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.
Photo of an Italian citizenship lawyer helping a client on his citizenship process
Summary

Obtaining Italian citizenship can be a complex process involving legal intricacies and bureaucratic hurdles, but an Italian citizenship lawyer can provide crucial assistance.

These specialists possess in-depth knowledge of Italian law, guiding applicants through each step, ensuring all requirements are met, and handling the preparation and submission of necessary documents.

They also represent clients in legal matters, such as appeals or court cases, making their expertise invaluable in navigating the challenges and complexities of the citizenship application process.

Benefits of hiring an Italian citizenship lawyer

Hiring Italian citizenship legal assistance can significantly simplify the citizenship process. Additionally, they offer legal support in situations that require specialized knowledge, such as cases involving the 1948 rule or previously denied citizenship applications.

By providing a comprehensive advisory service, applicants can have peace of mind knowing that their case is in capable hands. Here are the top 5 reasons to hire an Italian citizenship attorney:

  • Avoid consular rejections: Lawyers help prevent mistakes that can lead to denials.
     
  • Judicial processes in Italy: They represent clients in Italian courts.
     
  • Expertise in complex cases: Specialized knowledge for 1948 rule cases and contested naturalizations.
     
  • Efficiency: Streamline the process and avoid bureaucratic delays.
     
  • Peace of mind: Comprehensive legal support reduces stress and ensures all legal routes are explored.
     

Here’s a comparison between a DIY (Do-it-yourself) approach and hiring a specialist lawyer:

AspectDIY ApproachHiring a Lawyer
CostLowerHigher
TimeMore time-consumingMore efficient
Success RateHigher risk of errorsHigher chance of success
ExpertiseLimitedAccess to specialized legal knowledge
StressHigherReduced

When is a lawyer needed for your Italian citizenship application?

For those seeking ease and cost-effectiveness

Hiring an advisory service for Italian citizenship is not always a mandatory requirement, however, there are certain instances where hiring a lawyer is particularly advisable, such as correcting errors in documents, including altered surnames, or addressing issues related to destroyed records.

This is especially common for ancestors from certain regions, such as post-war Sicily, where historical records may have been lost. Furthermore, lawyers can assist in disputes over an ancestor’s naturalization status and represent clients in appeals for denied citizenship applications, ensuring that all legal avenues are explored.

Hiring an Italian citizenship specialist lawyer can be highly beneficial in these situations, but it does involve costs. For a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses involved, please refer to our article on the costs of Italian citizenship legal help

If you are indeed considering hiring a lawyer, there is a simple step-by-step process to follow: 

  • Begin with initial research by using tools like Google or seeking recommendations from trusted sources to identify reputable lawyers.
     
  • Once you have shortlisted options, schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case and evaluate their expertise.
     
  • Finally, carefully review the contract terms, particularly clauses regarding fees and refund policies, to ensure transparency and avoid surprises.
     
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Understand more about Citizenship by Italian court.

Certain cases, such as those involving the 1948 rule or denied applications, demand specialized legal expertise. A jus sanguinis lawyer can offer invaluable assistance by managing the process on your behalf, ensuring every requirement is met efficiently.

In cases of denied applications, they can prepare and submit appeals, advocating for your rights. For applicants encountering prolonged consular waiting times, the judicial route provides a faster alternative, with lawyers streamlining the process and navigating legal channels to expedite your citizenship application.

Services offered by an Italian citizenship lawyer

Lawyers play a crucial role in the Italian citizenship process by conducting an initial consultation to evaluate the client’s case and identify the best citizenship options. They assist in collecting, translating, and legalizing required documents to meet Italian authorities’ standards and handle legal interventions by preparing cases and representing clients in court when necessary.

Throughout the process, they provide regular updates, ensuring all deadlines are met, and after citizenship is granted, they guide clients on next steps such as obtaining a passport and understanding their new legal obligations, ensuring a smooth transition into Italian citizenship.

Advantages of having a lawyer who specializes in Italian citizenship

Lawyers specializing in Italian citizenship possess extensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful application by addressing common pitfalls and best practices.

Their expertise helps minimize errors in document submission, avoiding delays or denials, and their high success rates reflect the effectiveness of their services. By offering personalized guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, these professionals ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

How to choose the right lawyer for Italian citizenship?

When selecting a lawyer for Italian citizenship, it is important to consider their proven experience, as a strong track record ensures effective navigation of complex cases. Positive reviews and client testimonials offer valuable insight into their reliability and competence. Equally important is transparency in costs, enabling you to compare offers and avoid unexpected expenses.

For those seeking a hassle-free experience and greater security, considering the services of a lawyer is a wise decision. Contact a reputable Italian citizenship assistant today to start your journey towards becoming an Italian citizen!

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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