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.
Jus sanguinis:
Summary

The Jus Sanguinis principle, derived from Latin, translates to “right of blood.” Under this principle, an individual acquires citizenship based on their ancestral lineage. In other words, if you have ancestors from a foreign country, you may be eligible for another citizenship.

On the other hand, Jus Solis, which means “right of soil,” grants citizenship based solely on the place of birth. For instance, the United States and Canada follow jus solis, automatically granting citizenship to anyone born within their territories.

Jus Sanguinis in Italy

Jus Sanguinis citizenship is established through blood ties. If you have an Italian ancestor who immigrated and started a family, you are entitled to Italian citizenship by descent. The key requirement is proving your direct lineage to that Italian ancestor through civil registry documents.

However, if the Italian ancestor naturalized as a foreign citizen before 1992, their descendants do not have the right to Italian citizenship recognition. Additionally, children born before January 1, 1948, to an Italian woman who married a foreigner are not eligible for recognition.

For more information about Italian citizenship requirements, click on this link.

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Jus Solis in Italy

Italy does not recognize citizenship through Jus Soli. However, individuals born in Italy to non-Italian parents have the option to decide if they want to become Italian citizens. They have one year to make this decision upon turning 18, provided they have lived in Italy since birth.

Additionally, if someone relocated abroad before turning 18, they can acquire Italian citizenship by returning to Italy for three years. Meeting residency requirements and demonstrating certified Italian language proficiency (at least B1 level) are essential for this process.

There is only one specific case in which Jus Soli applies in Italy. If a child is born in Italy with no known parents and without recognized citizenship, they have the right to Italian citizenship through jus soli.

The Advantage of Jus Sanguinis

Direct descendants of Italians have a significant advantage under Jus Sanguinis. They only need to prove their bloodline to claim Italian citizenship. Unlike jus solis, they don’t have to reside in Italy during the process. If you’re an Italian descendant, consider exploring your rights and advantages by contacting experts like io.citizenship

Here is summary of all the information:

  • Jus Sanguinis, also known as “right of blood,” grants citizenship based on ancestry or descent.
     
  • If you have Italian ancestors, you can claim Italian citizenship by descent (Jure Sanguinis). This means that if your lineage includes an Italian-born ancestor, you may qualify for Italian citizenship.
     
  • To prove eligibility, you must establish a direct bloodline connection with your Italian ancestor through civil registry documents (such as birth certificates).
     
  • If your Italian ancestor naturalized as a citizen of another country before 1992, their descendants born after the naturalization decree do not have the right to Italian citizenship recognition.
     
  • Children (or descendants) of Italian women who married foreigners and were born before January 1, 1948, do not have the right to recognition. However, there have been successful court trials in favor of those requiring Italian citizenship.
     
  • Minors under 18 years old, whose parents are already Italian citizens, should be registered at the Consulate.
Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

Conclusion

In summary, Jus Sanguinis connects citizenship to ancestry, while jus solis relies on the place of birth. Understanding these principles is key for those seeking Italian citizenship. Whether you’re tracing your family tree or considering a legal process, knowing your options empowers you to navigate the complexities of citizenship eligibility

If you find the Italian citizenship process overwhelming, consider seeking expert assistance, such as io.citizen. Our team of experts is ready to guide you to your long-awaited Italian citizenship. Count on io.citizen! Contact us today!

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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