Italy Halts Citizenship Eligibility Through Great-Grandparents
Italy Ends Citizenship by Descent Through Great-Grandparents Under New Law
As of May 20, 2025, Italy has officially implemented a new citizenship law that restricts eligibility for those seeking Italian citizenship through great-grandparental lineage. The change marks a significant shift in Italy's jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent) rules, making the process more restrictive for millions of people of Italian heritage living abroad.
Citizenship Now Requires Closer Ancestral Ties
Under the newly enacted rules, individuals must now prove descent from an Italian parent or grandparent to qualify for citizenship. Claims through great-grandparents are no longer accepted. Additionally, applicants are now required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language, a requirement previously reserved for citizenship by residency or marriage.
Those no longer eligible through ancestry must now move to Italy and apply for citizenship based on residency. However, this route has also become more difficult due to stricter visa regulations for non-EU citizens.
Italian Senate Approves the Decree-Law
The Italian Senate approved the decree law with 81 votes in favor and 37 against, solidifying the government's intent to tighten access to citizenship. The Interior Ministry stated that an estimated 80 million people of Italian descent live abroad, many of whom previously pursued citizenship through extended family lineage.
Government Emphasizes “Respect” for Italian Citizenship
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of Italian citizenship:
“Being an Italian citizen is a serious matter; it is not a joke to have an Italian passport in your pocket to go shopping in Miami. We want those who wish to become Italian citizens because they have the right and because they feel connected to our country, to be able to do so — but without abuse.”
This statement underscores the government’s stance that citizenship should reflect a genuine cultural and national connection, not just a legal convenience.
Brazilians Most Affected by the Change
According to NSC News, the Brazilian diaspora is expected to be the most impacted by the change. In 2023 alone, over 42,000 Brazilians—about 68.5% of all cases—were granted Italian citizenship through descent. That year, a total of 61,000 people obtained Italian citizenship based on bloodline rights.
Argentine nationals were also significantly affected, becoming the third-largest group to gain Italian citizenship in 2023. Data from Italy's national statistics office (ISTAT) shows that over 16,000 Argentinians became naturalized in 2023, marking a sharp rise from 2021.
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