Italy's government has tightened its citizenship laws, responding to a surge of applications from individuals claiming Italian heritage. This shift comes amid criticism that many applicants have minimal ties to the country, seeking citizenship primarily for easier global travel.
Previously, Italy's citizenship rules allowed anyone who could prove they had an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861—the date marking the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy—to apply for citizenship. However, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the old system as outdated, emphasizing that the changes aim to crack down on what he termed "abusers" who exploit citizenship for travel benefits.
According to the Henley Passport Index, Italy's passport ranks third globally for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel, making it one of the most sought-after passports in the world. Tajani remarked during a press conference on March 28, 2025, that "being an Italian citizen is a serious thing. It’s not a game to get a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami." This statement reflects the government's intent to reinforce the significance of Italian citizenship.
The new decree, announced on March 28, 2025, took effect immediately, tightening eligibility criteria for citizenship through the 'jus sanguinis' (right of blood) route. Under the revised rules, only individuals with at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy can automatically qualify for citizenship by descent. This change does not affect the approximately 60,000 applications currently pending review.
Furthermore, the new regulations stipulate that dual nationals risk losing their Italian citizenship if they do not engage actively with the country by paying taxes, voting, or renewing their passports. In a significant procedural shift, Italian consulates abroad will no longer handle citizenship applications; instead, all applications must be processed online by the federal government in Italy. This centralization means that in-person interviews will be mandatory, requiring applicants to travel to Italy as part of the process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation estimates that under the old rules, between 60 million and 80 million people worldwide were eligible for Italian citizenship, a number exceeding Italy's own population of 59 million, which has been declining for the past decade. This influx of applicants has been particularly notable among the descendants of Italians who emigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in South America, where many sought refuge from poverty.
Notably, between 2014 and 2024, the number of Italians living abroad surged by 40%, rising from 4.6 million to 6.4 million. In Argentina, citizenship recognitions soared to 30,000 in 2024 from 20,000 in 2023, while Brazil saw an increase from 14,000 to 20,000 during the same period.
The rationale behind tightening these rules has been met with mixed reactions. Critics argue that the previous system allowed individuals with no substantial connection to Italy to obtain citizenship, while Tajani stated that reforms were necessary because "citizenship cannot be automatic for those who have an ancestor who emigrated centuries ago, without any cultural or linguistic ties to the country." He also highlighted concerns about companies profiting from helping individuals trace their ancestry for citizenship purposes, stating, "We are striking down very hard against those who want to make money from the opportunity of becoming an Italian citizen."
Valentino Larcinese, a public policy professor at the London School of Economics, noted that the old system enabled easier access to the EU labor market and was being abused. He expressed that applying limits to citizenship eligibility is a reasonable measure, considering the overwhelming number of applications that have burdened consulates and municipal offices with requests for vital records.
In addition to these changes, the Italian government is also preparing for a vote on other citizenship-related reforms scheduled for June 8-9, 2025. One significant proposal is to reduce the required residency period for naturalized citizenship from ten years to five years. If passed, this would allow citizenship to be automatically passed on to the children of naturalized citizens.
The evolving landscape of citizenship laws in Italy reflects broader trends in Europe, where many countries are reassessing their immigration policies. This is particularly relevant as other nations, including the United States, have also been tightening their citizenship rules. For instance, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a policy that has been a longstanding component of U.S. law. However, this order was blocked by a federal judge on constitutional grounds.
In another significant development, the Italian Council of Ministers has reaffirmed the list of 'safe countries' for asylum seekers. This list, established in a decree-law from October 2024, includes countries such as Albania, Algeria, and Bangladesh, among others. Asylum seekers from these nations are presumed to be at low risk of persecution, which facilitates the rejection of their claims.
The Annual Report on safe countries, approved during the Council of Ministers meeting on March 28, 2025, was proposed by Tajani and Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared updated 'country profiles' for these nations, based on information from various credible sources, including the European Union Agency for Asylum and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
As Italy navigates these significant shifts in its citizenship and asylum policies, the implications for both Italian nationals and potential citizens remain to be seen. The upcoming political discussions and votes will undoubtedly shape the future of immigration and citizenship in Italy.
