Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Updated December 2025 by Massimiliano Tommasiello, D&A Rome (IT) & Philadelphia (USA)

Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis) – 2025 Reform (Law 74/2025)

There are three main ways to naturalize as an Italian citizen:

• Through residency
• Through marriage and
• Through ancestry (Jure Sanguinis, as updated by the 2025 Citizenship Reform)

This guide covers the 2025 updates to the principle of Jure Sanguinis and the move to meaningful personal and family ties.

Italy’s 2025 Citizenship Reform: Complete Guide to Law 74/2025

Introduction to Italy’s 2025 Citizenship Update

The 2025 reform to Italian citizenship law represents a major and unprecedented shift in how Italy defines and grants citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis).

This reform, introduced through Law n. 74/2025, significantly changes the requirements that have been in place for decades and, in many respects, for more than a century. These changes have triggered extensive debate and substantial criticism, and the reform process is not entirely closed. Italian courts — including the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court — are expected to release further clarifications and rulings in 2026, which may influence future legislative adjustments.

Why Italy Rebalanced Its Citizenship-by-Descent System

Italian lawmakers have increasingly expressed concern that the former, extremely broad system of citizenship by descent allowed recognition for individuals with very distant ancestry, little cultural connection to Italy, or minimal ties to the country. Political leaders argued that the system needed modernization to reflect more meaningful connections.

Italy also has a history of policy reversals or corrections, and future court rulings may shape additional adjustments. For now, the government’s clear policy direction is that weak ancestral ties are no longer sufficient. The new model requires closer lineage, greater proximity to Italy, or demonstrated personal connection.

Italy’s New Emphasis on Stronger Citizenship Connections

Italy’s Shift Toward Meaningful Personal and Familial Ties

Italy has moved away from a purely generational model of citizenship toward one that emphasizes concrete relationships with the country. The new framework prioritizes:

• a parent or grandparent with Italian citizenship
• personal connection or lived experience in Italy
• residence in Italy (past or present)
• family members living in Italy
• cultural or linguistic ties

This updated approach aims to balance heritage with genuine, modern-day connection.

Courts may refine the interpretation of Law 74/2025 as cases progress. Decisions expected in 2026 may impact eligibility, transition rules, and procedural application.

Publication of Law 74/2025 and Entry Into Force

How and When the Reform Became Official

On Friday, May 23rd 2025, the Official Gazette published the text of Law n. 74/2025, which formalized the conversion — with modifications — of Decree-Law n. 36/2025 of March 28 into ordinary law.

New Generational Limits for Italian Citizenship by Descent

Core Eligibility Standard: Parent or Grandparent Link

Under the 2025 reform, Italian citizenship by descent is no longer open to all generational lines. Instead, only individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent may qualify — unless they fall under specific transitional exceptions. This shift significantly reduces eligibility and prioritizes direct, verifiable lineage.

Individuals born abroad with Italian ancestry will not be granted citizenship unless they meet one of the following requirements or exceptions.

Applications Submitted Before the March 27th 2025 Deadline

If an applicant submitted their citizenship recognition application — complete with all required documentation — on or before March 27th 2025, the application will be evaluated under the rules that existed prior to the reform.

Updated Rules for Children and Minors

Eligibility Rules for Children Who Were Minors on May 24th 2025

The reform contains transitional provisions for minors, allowing certain children to acquire Italian citizenship under moderated conditions.

Children who were still minors (under 18) on May 24th 2025 may acquire Italian citizenship if their Italian parent submits a formal declaration on their behalf. This declaration must be filed no later than May 31st 2026.
This transitional rule ensures that children are not penalized by the abrupt change in legal framework.

Citizenship Rules for Children Up to One Year Old

Children up to one year old can acquire Italian citizenship if a parent or legal guardian files a declaration within the child’s first year of life. The law is designed to simplify procedures for infants who have a newly recognized Italian parent.

Citizenship Requirements for Children Over One Year Old

Children over one year old may also become citizens, but they must meet a two-year residency requirement. Specifically, the child must reside in Italy for two consecutive years following the submission of the parental declaration.
This rule increases Italy’s emphasis on genuine residence and presence in the country.

Renunciation Rights for Children Upon Turning 18

A minor who acquires Italian citizenship under the new law may renounce it at age 18 if they hold another nationality. This clause protects children who may not wish to retain dual nationality upon reaching adulthood.
Italy’s Ministry of the Interior has also issued several circolari (interpretative guidelines) to clarify technical aspects of minor recognition procedures.

Alternative Routes to Live, Work, and Naturalize in Italy

For those who no longer qualify for Jure Sanguinis, Italy provides several accelerated routes for descendants with Italian heritage to acquire citizenship or gain permanent residency, emphasizing a stronger connection to the country.

1. Citizenship After Two Years of Legal Residency (Fast Track)

Descendants who have an Italian parent or grandparent may now qualify for citizenship after only two years of legal residency in Italy, instead of the standard four or ten years for other applicants. This new pathway is quickly becoming the primary accelerated route for many applicants previously relying on distant Jure Sanguinis claims.

Valid Residence Permits for the Two Year Residency Rule

2. Special Work Permit for Italian Descendants

Italian descendants, regardless of generational limit, may be eligible for a special work permit that is not subject to annual quota restrictions (Decreto Flussi).

3. Reacquisition for Former Citizens

The Law 74/2025 creates a temporary window (July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027) for former Italian citizens who lost their citizenship to reacquire it, provided they meet specific criteria.

Benefits of Italian Citizenship

Acquiring Italian citizenship offers significant advantages for individuals, businesses, and families, including:

• European Union (EU) Citizenship: The right to live, work, and study freely in all 27 EU member states.
• Visa-Free Travel: Enhanced global mobility with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 165 countries.
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Eligibility: Italian citizens are eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, allowing them to live and manage a substantial business investment in the United States.
• Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Direct access to the VWP for easier travel to the United States.
• Simplified Inheritance and Property Ownership: Easier process for owning and inheriting property in Italy.

Massimiliano Tommasiello

Of Counsel - Italy & US Immigration Law

Massimiliano Tommasiello, Esq., is Of Counsel at Davies & Associates, specializing in complex Italian citizenship, immigration, and corporate law. He is based in both the US and Italy, providing cross-border expertise on Jure Sanguinis, residency, and the 2025 reforms.

Education

• Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law (LL.M.)
• LUISS Di Roma (J.D.)

Knows Language

• English
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• Italian