Italy Restricts Citizenship by Descent: New Rules Limit Eligibility for Millions

In March 2025, the Italian government approved sweeping restrictions on citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis), Reuters reports. The decree significantly narrows the pool of eligible applicants for an Italian passport, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Jus Sanguinis: What’s Changing

Under Decree No. 36/2025, only individuals with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy can now automatically apply for citizenship by descent. Previously, descendants of any Italian ancestor dating back to 1861—even great-great-grandchildren—were eligible.

According to BIC Italy, the reform also includes a requirement for an “effective connection” (vincolo effettivo) to Italy. Applicants must demonstrate recent residence, registered Italian citizen parents, or other direct ties—aligning Italy’s approach with other EU countries where heritage alone is not sufficient.

Another major change: applications can no longer be submitted via consulates abroad. All future cases will be handled centrally by a newly created department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. A one-year transition period is planned. Individuals who have already acquired citizenship through consulates or courts will retain their status.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani explained the rationale, citing abuse of the system:

“Being an Italian citizen is not a joke. It’s a serious matter—not just a way to go shopping in Miami.”

Private firms were exploiting legal loopholes, swamping municipal archives with genealogy requests. The government aims to ease administrative pressure by centralizing all new applications.

Global Impact: Who's Affected?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that, under previous rules, up to 80 million people worldwide could have been eligible for Italian citizenship. Over the last decade, the number of Italians living abroad has grown by 40%, from 4.6 million to 6.4 million.

According to the Buenos Aires Times, Argentina has one of the largest Italian-descendant communities. In 2023, 20,000 people were granted citizenship, rising to 30,000 in 2024.

Among them was Argentine President Javier Milei, who received his Italian passport in December 2024 under an expedited process approved by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Although Milei qualified through Calabrian ancestry, the move sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of favoritism and ignoring long-term foreign residents without Italian roots.

In Brazil, citizenship approvals rose from 14,000 in 2022 to 20,000 in 2024. Italian authorities stress that the reform aims to limit access to those with a genuine connection to Italy.

Migration Policy and Dual Citizenship

Previously, Italy had moved toward easing naturalization rules, including a proposed reduction of the required residency period from 10 to 5 years, as Reuters notes. Over 637,000 signatures were gathered to trigger a national referendum, scheduled for June 8–9, 2025. If passed, it would benefit approximately 2.5 million foreign-born residents.

Still, experts are uncertain about the outcome, citing shifting public opinion.

Meanwhile, Italy has joined other EU nations in tightening migration controls. As part of a broader strategy, Italy signed an agreement with Albania to set up detention centers for asylum seekers denied protection.

In April 2025, Italy began transferring failed asylum applicants to a facility near Shëngjin port, originally intended for Mediterranean rescues. The site now functions as a temporary holding center prior to deportation.

Authorities argue that the system will reduce strain on Italian infrastructure and accelerate deportations. However, human rights groups criticize the approach, citing legal ambiguities and possible violations of international law.

Italy’s new policy is positioned as a balance between national security and integration mechanisms for lawful residents.