Italy has approved a new law that tightens the eligibility criteria for descendants of Italians seeking citizenship, requiring a direct link to a citizen by birth.
Italy's New Citizenship Law Limits Passports for Italian Descendants
Italy's New Citizenship Law Limits Passports for Italian Descendants
Italy enforces stricter citizenship laws for descendants, emphasizing genuine ties to the nation.
The Italian government has recently introduced a law aimed at tightening the rules for individuals with Italian ancestry seeking citizenship. Previously, anyone with an Italian ancestor who resided in Italy after March 17, 1861, was eligible under the principle of 'jus sanguinis' or citizenship by bloodline. However, the newly adopted legislation mandates that applicants must now have a father or grandmother who held citizenship from birth.
This legislative change, ratified by parliament, was prompted by a need to enhance the connection between Italy and its citizens abroad and to curb the perceived misuse and commercial exploitation of Italian passports. The government noted a significant increase in the number of citizens living outside Italy; from around 4.6 million in 2014 to 6.4 million in 2024. Moreover, as of March, there were more than 60,000 pending applications for citizenship verification, a backlog the government aims to address by streamlining consular services.
Italy's Foreign Ministry has emphasized that while the new law imposes stricter guidelines, it still supports the principle of citizenship for descendants of Italians. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani asserted that such measures are necessary to ensure the sanctity of citizenship, stating, "Citizenship must be a serious thing," while maintaining that limits will be established to prevent abuse or commercial transactions related to Italian passports.
This legislative change, ratified by parliament, was prompted by a need to enhance the connection between Italy and its citizens abroad and to curb the perceived misuse and commercial exploitation of Italian passports. The government noted a significant increase in the number of citizens living outside Italy; from around 4.6 million in 2014 to 6.4 million in 2024. Moreover, as of March, there were more than 60,000 pending applications for citizenship verification, a backlog the government aims to address by streamlining consular services.
Italy's Foreign Ministry has emphasized that while the new law imposes stricter guidelines, it still supports the principle of citizenship for descendants of Italians. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani asserted that such measures are necessary to ensure the sanctity of citizenship, stating, "Citizenship must be a serious thing," while maintaining that limits will be established to prevent abuse or commercial transactions related to Italian passports.
