The Italian government tightens citizenship laws, requiring direct descent from an Italian citizen to mitigate passport commercialization and improve service efficiency.
Italy Revises Citizenship Rules for Descendants: Stricter Conditions Ahead
Italy Revises Citizenship Rules for Descendants: Stricter Conditions Ahead
New legislation mandates direct lineage for Italian passport eligibility.
Italy has implemented new legislation that alters the requirements for individuals seeking citizenship through their Italian heritage. Previously, the 'jus sanguinis' law allowed anyone with an Italian ancestor dating back to the formation of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861 to apply for citizenship. However, under the newly ratified law, which was approved by parliament on Tuesday, applicants must now show that at least one of their parents or grandparents was a citizen by birth to qualify for an Italian passport.
The Italian government justified this change as a means to "enhance" the relationship between Italy and its citizens abroad while also addressing issues of 'abuse' and the 'commercialization' of Italian citizenship. With an estimated 40% rise in citizens living outside Italy—from approximately 4.6 million to 6.4 million from late 2014 to late 2024—the backlog of citizenship applications has surged, leading to over 60,000 pending cases by March when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration proposed this law.
In an official statement, Italy's foreign ministry expressed that the changes will make consular services more efficient, focusing on those with genuine connections to the country. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that while citizenship remains accessible to descendants of Italians, it will now be subject to stricter limits to avoid potential exploitation of Italian passports. "Citizenship must be a serious matter," he reiterated, signaling a shift in how Italy views and manages its citizenship processes.
The Italian government justified this change as a means to "enhance" the relationship between Italy and its citizens abroad while also addressing issues of 'abuse' and the 'commercialization' of Italian citizenship. With an estimated 40% rise in citizens living outside Italy—from approximately 4.6 million to 6.4 million from late 2014 to late 2024—the backlog of citizenship applications has surged, leading to over 60,000 pending cases by March when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration proposed this law.
In an official statement, Italy's foreign ministry expressed that the changes will make consular services more efficient, focusing on those with genuine connections to the country. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that while citizenship remains accessible to descendants of Italians, it will now be subject to stricter limits to avoid potential exploitation of Italian passports. "Citizenship must be a serious matter," he reiterated, signaling a shift in how Italy views and manages its citizenship processes.
