Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules Amid Influx of Applications

Stricter Ancestry Rules: Citizenship by descent is now primarily limited to applicants with at least one parent or grandparent *born in Italy*. Qualifying through great-grandparents or earlier ancestors is no longer possible unless specific, narrow exceptions are met.

"Effective Bond" Required: Applicants must now demonstrate an "effective bond" with Italy, which includes proficiency in the Italian language (proven via official exams) and having previously lived in the country for at least three years.

Centralized Processing: Applications will no longer be processed at consulates but handled centrally online by the national government in Italy, requiring an in-person interview.

Increased Cost: The application fee has doubled from €300 to €600.

Rationale: The Italian government cites the need to curb abuses, manage a surge in applications (especially from South America), ensure applicants have genuine ties to Italy, align with other EU countries, and address potential national security concerns related to EU/Schengen access.

Immediate Impact: The new rules apply to all *new* applications. Those fully documented or filed judicially before March 28, 2025, will be assessed under the old rules. Many applicants mid-process are now ineligible or face uncertainty.

Why this matters: This closes a popular and relatively accessible route to obtaining an EU passport (Italy's ranks high globally) for potentially millions with distant Italian heritage, disrupting life plans and causing significant financial and emotional strain for those affected.

Requires Italian citizens born outside Italy to have lived in Italy for two consecutive years to pass citizenship to their own children born abroad.

Tightens rules for citizenship by marriage (requiring two years of residency in Italy).

Potentially allows for citizenship revocation for dual nationals who don't "engage" with Italy (e.g., pay taxes, vote, renew documents).

Raises evidentiary standards in court cases, disallowing sworn statements in favor of full documentary proof.

Q: Who qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent now?

A: Primarily, individuals with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. You must also prove Italian language proficiency and have lived in Italy for three years previously. Citizenship based on great-grandparents or more distant ancestors is generally no longer possible unless specific exceptions apply (e.g., citizenship formally recognized before the deadline, specific parental residency/birth criteria).

Q: I already submitted my application. How am I affected?

A: If your application was fully documented and submitted to authorities, or judicially filed, before 11:59 PM (Rome time) on March 27, 2025, it should be assessed under the previous, more lenient rules. New applications fall under the stricter requirements.

Q: Can I still apply through a consulate?

A: No, the new process requires applications to be submitted online directly to the national government in Italy and involves an in-person interview there. Consulates are reportedly cancelling previously scheduled *jus sanguinis* appointments.

Assess Your Eligibility: If you were planning to apply based on a great-grandparent or more distant ancestor, your path is likely closed under the new rules unless you meet very specific exceptions and the new "effective bond" requirements (language, residency).

Expect Higher Hurdles: Even if qualifying through parents or grandparents, be prepared for the language proficiency test and the prior residency requirement.

Monitor the Situation: The decree must be ratified by Parliament within 60 days (from March 28, 2025) and faces likely legal challenges. The rules could potentially be amended.

Seek Expert Advice: If you are mid-application or believe you might still qualify under an exception, consult with an immigration lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship law for guidance specific to your situation.

Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules Amid Influx of Applications ()

Italy slams door on people hoping to claim citizenship through great-grandparents | CNN () (Note: Example URL structure)

Italy Adopts Decree Restricting Citizenship by Descent - IMI Daily () (Note: Example URL structure)