Italy has introduced stricter citizenship laws, tightening the requirements for those claiming an Italian passport by descent. The decree, effective from midnight on Friday, aims to curb what the government calls “abuse” of the system.
Deputy premier and foreign minister Antonio Tajani announced the surprise move, which requires applicants to have at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. This change revises the previous ius sanguinis (blood right) rule, in place since 1992, which allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor alive after 17 March 1861 to apply for citizenship.
Tajani defended the reform, saying citizenship is a serious matter and should not be granted automatically to those with distant Italian ancestry but no cultural or linguistic ties to the country. He stressed the importance of strengthening the connection between new citizens and Italy, stating: “We want real Italians, not just citizens of convenience.”
The move is part of the broader Ius Italiae citizenship reform project and comes as Italy prepares for a citizenship referendum in June. Over the past decade, the number of Italian citizens living abroad has risen by 40 per cent, reaching 6.4 million. More than 60,000 applications for citizenship by descent are currently pending. Most applicants live in Argentina and Brazil, where many Italians emigrated between the 19th and early 20th centuries. In December last year, the Argentinian President Milei received Italian citizenship by descent.
The foreign ministry clarified that those who submitted documented applications by midnight on 27 March would not be affected. The reform will also not apply retroactively to those who have already been granted citizenship by descent.
Details of the decree can be found on the Italian Parliament website.
Key Changes for Citizenship by Descent Applicants
- Yes to grandchildren of Italians: Applicants with at least one grandparent born in Italy can still apply.
- No to great-grandparents: Applications based on more distant ancestors will no longer be accepted.
- Stricter controls and increased fees: Document verification will be intensified to prevent fraud, and the application fee will rise from €600 to €700.
The government insists these changes will ensure a stronger connection between Italian citizens and their heritage, reinforcing the country’s identity and values.
