Introduction

The year 2025 brought significant changes to the process of obtaining Italian citizenship. With the approval of Law 74/2025, which converted Decree-Law 36/2025, the Italian government introduced new limits and requirements that directly affect descendants of Italian citizens worldwide.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey to citizenship or already have an application in progress, understanding these new rules is essential. Let’s explore what has changed, who is still eligible, and what you can do to secure your Italian recognition.

1. What Is Law 74/2025?

Law 74/2025 officially came into force on May 24, 2025, reforming the traditional “citizenship by descent” process (known as cittadinanza jure sanguinis).

The goal, according to the Italian Ministry of the Interior, was to simplify the system, reduce the administrative backlog, and focus resources on direct descendants with closer ties to Italy.

However, in practice, the law has significantly limited eligibility for millions of applicants of Italian descent, especially those living abroad.

2. The New Generational Limit

One of the most impactful changes is the restriction on how many generations can apply for citizenship administratively (through Italian consulates or Italian municipalities).

Under the new law:

• Only children and grandchildren of Italian citizens can apply directly via administrative channels.

• Great-grandchildren and beyond no longer qualify automatically through the consular or municipal route.

This means that if your Italian ancestor is your great-grandparent or further back, you’ll now need to pursue citizenship through judicial means (via the Italian courts).

3. The Deadline That Changed Everything

Applicants who had already submitted their documents before March 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Rome time) are protected under the previous rules.

However:

• Being on a waiting list or having an appointment without an official protocol number does not count as “submitted.”

• Only those with an officially filed application before the cutoff date retain their rights under the old system.

If you fall into this category, your case will continue to be processed normally under the previous citizenship criteria.

4. New Requirements for Children and Grandchildren

Even for those who still qualify (children or grandchildren), the requirements have become stricter.

The new law now demands:

• Proof that the Italian ancestor did not acquire another nationality before passing citizenship.

• In some cases, evidence that the ancestor resided legally in Italy for at least two years before the descendant’s birth.

These changes make the documentation process more complex and require accurate, certified translations and verifications.

5. Judicial Route for Distant Generations

For great-grandchildren and later generations, the judicial route remains open—but now it’s the only possible option.

Through the Italian courts, descendants can challenge the law based on principles such as:

• Equality and non-retroactivity of citizenship rights.

• Constitutional guarantees for Italian descent.

• International human rights principles regarding nationality.

Law firms and legal translators are already preparing thousands of judicial petitions to protect families affected by the new limits.