How Italian Citizenship Laws Changed in 2025

What the New Rules Mean, What Stayed the Same, and What to Watch Next

Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) has long been one of the most generous citizenship frameworks in the world. For decades, individuals with Italian ancestors, even several generations back, could seek recognition as Italian citizens.

That landscape changed significantly in 2025.

This article explains, at a high level, how Italian citizenship laws changed in 2025, why those changes were introduced, how they are being applied today, and what developments are expected in 2026. The goal is clarity, not prediction.

A Quick Reminder: What Is Italian Citizenship by Descent?

Italian citizenship by descent is based on the principle of jure sanguinis, or “right of blood.” Under this concept, Italian citizenship is transmitted from parent to child, as long as the parent was an Italian citizen at the time of the child’s birth and the line of transmission remained intact.

Historically, this meant that citizenship could pass through many generations, provided there was no legal break in the line. In many cases, people were considered Italian citizens from birth, even if that status had never been formally recognized.

The recognition process required documentation, not the creation of citizenship.

How Things Worked Before 2025

Before March 2025:

• There was no generational limit for citizenship by descent

• Citizenship could pass indefinitely, back to Italian unification in 1861

• Great-grandchildren and beyond were often eligible

• Minor children were typically included automatically once a parent was recognized

However, the system already depended heavily on naturalization timing, particularly before 1992, when Italy did not allow dual citizenship.

If an Italian ancestor voluntarily naturalized in another country before August 16, 1992, they generally lost Italian citizenship. Whether that loss affected descendants depended on when naturalization occurred and the age of the next generation at that time.

The First Major Shift: The “Minor Issue” (October 2024)

In late 2024, Italian authorities introduced a new administrative interpretation that later became known as the “minor issue.”

Under prior practice, if an Italian parent naturalized after their child was born, the child typically retained Italian citizenship.

Under the new interpretation:

• The parent must have naturalized after the child reached adulthood

• Adulthood was defined as age 21 before 1975, and 18 thereafter

• If the parent naturalized while the child was still a minor, the line of transmission is now considered broken

This change affected many families whose ancestors naturalized when their children were young, even if those cases would have been accepted under earlier interpretations.

The 2025 Law Change: Law 74/2025

In March 2025, Italy enacted Law 74/2025, which introduced the most restrictive changes to citizenship by descent in modern Italian history.

The Two-Generation Limit

Under current administrative practice:

• Citizenship by descent is generally limited to applicants with an Italian parent or grandparent

• That parent or grandparent must have been exclusively Italian at the relevant time

• Lines passing through great-grandparents or earlier are typically not accepted today

This does not mean those family lines were historically invalid. It means they are not currently accepted for new administrative applications.

New Rules for Minors Born Abroad

Italian citizenship is no longer automatically passed to minors born outside Italy.

To acquire citizenship, a minor must:

• Be registered by declaration within a set timeframe, or

• Reside in Italy for a qualifying period as a minor

A temporary exception allows certain minor children of already-recognized Italian citizens to be registered until May 31, 2026, depending on circumstances.

Why Did Italy Change the Law?

The Italian government has stated that these reforms were intended to:

• Reduce administrative backlogs

• Limit citizenship claims by individuals with limited ties to Italy

• Align Italy’s rules more closely with other EU countries

Whether one agrees with this rationale or not, these are the reasons cited by lawmakers when introducing the reform.

Who Can Still Apply Today?

Under current rules, recognition may still be possible if:

• You have a qualifying Italian parent or grandparent and the line of transmission remained intact

• A parent reacquired or acquired Italian citizenship and lived in Italy for at least two years before your birth

• An application, court case, or consular appointment was formally filed before March 28, 2025

Each situation depends heavily on documentation and timing. Many cases fall into gray areas that cannot be resolved without careful review.

1948 Cases: Female Lineage Still Applies

The 2025 law did not eliminate so-called “1948 cases.”

If your line of descent passes solely through a woman who gave birth before January 1, 1948, Italian law at the time did not allow her to transmit citizenship. These cases are still pursued through the Italian court system, not consulates.

This remains a viable, though separate, legal pathway.

Reacquisition: A Notable Positive Change

One of the few expansions under the new law involves reacquisition.

Individuals born in Italy who lost Italian citizenship before 1992 may now be able to reacquire it between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2027 by declaration, without establishing residency in Italy. This was not previously possible.

What to Watch in 2026: Court Challenges

Several aspects of Law 74/2025 are under judicial review in Italy.

Constitutional Court

Italy’s Constitutional Court is scheduled to review challenges to:

• The two-generation limit

• Retroactive application of the new law

• The use of emergency decree powers to change citizenship law

Supreme Court (Cassation)

Italy’s Supreme Court is reviewing the “minor issue,” specifically whether minors historically lost citizenship when a parent naturalized.

These cases may clarify or reshape how the law is applied. Outcomes are uncertain, and no results can be guaranteed.

What You Can Do Now

If you are considering Italian citizenship:

• Focus on understanding how your family line aligns with current law, not assumptions based on past rules

• Gather key records, especially naturalization and Italian civil records, even if you cannot apply today

• Stay informed as court decisions develop in 2026

Many people seek structured review not to obtain a guarantee, but to understand where their case stands now and what factors would matter if the legal framework changes.

Final Thoughts

Italian citizenship by descent did not disappear in 2025, but it became significantly narrower and more complex. Some paths closed, others remain open, and new questions are being tested in court.

Understanding the distinction between historical validity and current administrative eligibility is more important than ever.

Clarity, not assumptions, is now the most valuable starting point.

Not sure how these changes affect your family?

Start with our Italian Citizenship by Descent – Are You Eligible? page for a clear, high-level explanation of how eligibility is evaluated under current law. 

If you prefer to discuss your situation directly, you may also choose to schedule a consultation to review your family line in more detail. There is no obligation.

Disclaimer: BecomeItaliani is not a law firm, and the information provided here does not constitute legal advice or a legal interpretation of current laws. Laws, regulations, and interpretations are subject to change at any time, and the information shared is for general informational purposes only. For specific legal advice or assistance, please consult with a qualified legal professional. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or applicability to your unique situation.