Jure Sanguinis Explained: Do You Still Qualify in 2025?

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Introduction

For decades, jure sanguinis — the principle of Italian citizenship by descent — has been one of the most common paths for Italo-Americans seeking dual citizenship. Until recently, many believed there were virtually no generational limits: as long as Italian blood ran in your veins, citizenship was possible. But with Law No. 74/2025, which converted Decree-Law 36/2025 into law, the rules have changed. If you are considering applying in 2025 or later, it is critical to understand exactly what the reform introduced and whether you still qualify.

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What Jure Sanguinis Means

Jure sanguinis (“by right of blood”) is the legal principle that allows citizenship to be passed from an Italian ancestor to descendants, even if born abroad. Under Italy’s Citizenship Act of 1992, citizenship could be transmitted indefinitely through generations, provided no ancestor renounced or naturalized before the next in line was born. This automatic transmission created opportunities for many Italo-Americans whose ties to Italy stretched back over a century.

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How Law 74/2025 Changed Eligibility

The 2025 reform introduced Article 3-bis into Law 91/1992, changing how eligibility by descent is recognized:

• No longer automatic: Individuals born abroad who also hold another citizenship are considered never to have acquired Italian citizenship, unless they fall into one of the exceptions below.
• Key exceptions:
• Applications or petitions filed (and consular appointments booked) by March 27, 2025 at 23:59 (Rome time) remain under the old system.
• Eligibility continues if a parent or grandparent possesses, or possessed at the time of death, exclusively Italian citizenship (letter c, Art. 3-bis).
• If a parent acquired Italian citizenship and then resided in Italy for two continuous years before the child’s birth or adoption, the child remains eligible.

This means that while second-generation applicants abroad often still qualify, third- and fourth-generation descendants may no longer automatically do so unless they fall into one of the exceptions.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants misunderstand or overlook the new requirements. The most frequent mistakes include:

1. Assuming all generations qualify: After Law 74/2025, the line of transmission is no longer unlimited.
2. Ignoring dual nationality rules: Having another citizenship at birth can exclude you unless an exception applies.
3. Relying on outdated advice: Online forums or guides written before March 2025 may no longer be accurate.
4. Overlooking transitional provisions: If your family booked a consular appointment before March 27, 2025, you may still be eligible under the old rules.

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Alternatives if You Don’t Qualify

If you discover you are no longer eligible under the revised jure sanguinis rules, there are still alternatives:

• Residency-based applications: The reform reduced the residency requirement for descendants (child or grandchild of an Italian citizen by birth) from three years to two years (art. 1-bis, co. 2 D.L. 36/2025 conv. in L. 74/2025, modifying art. 9 of Law 91/1992).
• 1948 rule petitions: Court cases remain possible, though stricter rules apply to those filed after March 27, 2025, including exclusion of oath and testimony as evidence except in rare cases.
• Reacquisition options: Former citizens born or resident in Italy can reacquire citizenship between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2027 with a simplified declaration and €250 contribution.
• Minors: For children acquiring citizenship with a parent, a minimum of two years of legal residence in Italy is now required (Art. 14). In addition, minors who were already under 18 on May 24, 2025 may file a declaration until May 31, 2026, under transitional provisions (Art. 4, co. 1-bis, lett. b).

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How CTZN Can Help

At CTZN, we help Italo-Americans navigate the complexities of the new law. Our team:

• Reviews your family’s documentation to check if you qualify under jure sanguinis exceptions.
• Identifies whether transitional provisions apply to your case.
• Guides you toward alternatives such as residency or judicial petitions when necessary.
• Provides complete support from eligibility check through application.

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The days of assuming jure sanguinis applied to every generation are over. Law 74/2025 narrowed eligibility and introduced new conditions, but for many Italo-Americans, paths still exist. The key is knowing which rule set applies to you.

👉 Tell us about your Italian ancestor and we’ll map your path to citizenship. Start here: Italian Citizenship Free Eligibility Check.