Disclaimer: This information is summarized based on information found on the internet. This is intended to help you better understand the changes made by the Italian government on May 20, 2025. This is not intended to be legal advice. Every pathway varies for each person or family; we highly recommend contacting your nearest consulate for further information on the recent changes.
What You Sho
1. How You Get Citizenship Through Your Family (Born Abroad):
* New Rule: If you were born outside Italy (anytime), to be recognized as an Italian citizen, you generally need to have:
* A parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen (or only Italian citizen) when they died.
* OR A parent (or adoptive parent) who lived in Italy for two years after they became an Italian citizen and before you were born or adopted.
* Exceptions for People Who Started Early: If you officially submitted an application, or got an appointment to submit an application, by 11:59 PM Rome Time on March 27, 2025, you might still be judged under the old rules.
2. Citizenship for Minor Children (Under 18) Born Abroad:
* If a parent/guardian declares that a minor child born abroad should become an Italian citizen, the child can get citizenship if:
* The child lives legally in Italy for at least two years after the declaration is made.
* OR The declaration is made within one year of the child’s birth (or adoption).
* Important Deadline for Minors: Minor children of Italian citizens can also be recognized if a parent makes a declaration by 11:59 PM Rome Time on May 31, 2026.
3. Getting Italian Citizenship Back (If You Lost It):
* This applies to people who were born in Italy but lost their Italian citizenship before 1992 (when Italy started allowing dual citizenship).
* Good News! If this is you, you can now get your Italian citizenship back just by making a declaration between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2027.
* No More Living in Italy Requirement: Previously, you had to live in Italy to get your citizenship back, but that requirement has been removed!
4. Citizenship by Living in Italy (Residency):
* If you have an Italian parent or grandparent (even if they also had foreign citizenship), you can now apply for Italian citizenship after living in Italy for 2 years. (It used to be 3 years).
* Other Requirements Still Apply: You still need to:
* Be a legal resident in Italy for the entire time (with a valid permit like a student or work visa).
* Prove you know Italian at a B1 level.
* Provide criminal background checks.
* Show proof of income.
5. Work Visas for Italian Descendants:
* If you’re a descendant of an Italian citizen living abroad, you might be able to get a work visa to move to Italy more easily. This type of visa might be outside the usual limits for work visas.
6. “1948 Cases” (Citizenship through Female Ancestors):
* These are cases where you trace your Italian lineage through a female ancestor who couldn’t pass on citizenship under older laws.
* Uncertainty: There’s still a lot of debate about whether these cases can continue to be filed in Italian courts under the new law.
* Judges’ Role: While judges must follow the new law, they can also interpret it, which might still allow some “1948 cases” (especially if a female ancestor unwillingly lost her Italian citizenship by marrying a foreigner).
7. Legal Concerns and Fairness:
* Many lawyers are worried that this new law might not be constitutional (legal) and could be unfair.
* Strong Argument for Old Rules: There’s a strong argument that people who started the process (like collecting documents, getting appointments) before March 28, 2025, should still be judged under the old rules, especially if they tried to apply but couldn’t due to no fault of their own (e.g., waiting in a long queue for an appointment).
In short, if you’re planning to apply for Italian citizenship through your ancestors, be aware of these new, stricter rules, especially the requirement for a parent or grandparent born in Italy. It’s a complex situation, and legal challenges are expected.