of a church near the Dolomites, in the Italian alps
Italy is a country steeped in cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and a deep historical legacy. Divided into regions, provinces, municipalities, and metropolitan cities, each area offers a distinct lifestyle and unique experiences. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the best places to live, considering factors like culture, economy, and quality of life.
Legal arguments for Italian citizenship by descent under decree-law 36/2025: Photo of man walking through a historical building in Italy
Decree-Law 36/2025 has significantly restricted Italian citizenship by descent, allowing recognition only for children and grandchildren of Italians, while excluding great-grandchildren and further descendants. This change has sparked legal and constitutional debates.
The role of Italy's regions in shaping national identity: Photo of an historical building in Rome
Italy is renowned for its rich regional diversity, which has deeply influenced its national identity throughout history. From distinct dialects and culinary traditions to varied economic models, each region has contributed uniquely to Italy’s character.
decree-law-citizenship-impact
On May 15, 2025, the Italian Senate approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, a legislative measure that restricts the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). The measure has sparked intense debate, with critics raising concerns about its constitutional validity, retroactive effects, and potential discrimination.
Italian citizenship for children and grandchildren: Photo of families walking around the streets of Rome
Summary

Italian citizenship has long served as a powerful bridge connecting descendants of Italian nationals to their heritage. Rooted in the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship through descent), the laws surrounding Italian citizenship allowed countless individuals across the globe to maintain a connection to Italy, even generations after their ancestors emigrated.

However, recent legislative changes have introduced alterations to eligibility criteria, sparking discussions and concerns among those who may be affected.

Changes in Italian Law

Italy’s jus sanguinis framework is one of its most distinctive features. This principle enables individuals to claim Italian citizenship based on their lineage, provided they can demonstrate an unbroken bloodline connecting them to an Italian ancestor. Unlike many other countries, Italian citizenship laws historically placed no generational limit, allowing descendants several generations away from their Italian ancestor to apply for recognition.

However, in March 2025, the introduction of Decree-Law No. 36/2025 marked a turning point in Italian citizenship legislation. This new law has imposed stricter generational limitations on eligibility, reserving the right to citizenship for children and grandchildren of Italian citizens born in Italy. As a result, descendants beyond the second generation are now excluded unless they had already initiated the application process before the law came into effect.

Requirements as of March 28, 2025

Children and grandchildren of Italian nationals are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship, provided they can establish a clear connection to their Italian ancestry. This process requires presenting various documents to demonstrate lineage.

These include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates of individuals in the line of descent, which trace the applicant’s ancestry back to the Italian ancestor. Additionally, foreign documents must be translated into Italian and authenticated with an apostille to meet official requirements.

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What Italian citizenship represents

For millions of descendants worldwide, holding Italian citizenship represents a connection to their heritage, culture, and identity. It serves as a tangible link to the land of their ancestors and a way to honor the sacrifices made by past generations who emigrated in search of better opportunities. Italian citizenship allows descendants to preserve their familial traditions and maintain a sense of belonging to the Italian community.

Beyond its cultural significance, Italian citizenship offers numerous practical benefits. As citizens of the European Union (EU), Italian passport holders enjoy freedom of movement, residence, and employment across all 27 EU member states.

This opens the door to enhanced professional and educational opportunities, as well as reduced tuition fees at European universities. Additionally, the Italian passport is widely recognized and grants access to visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to many countries worldwide.

The recent changes to Italian citizenship laws have reshaped the eligibility landscape for descendants of Italian nationals, placing stricter limitations on who can apply. While children and grandchildren of Italian nationals retain their rights, those beyond the second generation face new barriers.

For affected families, the path to Italian citizenship requires diligence and preparedness. By compiling the required documentation and navigating the application process, descendants can secure their connection to Italy while rights remain available. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, acting decisively ensures that families can preserve their heritage and maintain their ties to the Italian community for generations to come.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.