Major Changes to Italian Citizenship Law (2025)
Major Changes to Italian Citizenship Law (2025)
And What You Can Do About it
If you’ve been dreaming of reconnecting with your Italian roots and moving to Italy through citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), the recent legal changes may have hit you hard.
As of May 2025, Italy has enacted significant restrictions on who qualifies for Italian citizenship through ancestry.
Or, as stated on the Italian consulate website for New York:
“According to the newly updated Article 3-bis of Law 91/92, if you were born abroad and have another citizenship, you are now considered to have never acquired Italian citizenship automatically, even if you would have qualified under the older rules — and even if you were born before the current law took effect. —”
What does all of this mean?
Well, for many, their “right of blood” pathway just closed.
But, I’m here to say that your Italian dream doesn’t have to end here. Let’s break down what’s changed. And read to the end to see what pathways still exist for moving to Italy.
The Major Changes to Italian Citizenship Law (2025)
Under Law No. 74/2024 (converted from Decree-Law No. 36/2024), the Italian Government introduced new, stricter requirements for claiming Italian citizenship by descent. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Generational Limits Introduced — Citizenship can now only be claimed up to the third generation from the Italian ancestor who emigrated. That means:
— A person is eligible for Italian citizenship only if their parent or grandparent is/was exclusively an Italian citizen.
— A person can become eligible if their parent became an Italian citizen and lived in Italy for 2 consecutive years prior to their birth.
2. Proof of “Effective Transmission” — Applicants must now demonstrate that Italian citizenship was effectively and continuously passed down from generation to generation. Gaps in documentation or inconsistencies can be grounds for rejection.
3. Reacquisition of Italian Citizenship — Some of the changes are good. Individuals who were born in Italy or lived in Italy for at least 2 years in a row and lost their Italian citizenship based on the “1912 minor rule” can now regain it. Note: there is a specific period to regain citizenship: between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2027.
4. Citizenship by Residency — Law 74 has also amended citizenship by residency criteria. Now, you can apply for Italian citizenship after 2 years of residence in Italy, if you have a parent or grandparent who is/was an Italian citizen by birth (even if they acquired foreign citizenship). Note: The residence requirement used to be 3 years.
What now?
Some lawyers believe that the new approved restrictions violate some fundamental rights and, therefore, can be challenged in the Italian courts.
If you already had an appointment scheduled with a consular office before the law was made official, then the previous rules still apply.
If you think you still qualify for Italian citizenship and would like help doing so, you can reach out to Luce an Italian immigration attorney or Become Italiani.
Keep in mind, this is just an introduction to the changes that have been made.
There Are Other Ways to Legally Live in Italy
If you don’t want to go the court route, and/or if you are looking for a faster route to Italy, multiple visa pathways still exist that can help you start your new life in Italy:
Elective Residency Visa — For those who can support themself financially and want to live in Italy long-term without working.
Digital Nomad Visa — Perfect for remote workers and freelancers with non-Italian clients with a steady income.
Self-Employment or Startup Visa —For entrepreneurs, consultants, and creative professionals starting a business or working independently.
Investor Visa — For those able to invest significantly in Italian companies or Italian Government bonds.
Family Reunification Visa — For joining a close family member who is already legally residing in Italy.
Student Visa → Post-Study Work Option — Begin with study and transition to work or residency afterward.
If you’re serious about moving to Italy, don’t let these law changes stop you. There’s more than one path — and my team and I can help you find the one that fits.
Which is why I created a free guide that walks you through the top 3 visas for moving to Italy — with practical steps, and tips based on 20+ years of experience living here.
Sign up here to get the guide and take the first step toward your Italian dream — no citizenship required.
