Italy Tightens Citizenship by Descent: Now Only Available Up to Grandparents

New 2025 Italian Citizenship Rules for Descendants

Italy’s Council of Ministers has passed a new decree significantly restricting access to Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis).

Starting today, citizenship will only be granted to direct descendants up to grandparents born in Italy. This major policy shift could impact millions of Italian descendants worldwide who seek to reconnect with their heritage.

What Changes with the New Citizenship Decree?

The 2025 decree redefines the eligibility criteria for Italian citizenship by descent, limiting the right exclusively to grandchildren of Italian-born citizens.

Here are the key points of the new law:

Citizenship by descent limited to grandparents: Great-grandchildren and further generations will no longer qualify, even with complete documentation.

Only applies to ancestors born in Italy: The law strictly applies to those whose grandparents were born in Italy, excluding descendants of Italian parents born abroad.

Not retroactive but urgent: If you’ve already started your application, you may still qualify under the old rules, but time is running out.

What You Should Do If You Want Italian Citizenship

If you have Italian ancestry and want to secure citizenship, now is the time to act. With the new law taking effect, timing is crucial.

Here’s what you need to do:

Trace your Italian roots: Ensure that your direct ancestor was an Italian-born grandparent.

Start your application immediately: Applications submitted before the law is fully enacted may still be accepted.

Seek expert assistance: Your documentation must be accurate, complete, and fully compliant with the new legal requirements.

Conclusion: Take Action Before It’s Too Late

The new Italian citizenship decree marks a historic shift. If your family has Italian roots, your right to citizenship may soon be out of reach.

Contact Italiza today: Our team of citizenship experts will assess your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and submit your application before the new restrictions take effect.

Want to know if you’re still eligible for Italian citizenship?
Book a free consultation with Italiza now.