On May 20, 2025, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies gave its final approval to a transformative citizenship decree, officially making it law with 137 votes in favor, 83 against, and 2 abstentions. This decree introduces significant restrictions on the transmission of Italian citizenship, particularly through jus sanguinis (right of blood), marking a pivotal change in how Italy defines its national identity and connection to its diaspora. The new legislation, comprising four articles, not only tightens rules around dual citizenship but also reshapes eligibility for descendants of Italian emigrants seeking citizenship. Below, we explore the key provisions of this law, its implications, and the broader context surrounding this historic shift.

A Break from Automatic Transmission

At the heart of the new law is a fundamental change to the principle of jus sanguinis, which has historically allowed individuals born abroad to Italian parents or ancestors to claim Italian citizenship. The decree stipulates that citizenship will no longer be automatically transmitted to individuals born abroad who hold another citizenship. This restriction applies retroactively, meaning that even those born abroad before the law’s enactment cannot claim Italian citizenship unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include:

Prior Recognition: The individual’s Italian citizenship status must have been recognized by March 27, 2025, through an application submitted to the relevant consulate or municipal authority, complete with required documentation, by 11:59 PM Rome time on that date.

Judicial Ascertainment: The individual’s citizenship status must have been judicially confirmed by the same deadline, following a legal application filed by March 27, 2025.

Direct Connection to Italy: At least one parent or adoptive parent must have been born in Italy, or have resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the birth or adoption of the applicant.

Italian Ancestry: A first-degree ascendant (parent) of the applicant’s parents or adoptive parents must have been born in Italy.

These conditions aim to establish a tangible connection to Italy, emphasizing an “effective bond” with the country. The law’s explanatory report underscores this intent, noting that the criteria are designed to ensure citizenship is tied to concrete ties—such as residency or birth in Italy—rather than an indefinite chain of ancestry.

Limiting Citizenship to Two Generations

One of the most significant changes is the restriction of jus sanguinis to two generations. Under the new law, descendants of Italians born abroad can only claim citizenship if their Italian ancestor is a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This effectively ends the practice of granting citizenship to distant descendants, a policy that has allowed millions worldwide to claim Italian passports based on ancestry dating back centuries. This change reflects a broader effort to curb the growing number of citizenship applications from countries with large Italian diasporas, such as Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.

Additional Provisions

Beyond the jus sanguinis restrictions, the decree introduces several other measures:

Minors and Citizenship Acquisition: Foreign or stateless minors can acquire citizenship under specific conditions, such as when their parent acquires or reacquires Italian citizenship, provided they meet a two-year residency requirement in Italy.

Work Opportunities for Descendants: The law opens pathways for descendants of Italian citizens living in countries with significant Italian emigration to enter Italy for subordinate work without being subject to standard immigration quotas. This provision acknowledges the historical ties of these communities while aligning with Italy’s labor needs.

Reacquisition of Citizenship: Former Italian citizens who lost their citizenship can apply to have it restored, subject to certain conditions.

Streamlined Procedures: The law sets deadlines for processing citizenship applications, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays that have long plagued the system.

Broader Implications

The new citizenship law has sparked intense debate in Italy and among its global diaspora. Proponents argue that it strengthens the connection between citizenship and a genuine link to Italy, preventing the automatic granting of passports to individuals with tenuous ties to the country. They also point to administrative challenges, noting that consulates worldwide have been overwhelmed by citizenship applications, particularly from Latin America, where Italian ancestry is common.

Critics, however, see the law as a step backward, arguing that it unfairly penalizes descendants of Italian emigrants who left the country in search of better opportunities. For many in the diaspora, Italian citizenship is not just a legal status but a cultural and emotional link to their heritage. The retroactive application of the law has also raised concerns, as it could invalidate claims from individuals who were previously eligible but did not apply by the March 27, 2025, deadline.

Context and Controversy

The passage of this law comes amid broader discussions on immigration and national identity in Italy. A referendum question on citizenship, also highlighted on May 20, 2025, underscores the issue’s prominence in public discourse. The Senate’s earlier approval of the decree on May 15, 2025, paved the way for its final adoption, but the polarized vote in the Chamber (137-83) reflects deep divisions over the policy.

For Italy, a country with a long history of emigration, the law represents a balancing act between honoring its diaspora and managing the practicalities of citizenship in a globalized world. The emphasis on an “effective bond” with Italy aligns with similar trends in other countries tightening citizenship laws, but it also risks alienating communities that have maintained strong cultural ties to Italy despite living abroad for generations.

Looking Ahead

As the new law takes effect, its implementation will be closely watched. Consulates and municipal offices will need to adapt to the new requirements, while legal challenges to the retroactive provisions are likely to emerge. For descendants of Italians abroad, the window to claim citizenship under the old rules has effectively closed, pushing many to explore alternative pathways, such as residency or work-based immigration.

The decree also raises questions about Italy’s relationship with its diaspora. Will the new restrictions strengthen ties by prioritizing those with closer connections to Italy, or will they create a sense of exclusion among those who feel entitled to their ancestral heritage? Only time will tell how this law reshapes Italy’s global community.

In conclusion, Italy’s new citizenship law marks a significant shift in how the nation defines belonging. By prioritizing tangible ties to the country, the government aims to modernize its citizenship framework while addressing administrative and demographic challenges. However, the law’s restrictive nature and retroactive application ensure that it will remain a contentious issue for years to come.