The new Italian citizenship laws introduced in 2025 have significantly altered the framework governing the acquisition of Italian citizenship, particularly for individuals claiming citizenship by descent. While Italian citizenship remains available under several legal pathways, the new law now limits automatic recognition primarily to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent. Claims based on more distant ancestors are excluded unless protected by applications submitted before March 27, 2025.

This article explains the changes introduced by Decree Law No. 36, converted into law by Law No. 74 of 2025 (the so-called Tajani Decree), which entered into force on March 28, 2025. It also clarifies which rules continue to apply, how children born abroad are affected, and why many cases now require a judicial procedure rather than consular processing.

Overview of the new Italian citizenship laws

The new Italian citizenship laws reshape eligibility, procedural requirements, and evidentiary standards for Italian citizenship. Administrative recognition through Italian consulates is now largely restricted to closer generational claims under citizenship by descent, while more complex cases must proceed through a judicial procedure submitted before the Italian civil courts.

Key legislative changes under Decree Law No. 36

Decree Law No. 36 and its conversion law, Law No. 74 of 2025, introduced stringent rules governing citizenship by descent (citizenship jure sanguinis). Eligibility is now limited to individuals with an Italian parent or Italian parent or grandparent. Great-grandparents and earlier ancestors are excluded unless grandfathered under the old rules.

An Italian ancestor must have held only Italian citizenship at the relevant date, either at the applicant’s birth or at the ancestor’s death. If the ancestor acquired foreign citizenship before the child’s birth, the line of transmission is considered interrupted under Italian citizenship law.

As of January 1, 2025, the consular fee for adult citizenship applications by descent increased to €600, reflecting the Italian state’s intent to regulate demand through stricter procedural and financial requirements.

Purpose and rationale of the reform

According to the Italian government, the reform aims to reduce administrative backlogs, prevent abuse of automatic recognition, and ensure that applicants demonstrate a genuine connection to Italy rather than relying solely on Italian ancestry.

The reform emphasizes residence, language proficiency, and legal integration, particularly for foreign nationals and dual nationals residing abroad. These objectives have triggered a broader constitutional review, especially regarding retroactive effects and the treatment of minors.

Eligibility criteria under the new law

Eligibility for Italian citizenship under the new rules depends on lineage, timing, and procedural compliance. While applications submitted before March 27, 2025 are processed under the prior citizenship law, new applications must comply with the new Italian citizenship laws.

Parent or grandparent requirement for citizenship by descent

Under the revised citizenship by descent framework, eligibility is limited to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent who satisfies statutory requirements.

For parent-based claims, the Italian parent must have been born in Italy.. For grandparent-based claims, the grandparent born in Italy must have held only Italian citizenship at the relevant date.

Any acquisition of a foreign nationality before the child’s birth interrupts the ability to pass citizenship under Italian law.