From ancestry to proximity: Italy’s 2025 reform and the redefinition of Italian citizenship by descent

Marco Mazzeschi
MAZZESCHI SRL, Milan
mm@mazzeschi.it

Introduction

Italy’s citizenship framework has historically emphasised ius sanguinis (citizenship by descent) over ius soli (citizenship by birthplace), a principle which remains intact. However, the 2025 reform of Law No 91/1992 (Italian Nationality Law) has dramatically reshaped the landscape, introducing stricter conditions for descent-based citizenship and reaffirming the country’s restrictive approach to birthright citizenship and naturalisation. This article outlines the key changes introduced by the reform, with particular focus on the ius sanguinis pathway, which has been the most substantially affected.

The new legislation came into force in late March 2025. At the time of writing, the Italian government is in the process of issuing clarifications and operational guidelines. As implementation progresses, further details and official interpretations are expected to emerge. Certain procedures and requirements may remain open to broader or more restrictive interpretations depending on future administrative or judicial developments.

Ius sanguinis in Italy

The traditional model (applicable until 27 March 2025)

Italian law has long allowed individuals to claim citizenship by proving uninterrupted bloodline from an Italian ancestor who was a citizen at the time of their child’s birth. This path was not limited by generation, and claims could be made through both maternal and paternal lines, with judicial avenues available for descendants of women affected by the pre-1948 limitation.

Post-reform eligibility

Following the enactment of Article 3-bis of the revised Italian Nationality Law, automatic recognition through descent now requires that the applicant satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

• a citizenship application was submitted before 27 March 2025;
• a parent or grandparent holds or held the Italian nationality exclusively at the time of their death; or
• a parent resided in Italy for two consecutive years after acquiring citizenship and prior to the applicant’s birth.

These limitations establish a clear generation cut-off, requiring more direct and recent connections to the Italian nationality.

Remaining options

What options remain for those with an Italian parent or grandparent who do not meet the new requirements?

For individuals who no longer qualify under the revised ius sanguinis, the law offers alternative routes under the Italian citizenship by residency (see Standard Residency Requirements, below)

Ius soli in Italy

Italy applies a highly restrictive version of ius soli, and it is available only under exceptional circumstances.

Automatic citizenship at birth

Under Article 1 of the Italian Nationality Law, children born in Italy automatically acquire citizenship only if:

• both parents are stateless;
• the parents are unknown;
• the child cannot acquire the nationality of their parents under their home country’s laws.

This constitutes a narrow form of ius soli, applied to safeguard stateless children.

Citizenship upon majority

Children born in Italy to foreign parents may apply for Italian citizenship after turning 18, but only if they have: resided legally and continuously in Italy since birth; and applied between their 18th and 19th birthday.

This is not an automatic grant but a conditional right requiring legal residence and timely application, effectively making it a hybrid between ius soli and naturalisation.

Italian citizenship by residency

Commonly referred to as citizenship by naturalisation, this path requires the applicants to demonstrate a stable and lawful connection to Italy over a sustained period, along with compliance with additional requirements.

Standard residency requirements

Foreign nationals must meet specific residency durations:

• ten years for non-EU nationals;
• four years for EU citizens;
• two years for those with an Italian parent or grandparent;
• three years for foreign nationals born in Italy;
• five years for –
  • adults adopted by an Italian citizen;
  • foreign nationals serving the Italian state (including abroad); 
  • stateless individuals with lawful residence.

Applicants must demonstrate legal and continuous residence, financial self-sufficiency, and B1-level proficiency in Italian. Tax documentation showing income earned and taxed in Italy is also required for the preceding two-to-three years, depending on the category.

The failed 2025 referendum

In June 2025, a national referendum was held to consider reducing the required residency period for naturalisation from ten to five years for non-EU nationals. Despite widespread public debate, the referendum failed to meet the required quorum due to insufficient voter turnout. As a result, the existing timeframes for naturalisation remain unchanged.

Citizenship by marriage

Spouses of Italian citizens may apply for citizenship after: two years of marriage if residing in Italy; or three years of marriage if residing abroad.

These timeframes are halved if the couple has children. The couple must remain married throughout the application process, and the applicant must meet the B1 Italian proficiency standard.

Note that there is a legislative proposal that may affect citizenship by marriage, particularly for couples residing abroad. While it is currently unclear whether the citizenship-by-marriage programme will actually undergo changes, the possibility cannot be ruled out.

Conclusion

The 2025 reform of Italian citizenship law marks a decisive shift in policy. By tightening eligibility under ius sanguinis and maintaining a narrow application of ius soli, Italy now prioritises stronger contemporary ties, genuine connection with the country, such as residency and recent ancestry, over distant lineage. A deeper understanding of the updated criteria and procedural requirements is essential for prospective applicants.