Italy just rewrote the playbook: here’s what changed in May 2025 and how it impacts citizenship by descent.The conversion of Decree-Law No. 36/2025 into Law
Introduction
Italy just rewrote the playbook: here’s what changed in May 2025 and how it impacts citizenship by descent.
The conversion of Decree-Law No. 36/2025 into Law No. 74/2025 marks the most significant reform to Italian citizenship in decades. If you are applying, or thinking about applying, under jure sanguinis, you need to understand these new rules immediately.
Decree-Law No. 36/2025 Citizenship Overhaul
On 28 March 2025, the Italian government approved Decree-Law No. 36/2025, introducing urgent measures on citizenship. This was converted into Law No. 74 of 23 May 2025.
The reform moves away from automatic jure sanguinis recognition toward a more substantive approach, requiring proof of an actual, ongoing connection to Italy even for those with eligible ancestry.
Key Changes Introduced
- Generational Limit Only direct descendants, children or grandchildren, of Italian citizens can now apply through descent. Claims through great-grandparents or earlier generations are no longer automatically eligible.
- Effective Link Requirement Applicants must demonstrate a real connection to Italy, such as residency, language proficiency, or active cultural ties.
- Transitional Clause Applications submitted on or before 27 March 2025 will be processed under the old rules.
- Citizenship Reacquisition Window Former Italian citizens who lost their nationality before Law No. 555/1912 can reacquire it between 1 July and 31 December 2025.
Reactions, Controversies & Legal Validity
The reform has sparked strong reactions, particularly within the Italian diaspora in the U.S., Canada, and South America.
Critics argue that the new law unfairly excludes millions who previously qualified and raises concerns over retroactive exclusion.
Legal challenges are already underway:
- Constitutional reviews are in progress.
- Parliamentary debates and clarifying circulars are being issued, but operational interpretations remain in flux.
Impact & What It Means for You
- If you are a child or grandchild of an Italian citizen: You remain eligible but should prepare to prove a concrete link to Italy.
- If your line traces back to a great-grandparent or earlier: You are likely no longer eligible unless you filed your application before 27 March 2025.
- If you lost Italian citizenship before 1992: You may be able to reacquire it during the special window in the second half of 2025.
Quick Facts Box
- Law change: Decree-Law 36/2025 converted into Law 74/2025, effective 24 May 2025.
- Eligible descendants: Only children and grandchildren of Italian citizens.
- Effective link required: Yes, even for eligible lines.
- Applications before 27 March 2025: Protected under old rules.
- Reacquisition period: 1 July, 31 December 2025 for certain former citizens.
Check how the 2025 reforms affect your eligibility and take action now to secure your rights under the updated law.
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