Until recently, Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) followed a long-standing principle: anyone with an unbroken bloodline from an Italian citizen, regardless of generation, could claim citizenship, provided their ancestor had not renounced or lost it (typically by naturalization). There were no generational limits, no deadlines. The right was considered “pre-existing”, a matter of recognition, not concession.
But 2025 marks a significant shift. Recent legislative changes have introduced notable restrictions, modifying a framework that had remained largely unchanged for over three decades.
A Restriction with Controversial Edges
The new rule sets a clear break: those born abroad who held another citizenship at birth are now considered never to have acquired Italian citizenship, even if born before this law came into force, unless they meet specific conditions, such as:
- Having a parent or grandparent who held exclusively Italian citizenship, or had done so at the time of their death;
- Having a parent or adoptive parent who was legally and continuously resident in Italy for at least two years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the birth or adoption of the child.
Petitions filed before the new rules came into effect remain valid. After that date, recognition is possible only if the applicant meets the new, stricter legal requirements.
However, this shift raises serious constitutional and legal questions.
Several observers and some courts have already raised concerns about the retroactive application of the new rule. One key issue under discussion is whether the new provision can be applied to individuals born before its entry into force who had already met the substantive requirements for citizenship but had not yet submitted a formal request for recognition.
Some early court rulings suggest that the new rule should not apply to individuals who were already effectively Italian citizens, even if their citizenship had not yet been officially recognized. This position is consistent with established case law and highlights important constitutional issues related to the protection of citizenship and the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination.
Another crucial point concerns the new law’s requirement of “exclusive Italian citizenship”. Many women, especially before 1948 with the entry into force of the Italian Constitution that guaranteed gender equality between men and women, automatically acquired their husband’s foreign citizenship upon marriage without voluntarily giving up their Italian citizenship. Excluding their descendants today would go against well-established case law confirming that automatic acquisition of another citizenship does not mean losing Italian citizenship.
All these points highlight that the new law should not be applied rigidly. Instead, it must be carefully interpreted in light of constitutional principles and established case law.
A Second Chance: Recovering Italian Citizenship
An important and positive development allows individuals who lost their Italian citizenship in the past to reacquire it.
The new provision applies to those who either were born in Italy or lived there for at least two consecutive years, and who lost their citizenship due to naturalization in a foreign country before the Citizenship Law of 1992 came into force, when dual citizenship was not permitted.
This is a significant opportunity to restore a legal bond with Italy, especially for those who lost their status under outdated rules and through no active renunciation of their own. The reacquisition process is based on a formal declaration that can be submitted from July 1st, 2025 until December 31st, 2027.
For many, this reform offers a concrete way to reclaim a part of their personal and family history, re-establishing ties that were interrupted by past legislation but remain deeply rooted.
A Faster Path for Those with Family Ties
Another positive change in the new rules concerns foreigners with close Italian ancestry. Now, those whose parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth can apply for citizenship after just two years of legal residence in Italy, down from three.
A Changing Landscape, not a Closed Door
The new rules are undoubtedly more rigid, but not without nuance. Between pending court interpretations, constitutional protections, and personal circumstances, space for recognition still exists.
For those with genuine, traceable ties to Italy, what matters now is timing, documentation, and a clear understanding of the evolving legal landscape.
