Italian Citizenship Changes Take Effect

On March 28, 2025, the Italian government issued Decree-Law No. 36, which would introduce significant changes to Italian citizenship, namely citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis), but also citizenship by residency, the registration of minors born abroad, and other key aspects of nationality law.

Key Changes of the 2025 Reform

• Citizenship by Descent: Traditionally, individuals could claim citizenship by proving an unbroken line from an Italian ancestor, regardless of how many generations had passed. However, with the 2025 Reform (Article 3-bis of Law No. 91/1992), automatic recognition is no longer granted to those born abroad who hold another citizenship, unless they meet new, stricter conditions. The applicant has to meet one of the following conditions:
  • A parent or grandparent exclusively held Italian citizenship at the time of the applicant’s birth or exclusively held it at the time of their death (if it occurred
    before the applicant’s birth.)
  • A parent or adoptive parent resided in Italy for at least two continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant’s birth or adoption.
  • Citizenship recognition application was submitted on or before March 27, 2025; these follow the previous legal framework.
  • Application submitted after March 27, 2025, if the appointment was scheduled by the competent authority before that date; these also follow the former rules.
• Minors born to Italian Citizens by Descent: If the child was under 18 years of age on May 24, 2025, the Italian parent may submit a joint declaration (signed by both parents) at the competent Italian Consulate no later than May 31, 2026. If the minor reaches 18 years of age between May 24, 2025, and May 31, 2026, the declaration must be submitted directly by him/her within the same deadline.
• Citizenship Reacquisition: Individuals who lost their citizenship before August 16, 1992, may be eligible to reacquire Italian citizenship if they meet the following criteria:
  • Were born in Italy as Italian citizens, or
  • Were Italian citizens who resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years,
  • AND, the Italian Citizenship must have been lost due to one of the following:
    • Naturalization in a foreign country
    • Automatic renunciation upon acquiring another nationality
    • Loss during childhood, as a result of a parent’s naturalization
• Citizenship by Residency: The residency-based path was also affected by the 2025 Reform. Throughout the required residency period, applicants must maintain continuous legal residence in Italy, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, meet the B1-level Italian language requirement, and satisfy other relevant criteria.
  • 10 years for non-EU nationals
  • 4 years for EU citizens
  • 2 years for individuals with Italian parents or grandparents (that have or have had their citizens by birthright)
  • 3 years for foreign nationals born in Italy
  • 5 years for: Adults adopted by an Italian citizen, with 5 years of residence post-adoption;  Foreign nationals who served the Italian State for at least 5 years;
    Stateless individuals with 5 years of legal residence in Italy.
  • In June 2025, Italy held a referendum on whether to reduce the required residency period for foreigners to obtain citizenship from 10 years to 5. However, the referendum was unsuccessful, as the voter turnout did not reach the required quorum.
• Citizenship by Marriage: The 2025 Reform did not change the requirements for obtaining citizenship through marriage. Foreign nationals married to Italian citizens may apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization, provided certain conditions are met.
  • For applicants residing in Italy: eligibility begins after 2 years of uninterrupted residency after the date of marriage.
  • For applicants residing abroad: the required period is 3 years from the date of marriage.
  • In both cases, these timeframes are reduced by half (to 1 year and 1.5 years, respectively) if the couple has biological or legally adopted children.
  • The marriage must be valid and registered with the Italian civil registry and the couple must still be married at the time of application and until citizenship is granted.
  • The applicant must hold a B1-level Italian language certificate and have a clean criminal record.

Erickson Insights & Analysis

The 2025 Reform has faced legal challenges, and several points have continued to be clarified and refined. As the legal framework continues to evolve, Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.

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