Italy has enacted significant reforms to its citizenship law. These amendments affect how citizenship by descent is recognised and passed on, introducing new restrictions for those with dual nationality and tighter eligibility criteria for future generations.

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One of the most notable updates is the requirement that, in order to claim Italian citizenship by descent, your parent or grandparent must have held only Italian citizenship at the time of your birth or at the time of their death, if they passed before you were born. This means that if your ancestor acquired another nationality prior to your birth, your eligibility could be affected.

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Additionally, individuals who are dual citizens are no longer able to automatically pass Italian citizenship to their children. There is now a residency condition: unless the dual-national parent or grandparent lived in Italy for a continuous period of two years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the birth or adoption of the child, the claim cannot be made under the new rules.

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For those who have already acquired Italian citizenship by descent, there is still a pathway to pass it on to their underage children. However, this is subject to a deadline. A formal reclaim request must be submitted by 31st May 2026, to preserve the child’s eligibility.

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Importantly, a new opportunity is also opening for individuals who lost their Italian citizenship under historical laws. Between 1st July 2025, and 31st December 2027, a temporary window will allow for specific non-ancestry-based reclaim applications, separate from the standard descent claims. This may benefit those whose Italian citizenship was interrupted due to outdated or now-repealed regulations.

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For individuals currently in the process of applying or considering submission, timing is everything. Applications filed with Italian consulates or through the courts before 27th March 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Italian time) will be assessed under the previous rules, offering a crucial window of opportunity to apply under more favourable conditions.

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Given the complexity and implications of these changes, we strongly recommend reviewing your eligibility as soon as possible. Whether you’re exploring citizenship for yourself or your children, understanding how the new law impacts your situation is key.

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Should you have any queries regarding the above information or if you require assistance with your corporate, employment or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.

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