Italian Citizenship by Descent in 2026: What the New Law Means — and Whether You Can Still Apply
Italian citizenship jure sanguinis (by descent) has long been one of the most generous nationality routes in the world, allowing millions of people with Italian roots to reclaim their citizenship, often through ancestors born more than a century ago. However, major legal reforms introduced in March 2025 have changed the landscape dramatically. What was once a straightforward generational claim has now become a far more complex assessment that depends on timing, family links, and proof of a “genuine connection” to Italy.
For many people, this sudden shift has been confusing and unsettling. Applicants who had been gathering documents for months, sometimes years, found themselves unsure whether they were still eligible at all. In this new environment, early, accurate legal advice is not simply helpful; it is essential.
At Latitude Law, our Italian citizenship work is led by Avv. Gianluigi Cassandra, an Italian‑qualified Avvocato Cassazionista and practising UK-registered Solicitor. As a native speaker with extensive experience dealing with Italian authorities, he is uniquely placed to guide clients through a system that can be notoriously slow, document‑heavy, and procedurally rigid. When the rules change, having someone who understands the law from the inside, and can communicate directly with Italian public bodies, makes all the difference.
Need advice on your Italian citizenship? Speak to our specialist
What Has Changed? Understanding the 2025 Reform
The legal framework shifted with the introduction of Decree‑Law No. 36 of 28 March 2025, later converted into Law No. 74 of 23 May 2025. Crucially, the law was given retroactive effect from 27 March 2025, meaning thousands of prospective applicants were suddenly excluded overnight. The retroactive application raised immediate concerns about legal certainty and legitimate expectations, fuelling confusion both in Italy and abroad.
Previously, any person who could prove an unbroken line of descent from an Italian ancestor born after 17 March 1861 could apply for recognition of citizenship, regardless of how many generations had passed. Great‑grandparents, great‑great‑grandparents, all could form the basis of a claim, as long as no renunciation or naturalisation had broken the chain.
This is no longer the case. Under the 2025 reform, the right to claim citizenship jure sanguinis has been significantly narrowed, and the focus has shifted to closer, more direct connections.
Who Can Still Claim Citizenship by Descent?
Despite the restrictions, Italian citizenship by descent is still available, but only to those who fall within the categories protected under the new law:
- Applicants who submitted a complete application before 27 March 2025, or who had legal proceedings already in progress by that date
- Individuals with a parent born in Italy who is (or was) an Italian citizen
- Those with a parent who legally lived in Italy for at least two years before the applicant’s birth, and held Italian citizenship at the time
- Individuals with a grandparent born in Italy who was an Italian citizen
If your claim relies exclusively on a more distant ancestor, such as a great‑grandparent, and you cannot show a closer connection through a parent or grandparent, the current law no longer permits you to apply for recognition of citizenship by blood.
Italian consulates and municipal offices have already begun applying this narrower interpretation. The emphasis on a “genuine connection”, notably birth in Italy or substantial parental residence, marks a clear shift in how Italy views the transmission of citizenship.
Are There Still Other Routes to Italian Citizenship?
Yes. Although the reform significantly restricts jure sanguinis, it does not close the door on Italian citizenship altogether. Other routes remain available, including:
- Naturalisation by residence, which requires a period of lawful residence in Italy (the length depends on your circumstances)
- Residence-based routes for children or grandchildren of Italian citizens, some of which have been facilitated under recent amendments
- Citizenship by marriage, available under certain conditions
- Special circumstances, such as statelessness or judicial recognition
These alternatives can be viable, but each has strict and sometimes very technical requirements. Understanding which route applies, and how best to prepare, is critical.
Will the Rules Change Again?
Possibly. The 2025 law is currently awaiting review by the Italian Constitutional Court, which must assess whether the restrictions comply with principles of equality and the protection of acquired rights. Central to this review is the decision to limit recognition to closer descendants and require proof of a genuine connection to Italy.
If the Court strikes down parts of the law, the framework may change once more. If it upholds the reform, the current restrictive model will become permanent.
Either way, this is an evolving area of law and one that demands precise, up‑to‑date legal guidance.
Why Expert Legal Advice Matters More Than Ever
Italy’s citizenship system has always been document-intensive, but the 2025 reform introduced new layers of legal interpretation and procedural complexity. Applicants now need to understand:
- How retroactivity affects their claim
- Which specific family links still qualify
- Whether historic documents meet new evidentiary standards
- How and when to initiate legal proceedings to protect rights
- Which alternative routes are realistic under current rules
At a time when thousands of applicants have been excluded or are unsure of their position, attempting to navigate this alone is risky.
Working with a qualified Italian solicitor who speaks the language, understands the legal culture, and deals directly with Italian authorities removes uncertainty and prevents costly, avoidable mistakes.
Book a consultation to discuss your Italian citizenship options
How We Can Help
Led by Avv. Gianluigi Cassandra, Latitude Law offers:
- Free initial consultations to assess your eligibility
- Clear explanations of the new rules and how they apply to your family history
- Full document review and case strategy
- Representation before Italian consulates, municipalities, or courts
- Advice on alternative citizenship routes where necessary
You will work directly with an Italian‑qualified, native‑speaking lawyer who understands both the spirit and the detail of Italian citizenship law and who can guide you through this changing legal landscape with precision and clarity.
Thinking of Applying for Italian Citizenship? Start With Certainty.
If you are exploring Italian citizenship by descent — or wondering whether the 2025 changes affect your eligibility — the right legal advice at the outset is essential.
Book a free consultation with our Italian citizenship team today and take your next steps with confidence, clarity, and expert support.
Let us help you understand your options and navigate the process the right way.
Note: Gianluigi Cassandra acts as an Italian lawyer under Italian jurisdiction when working on Italian citizenship jure sanguinis matters.
Navigating the Complexities of Italian Citizenship Reform
The 2025 legal reforms have introduced significant procedural rigidity and retroactive changes to the Italian citizenship process. At Latitude Law, our expert team, led by a dual-qualified Avvocato and Solicitor, provides the precise legal guidance needed to navigate these new evidentiary standards and protect your right to nationality.
Get in touch with Latitude Law today by calling 0300 131 6767 or complete our contact form, and we will get back to you.