Here at Italian Citizenship Assistance, we have spoken frequently of the new changes to the laws regarding citizenship jure sanguinis this past year, as outlined in the Tajani Decree. Individuals of Italian descent who are third generation and beyond were affected by the 2025 changes, with many who decided to challenge the rules set forth in the Tajani Decree. Furthermore the Tajani Decree may be heavily altered by the Constitutional Court which is scheduled to review the decree in 2026. It is important to note that members of the parliament have proposed alternatives, more permissive rules, to allow those who are more than two generations removed from their Italian ancestor to still qualify. Such rules will now be examined by the parliament.
With that being said, many individuals of Italian descent have a living parent or grandparent who still qualifies for citizenship by descent under the Tajani Decree. In this article we would like to discuss why it’s beneficial to include them in your petition for Italian citizenship.
The new qualifications for Italian citizenship by descent
According to the new Law No. 74/2025, one can only claim Italian citizenship by descent under the following circumstances:
- An Italian parent or grandparent is/was an Italian citizen
- The parent who acquired Italian citizenship later in life resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the birth or adoption of the applicant
Note: the former citizenship rules can still apply if the applicant filed an application before March 27, 2025 or received notice of an appointment before this date.
Furthermore, minor children born abroad to Italian parents can only become Italian citizens if a declaration is made and the child resides in Italy for at least two consecutive years, or the declaration is submitted within one year of birth or adoption.
Required documentation
This is the documentation needed to apply:
- Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, death) of the Italian parent and/or grandparent
- (All vital records need to be long-form and professionally translated and legalized with an Apostille. Some consulates can handle the professional translation for you; check local requirements).
- Proof of non-naturalization of the Italian ancestor OR a notarized copy of the naturalization certificate
- A copy of their passport
- Proof of residence (e.g. driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)
- Payment by money order or cashier check
- Confirmation of your appointment
How can eligible individuals apply?
Eligible individuals can file their application at their local Italian consulate or through the Italian courts (in the instance of a 1948 case or in case of appointment unavailability).
To apply via the Italian consulate it is necessary to book an appointment. This can be done by creating an account on Prenot@mi, and then selecting an appointment based on available times.
Note that due to lengthy wait times, there might not be any appointments available. If this is the case, we recommend checking frequently, particularly at midnight Rome time, as this is when new appointments become available. There might also be the option to join a waiting list if there are still no appointments available.
Within 24 months from the submission of the application, the applicant should receive an answer on the outcome.
How does having an eligible parent or grandparent allow you a pathway to citizenship?
Even if your own eligibility was affected by the Tajani Decree, you can still petition the court and have your eligible parent or grandparent apply with you.
Many of those with 3rd and 4th generation Italian ancestry are challenging the decree, including that the new rules are unlawfully operating retroactively and the fact that the limited number of appointments offered by consulates have rendered them unable to secure one prior to the cutoff date.
With that said, having a parent or grandparent who can obtain citizenship under the Tajani Decree opens up the possibility to obtain citizenship via naturalization.
Citizenship through naturalization: a fast-tracked path
The fast-tracked naturalization path is ideal for those with Italian parents or grandparents (including parents or grandparents who obtained citizenship via jure sanguinis). For most non-EU citizens, the residency requirement in Italy is 10 years. Those with Italian parents or grandparents only need 2 years of residency in order to qualify for citizenship through naturalization.
Citizenship by residency comes with other requirements. These include:
- Criminal background checks from every place of residence since 14 years of age. These must be translated and legalized.
- A certified copy of your birth certificate, also translated and legalized.
- Proof of payment of €250.
- Proof of income.
There is also a requirement to pass a B1 Italian language exam. This can be the CELI or CILS exam, offered by the University for Foreigners of Siena and the University for Foreigners of Perugia. PLIDA is also an option, offered by the Dante Alighieri Society. You do not need to present yourself at one of these institutions to take the exam, though; as many places around the world offer them.
The processing time for the application can take up to 24 months, with the possibility of being extended 36 months.
Conclusion
If you need help with your citizenship application or would like more information to evaluate if you qualify, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our team of experts is available for all of your questions!
