Shocking Changes to Italian Citizenship by Descent

[NoSpin]

I just received this email from Kathy McCabe of Dream of Italy fame. Here is her full text -

I wanted to share the news as soon as I heard. The Italian government has made some shocking, but perhaps not totally unexpected, changes to its citizenship laws, which will especially affect those of Italian descent seeking citizenship jure sanguinis. In the most simplistic terms, until today, by law descendants who can prove they had an Italian* ancestor alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was created, could seek Italian citizenship jure sanguinis, by blood and receive an Italian passport, allowing them to live and work in the European Union. * "Italian" as defined by blood, not geography. Today, the Italian government announced that as of midnight, only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy will qualify for citizenship by descent. It is unclear what will happen to those cases that are currently filed with a consulate or court. I have heard conflicting information on whether they are grandfathered in. You should consult your attorney. It looks like all paperwork for such citizenship cases will now go directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not through the consulates. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the move comes as the government felt that many were taking advantage of the broad definition of who would qualify. "We are striking down very hard against those who want to make money from the opportunity of becoming an Italian citizen," he said. Attorney Nick Metta has some details on his website and notes, "The Italian Parliament will have to review the law decree and rule on it within 60 days. However, the law decree will be valid and enforceable until approved or rejected by the Parliament." I have heard from a contact that there's little hope that Parliament will reject the decree. The rumors had been that the decree would allow for three generations (not the two that it is limited to as of today). The only hope for so many who are tracing back to great-grandparents is that there's a small hope Parliament could amend the decree to three generations. There are other ways, of course to live and work in Italy and Dream of Italy Members have online access to our two recent workshops on "How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa" and "How to Move to Italy," where we discuss other visa options. We’ll continue to monitor this developing situation and share updates as they become available. In the meantime, if you’re considering citizenship or a move to Italy, now is the time to explore your options and be proactive. Dream of Italy is here to help guide you.

 

[Pauline]

It seems like it was very generous before. I got my Irish citizenship based on my father being born in Ireland but you could apply for a grandparent too. This is what the Italian law has been changed to.

More info:

Justice for Italian Descendants: Understanding the 2025 Citizenship Reform – My Lawyer in Italy®

www.mylawyerinitaly.com

 

[Sandrac]

It seems like it was very generous before. I got my Irish citizenship based on my father being born in Ireland but you could apply for a grandparent too. This is what the Italian law has been changed to.

More info:

Justice for Italian Descendants: Understanding the 2025 Citizenship Reform – My Lawyer in Italy®

www.mylawyerinitaly.com

Same here! Having an EU passport has changed my life. The Italian law has been unusually generous. That said, the new regulations have a language requirement that could be tricky for some applicants.

 

[Fedina]

I just received this email from Kathy McCabe of Dream of Italy fame. Here is her full text -

I wanted to share the news as soon as I heard. The Italian government has made some shocking, but perhaps not totally unexpected, changes to its citizenship laws, which will especially affect those of Italian descent seeking citizenship jure sanguinis. In the most simplistic terms, until today, by law descendants who can prove they had an Italian* ancestor alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was created, could seek Italian citizenship jure sanguinis, by blood and receive an Italian passport, allowing them to live and work in the European Union. * "Italian" as defined by blood, not geography. Today, the Italian government announced that as of midnight, only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy will qualify for citizenship by descent. It is unclear what will happen to those cases that are currently filed with a consulate or court. I have heard conflicting information on whether they are grandfathered in. You should consult your attorney. It looks like all paperwork for such citizenship cases will now go directly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not through the consulates. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the move comes as the government felt that many were taking advantage of the broad definition of who would qualify. "We are striking down very hard against those who want to make money from the opportunity of becoming an Italian citizen," he said. Attorney Nick Metta has some details on his website and notes, "The Italian Parliament will have to review the law decree and rule on it within 60 days. However, the law decree will be valid and enforceable until approved or rejected by the Parliament." I have heard from a contact that there's little hope that Parliament will reject the decree. The rumors had been that the decree would allow for three generations (not the two that it is limited to as of today). The only hope for so many who are tracing back to great-grandparents is that there's a small hope Parliament could amend the decree to three generations. There are other ways, of course to live and work in Italy and Dream of Italy Members have online access to our two recent workshops on "How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa" and "How to Move to Italy," where we discuss other visa options. We’ll continue to monitor this developing situation and share updates as they become available. In the meantime, if you’re considering citizenship or a move to Italy, now is the time to explore your options and be proactive. Dream of Italy is here to help guide you.

Thank you for posting this info. Do you recommend Attorney Metta? I began to pursue this 14 years ago via the consulate and wish I had pushed through with it. But work and family got in the way. I was just about to begin anew, when the decree occurred. After trying to sort it out, I find it more confusing!

 

[NoSpin]

Thank you for posting this info. Do you recommend Attorney Metta? I began to pursue this 14 years ago via the consulate and wish I had pushed through with it. But work and family got in the way. I was just about to begin anew, when the decree occurred. After trying to sort it out, I find it more confusing!

Hi Fedina, sorry for the late response, we were in Italy from April 17 to May 13, and just catching up. I have no familiarality with that attorney.

I, like you, should have pursued citizenship years ago, and now at my age regrettably it is too late.

 

[margheritaTalpag]

I am confused by this- do you know if they have removed the broken line rule. My mum changed to Uk in the fifties after she was married, but my grandparents remained Italian. I couldn't get citizenship before as mum had given up her citizenship. Can I now use my grandparents? (I've tried looking this up) thanks

 

[Fedina]

I am confused by this- do you know if they have removed the broken line rule. My mum changed to Uk in the fifties after she was married, but my grandparents remained Italian. I couldn't get citizenship before as mum had given up her citizenship. Can I now use my grandparents? (I've tried looking this up) thanks

Though I've been reading various news articles and websites about the changes and restrictions to acquiring an Italian Dual Citizenship, I have not read anything so far about the "broken line rule". You should perhaps contact one of the organizations that assists people attain their dual citizenship. I have no real affiliation with any of them, but I have corresponded with one who has helped me with some initial questions. There are significant fees should you hire any of them to pursue your case for you.

My Lawyer in Italy® – English speaking attorneys helping you in Italy

www.mylawyerinitaly.com

As NoSpin shared above, "Dream of Italy's" letter quotes Attorney Metta of Studio Legale Metta https://www.studiolegalemetta.com/

I'm sure there are many other law firms or agencies who might help you find the answer to your question. Though it is difficult to assess which agency or path might be most expedient and least expensive.

 

[margheritaTalpag]

Thank you. I'll have a look.