Italian Citizenship 2025: What Changed with the New Law

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Introduction

Italian citizenship has always represented more than just a passport. For millions of Italo-Americans, it is a bridge between the sacrifices of their ancestors and the opportunities of today. In May 2025, the Italian government approved Law No. 74/2025, which converted Decree-Law 36/2025 into permanent legislation and introduced substantial reforms. These reforms affect eligibility by descent (jure sanguinis), procedures at consulates, and residency-based paths. Understanding the details is crucial if you are considering applying for Italian citizenship in 2025 or later.

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Key Changes in Law 74/2025

1. Jure Sanguinis and the New Generational Rules

A major change has been introduced through Article 3-bis of Law 91/1992, as amended by Law 74/2025. The reform establishes that those born abroad and holding another citizenship are considered never to have acquired Italian citizenship, except in specific cases:

• Applications or court petitions submitted (and consular appointments booked) by March 27, 2025 at 23:59 remain governed by the old regime.
• Eligibility continues where a parent or grandparent held exclusively Italian citizenship at the time.
• If a parent had already acquired Italian citizenship and then lived two continuous years in Italy before the child’s birth or adoption, the child remains eligible.

This means that the reform does not introduce a flat “two-generation limit,” but rather narrows automatic eligibility while carving out important exceptions. Notably, the law does not specify “ancestor born in Italy,” but instead requires that the ascendant was a citizen by birth and held only Italian nationality.

2. Consular Application Fee Increase

The fee for consular jure sanguinis applications has been raised to €600. However, this increase did not originate in Law 74/2025 itself. It stems from the 2025 Budget Law (Law 207/2024), which doubled the fee from €300 to €600. Italian consulates worldwide have already confirmed the update. This change makes accurate and complete documentation even more important, as errors could become costly.

3. Connection to Italy: Clarified Requirements

Contrary to some interpretations, Law 74/2025 does not create a general obligation to prove cultural or personal ties to Italy through travel, associations, or future plans. Instead, it introduces specific legal connections, such as:

• The requirement that a parent resided legally in Italy for at least two years after acquiring citizenship and before the child’s birth (Article 3-bis, letter d).
• For minors who acquire citizenship together with a parent, the requirement that they have two years of legal residence in Italy at the time of acquisition (Article 14).

These are concrete and measurable criteria defined in law, not “soft” proofs such as travel or cultural involvement.

4. Residency-Based Applications

The reform also impacts applications based on residency in Italy. For foreign descendants (children or grandchildren of Italian citizens by birth), the residency requirement has been reduced from three years to two years (Article 9). This is intended to balance the restrictions on jure sanguinis with a more accessible path for those who establish residence in Italy. At the same time, for minors acquiring citizenship with a parent, the new rule requires two years of residence, ensuring a genuine and stable connection. The law itself does not introduce generalized “special monitoring” by municipalities, though operational guidelines have clarified how local authorities should verify compliance.

5. Court Petitions and the 1948 Rule

Judicial petitions under the 1948 rule remain possible, but with significant caveats:

• Petitions filed before March 27, 2025 remain under the previous regime.
• New petitions after that date are subject to Article 3-bis restrictions.
• Court procedures have become more rigid: testimony and oath evidence are generally excluded except for limited exceptions.

Thus, while the 1948 route still exists, it is no longer unchanged and must be evaluated carefully under the post-2025 framework.

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Transitional Provisions

Law 74/2025 also introduced several transitional rules that directly affect applicants:

• Applications, petitions, and consular appointments booked before March 27, 2025 remain under the old regime (Article 3-bis, letters a, a-bis, b).
• Reacquisition of citizenship for former citizens born or resident in Italy is possible between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2027, with a €250 contribution required (Article 17).

These deadlines and transitional provisions are critical for determining eligibility and planning the timing of your application.

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What This Means for Italo-Americans

For Italian American families, the reform narrows automatic eligibility but provides alternative routes. Descendants within the first or second generation abroad may still qualify under specific conditions, while others may consider:

• Residency-based applications under the reduced two-year requirement.
• Judicial petitions where applicable, while respecting the new procedural limits.
• Reacquisition routes for former citizens meeting the transitional criteria.

The key message is that eligibility must now be assessed with reference to precise legal conditions, not assumptions about cultural ties or general heritage.

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How CTZN Can Help

At CTZN, we understand how challenging these changes may appear. Our binational team of U.S. and Italian legal experts is here to:

• Verify if you qualify under the new framework.
• Assess transitional provisions that may still apply to your case.
• Prepare and validate your documentation in line with updated consular and legal requirements.
• Provide strategic advice on the best pathway for recognition, including residency and judicial options.

We combine clarity, transparency, and expertise to guide you safely through the reformed system.

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Italian citizenship remains possible for many Italo-Americans, but Law 74/2025 fundamentally redefines how eligibility is assessed. Automatic transmission is now restricted, consular costs are higher, and new residency requirements have been introduced. Transitional rules also mean that timing matters more than ever.

Check your eligibility today with our free assessment and avoid costly mistakes. Start here: Italian Citizenship Free Eligibility Check.