Italy Tightens Citizenship by Descent: Great-Grandchildren No Longer Eligible

New legislation narrows access to Italian passports through ancestry, hitting Latin American descendants the hardest.

InternationalInvestment.biz | May 2025

A Historic Shift in Italian Citizenship Policy

In a move poised to reshape the global Italian diaspora’s access to EU citizenship, Italy has enacted a law restricting the acquisition of nationality via great-grandparents. Effective from May 20, 2025, the new policy limits claims under jus sanguinis (right of blood) to individuals with at least one Italian parent or grandparent.

The reform, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, is part of a broader immigration strategy aiming to curb what officials describe as the “instrumentalization” of Italian citizenship — especially by foreign nationals seeking mobility within the Schengen Area.

Decree Passed, Bar Raised

The legislation was approved by the Italian Senate in a decisive vote of 81 in favor and 37 against. It codifies a significant shift in Italy’s historically generous interpretation of jus sanguinis — a policy that has, for decades, enabled descendants of Italian emigrants across Latin America, North America, and Australia to reclaim citizenship.

Now, individuals without a direct parent or grandparent born in Italy must establish legal residency in Italy and meet stricter criteria, including proficiency in the Italian language, to qualify through naturalization. This brings ancestral applicants in line with the naturalization routes required for spouses and long-term residents.

"Being an Italian citizen is not a joke," said Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani.
"We want those who feel genuinely connected to Italy to become citizens — not just those looking for a passport to shop in Miami."

Who’s Affected? Brazil and Argentina Top the List

The most impacted demographic? Latin Americans — particularly Brazilians and Argentinians — who account for a large share of Italian passports granted via ancestry.

In 2023, Italy granted 61,000 citizenships through blood descent.

Brazilians made up a staggering 68.5% (around 42,000).

Argentinians were the third-largest group, with 16,000 new citizens, a 20%+ rise compared to 2021.

These numbers reflect the deep historical roots of Italian migration to Latin America and the enduring emotional and economic value of Italian citizenship abroad.

For many descendants, the Italian passport is not only a symbol of heritage — it also opens access to visa-free travel, employment, and education across the European Union. With the law change, that pathway is now narrowed.

Economic and Political Underpinnings

The move is consistent with the Meloni government's broader nationalist platform, which emphasizes cultural cohesion and immigration control. Italy’s growing skepticism toward "citizenship shopping" aligns with similar trends across the EU, where governments are tightening eligibility and cracking down on perceived abuses of jus sanguinis and golden visa programs.

While critics argue that the decision alienates the Italian diaspora and restricts cultural ties, proponents view the reform as long overdue. Italy’s Interior Ministry estimates that over 80 million people worldwide claim Italian ancestry — a population equivalent to Germany.

The fiscal and administrative burden of processing claims, alongside fears of nationality dilution, have prompted lawmakers to reassess who truly qualifies as Italian.

What Now for Applicants?

Prospective applicants who no longer qualify via great-grandparent lineage will have only two main options:

Relocate to Italy, obtain a valid visa, and pursue citizenship via residency — a route that typically takes 10 years.

Marry an Italian citizen and meet naturalization requirements.

However, with tougher visa requirements for non-EU citizens, especially in a post-COVID environment, even the residency track has become more complicated.

The End of an Era

The end of jus sanguinis through great-grandparents marks the closing of a historical chapter in Italy’s relationship with its global descendants. For many Brazilians, Argentinians, and Americans who hoped to reconnect with their roots through a red passport, the journey just became significantly harder — if not impossible.

For the Italian government, however, it’s a question of integrity.

“We welcome those who share our language, our culture, and our future,” said Tajani. “But nationality cannot be claimed like a collectible — it must be lived.”