In a significant move, Italy has enacted a law that alters the citizenship path for individuals with Italian heritage, aiming to strengthen the connection between Italy and its expatriates while reducing abuse of the system.
Italy Enhances Citizenship Rules for Italian Descendants
Italy Enhances Citizenship Rules for Italian Descendants
New legislation aims to refine the passport application process for those with Italian ancestry.
Italy has introduced new legislation that seeks to refine the requirements for individuals seeking citizenship through Italian ancestry. Previously, anyone with an Italian ancestor who lived after the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861, was eligible to apply for citizenship under the 'jus sanguinis' or bloodline law. However, the recently ratified law stipulates that applicants must now have at least one parent or grandparent who held citizenship by birth.
This legislative amendment, passed by Parliament on Tuesday, comes amidst a notable increase in the number of Italian citizens living abroad. The government highlights that from late 2014 to late 2024, this number surged by 40%, rising from approximately 4.6 million to an estimated 6.4 million. Additionally, there were over 60,000 pending legal proceedings for citizenship verification as of March when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration introduced the change.
To streamline consular services and address the backlog, Italy's foreign ministry noted that these new restrictions will allow resources to be allocated more efficiently. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reinforced that while the door remains open for descendants of Italians to claim citizenship, strict limits are being applied to deter abuse and the commercialization of Italian passports. He emphasized that "citizenship must be approached with seriousness," signaling a commitment to safeguarding this privilege for those with substantial ties to the nation.
This legislative amendment, passed by Parliament on Tuesday, comes amidst a notable increase in the number of Italian citizens living abroad. The government highlights that from late 2014 to late 2024, this number surged by 40%, rising from approximately 4.6 million to an estimated 6.4 million. Additionally, there were over 60,000 pending legal proceedings for citizenship verification as of March when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration introduced the change.
To streamline consular services and address the backlog, Italy's foreign ministry noted that these new restrictions will allow resources to be allocated more efficiently. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reinforced that while the door remains open for descendants of Italians to claim citizenship, strict limits are being applied to deter abuse and the commercialization of Italian passports. He emphasized that "citizenship must be approached with seriousness," signaling a commitment to safeguarding this privilege for those with substantial ties to the nation.
