HOT TOPIC: Italian Citizenship Law 2025 Changes
If you’ve been dreaming of reconnecting with your Italian roots through citizenship, you’re not alone. But big changes just arrived.
On March 28th, 2025, the Italian government approved the Decree-Law No. 36/2025, introducing important amendments to Law No. 91/1992. What does this mean for those with Italian roots? Who is still eligible? Let’s find out how this reform could reshape who qualifies for citizenship by descent and what is Law No. 91/1992.
This post contains affiliate links that help keep this website running. By purchasing through our links, we make a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support!
The Law No. 91/1992
This law governs the acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of Italian citizenship. As many of you surely know, before 1992, Italians who became citizens of another country automatically lost their Italian citizenship. Law 91/1992 changed this, allowing Italians to keep their citizenship and obtain multiple citizenship simultaneously. This law also enabled foreigners to acquire Italian citizenship without renouncing their original nationality.
The Decree-Law 36/2025
What is a Decree-Law? The Decree-law is a special legal measure that the Italian Government can use only in case of emergency. It has immediate effects right from the moment it is released, but it must be converted into Law by the Italian Parliament after sixty days.
During this time, the decree is usually discussed by the Parliament, which can also request adjustments or clarifications. If the Decree is not ratified by the Parliament, it lapses after the 60-day revision period.
Important Updates for Citizenship Applications
This new Decree introduces important changes to the original Law 19/1992. Specifically, it adds a provision to the Law, Article 3-bis, which outlines new criteria for individuals born abroad with foreign citizenship.
Essentially, individuals born outside of Italy will now be recognized as Italian citizens only if they meet at least one of the following conditions:
- They have an Italian parent who was born in Italy
- They have an Italian parent who lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years before their birth or adoption
- They have an Italian grandparent who was born in Italy
This excludes all applicants whose Italian ancestry traces back further than two generations.
Future Implications of the New Decree-Law
The reform does not apply to those who have already submitted their application for citizenship by descent at a consulate or municipality or to those who have already started a judicial proceeding before March 28, 2025.
The Government is working on centralizing citizenship application processing through a new dedicated office, which should be part of the Farnesina organization. The Consulates abroad will no longer be responsible for citizenship applications. The measure is aimed at streamlining the process and alleviating the burden of overseas offices, which have been overwhelmed by the number of applications over the past few years.
Call to Action: “What You Should Do Now”
- Already applied? Double-check that your paperwork is dated before March 28, 2025.
- Planning to apply? Review your family tree—do you have an Italian parent or grandparent?
- Not sure? Take the eligibility quiz linked below or speak with a qualified legal advisor. Don’t wait—this law changes the game.
Italian Citizenship Law 2025 Change Conclusion
The approval of Decree-Law No. 36/2025 marks a significant shift in Italy’s approach to citizenship by descent. It introduces stricter eligibility criteria and a centralized processing system. By limiting recognition to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent, the reform significantly narrows the path to Italian nationality for many applicants, particularly those with more distant ancestral ties.
For those affected, staying informed, seeking legal guidance, and exploring alternative pathways to maintaining a connection with Italy is essential. As further developments emerge, we will continue to update the evolving landscape of Italian citizenship law.
If you wish to check your eligibility to apply for Italian Citizenship by descent, feel free to reach out to Fast Track Italian Citizenship, our partners, or you can reach them at: +1 202 738 4689.
To check if you still qualify, you can take their eligibility test on the website!
Sadly our hope for Carla obtaining Dual Citizenship is over. She would have to go to the great grandparents level. Our app has not been filed as we’ve been trying to locate a Birth Certificate and have some typos corrected on her grandfather’s. (Sorry for the April Fool’s Day joke. I guess the joke’s on me after all.)
Well, that is sad on so many levels. Know you are not alone. Things might change- as they usually do. Our partner, Fast Track, might be able to help her straighten things out. Yes… I didn’t “get” the April Fool’s joke. I really thought she had gotten her citizenship. Guess I’m out of the US too long (giggles).