Italy Reshapes Citizenship by Descent: a New Era for Global Italians

A Paradigm Shift in Italian Citizenship Law

On May 24, 2025, Italy enacted Law No. 74/2025, a transformative statute that fundamentally redefines citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis). This legislation, which evolved from Decree-Law No. 36 (March 28, 2025), introduces sweeping reforms—placing definitive limits on generational inheritance and emphasizing substantive ties to the Italian Republic.

Gone are the days when distant ancestry was sufficient to secure an Italian passport. Today, lineage alone is no longer enough—heritage must be grounded in genuine, traceable bonds to Italy.

What Prompted the Legislative Overhaul?

The Italian government’s decision stems from two converging pressures: logistical strain and national interest. A dramatic rise in citizenship claims—especially from descendants in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S.—has overwhelmed consulates and municipalities.

This recalibration aims to:

• Streamline the administrative burden on local and diplomatic offices.
• Prioritize applicants with meaningful family or residency links to Italy.
• Safeguard the integrity of Italian citizenship by preventing superficial claims.

Who is Still Eligible under the Pre-Reform Rules?

Law No. 74/2025 includes transitional clauses for applicants already in the pipeline:

• Those who submitted a fully documented application by March 27, 2025, will be assessed under the previous law.
• Applicants with confirmed appointments before this date retain eligibility—even if they file later.

The New Eligibility Criteria: Substance over Symbolism

Under the reformed framework, individuals born abroad can claim Italian citizenship by descent only if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

• They have a parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen and held no other nationality at the relevant time.
• Their Italian parent or adoptive parent lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring citizenship and before the applicant’s birth or adoption.

These filters eliminate eligibility for most claimants whose Italian roots are distant and disconnected from modern Italian life.

Provisions for Minor Children: Structured, but Still Restrictive

Minor children of Italian citizens are offered a tiered path to citizenship:

• Under 18 as of May 24, 2025: A parent may file for citizenship by May 31, 2026.
• Under 1 year old: A parent or guardian must apply within the first year of the child's life.
• Over 1 year: Must reside in Italy for two consecutive years after a declaration is made by the parent.

Minors granted citizenship under these provisions may renounce it at age 18, provided they hold another nationality.

A Global Pattern of Retrenchment

Italy’s policy shift mirrors a broader global trend. As citizenship becomes more than a mere inheritance, many countries are aligning citizenship law with modern expectations of loyalty, residency, and integration.

For high-net-worth individuals, especially those exploring European ties as part of a mobility strategy, this marks a significant change. The message is clear: Italian citizenship is no longer a passive benefit—it must be substantiated by presence and engagement.

A Glimmer of Liberalization: Naturalization Referendum Looms

While Italy restricts descent-based access, a separate proposal could ease naturalization. A referendum scheduled for June 8–9, 2025, asks voters whether to cut the current 10-year residency requirement to just five years.

If passed, this change would open a faster pathway to Italian citizenship for global residents building their lives in the country—potentially balancing the more exclusive jus sanguinis model.

Looking Ahead: the Strategic Path to Citizenship

For affluent families, Law No. 74/2025 underscores the importance of timing, legal strategy, and tangible connection. While ancestral claims face new barriers, opportunities still exist—whether through residence, cultural integration, or investment.

Italy’s passport remains among the most powerful in the world. But today, its acquisition demands more than lineage: it requires purpose, proof, and presence.

Expert Guidance from Stellar Pass

Navigating Italy’s new citizenship regulations requires precise legal strategy and up-to-date insight. At StellarPass, we specialize in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on cross-border mobility, citizenship planning, and investment migration.

If you’re affected by Law No. 74/2025 or considering alternative paths to Italian nationality, contact our team for a personalized consultation.