New Rules for Jure Sanguinis not passed by Parliment Yet: What You Need to Know About Italian Dual Citizenship by Descent in 2025

For generations, Italian families around the world have carried stories, recipes, and names from their ancestral villages — and for many, citizenship by descent, or Jure Sanguinis, has been a powerful way to reconnect with those roots.

But as of March 28, 2025, there is a proposed rule change. On that date, the Italian Council of Ministers issued a major update to dual citizenship law. The new decree limits eligibility under Jure Sanguinis to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent only. If your most recent Italian-born ancestor is a great-grandparent or earlier, and you haven’t already submitted your application — your path to citizenship through descent may now be closed.

However, ​On May 28, 2025, the Italian Parliament faces a pivotal deadline concerning Decree-Law No. 36/2025, which significantly restricts Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) to individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent. This decree, enacted on March 28, 2025, was an emergency measure that took immediate effect but required parliamentary ratification within 60 days to become permanent law.​

On May 28, 2025, the Parliament will actively engage in deliberations to either ratify, amend, or allow the decree to lapse. The urgency was heightened by the potential for judicial challenges, as the decree's retroactive application raised constitutional concerns. Legal experts anticipated that if the decree were not ratified, it would retroactively lose its legal effect, impacting applications submitted after March 28, 2025.​

Contact Avv. GianCarlo Pezzuti studiopezzuti@gmail.com. This lawyer is highly recommended by the American Embassy in Naples and has many loyal clients (including myself).

The decree's implementation had already caused a temporary suspension of citizenship application processing due to overwhelming demand and backlogs, creating uncertainty for current and prospective applicants . The Parliament's decision on May 28 will thus determine the future of Italian citizenship claims based on ancestry beyond the grandparental generation.​

For those affected, it's advisable to consult with legal professionals specializing in Italian citizenship law to understand the implications of Parliament's upcoming decision May 28, 2025.

You can find the official announcement here:🔗 Comunicato Stampa del Consiglio dei Ministri – n.121

 image of a young Italian-American person holding a framed photo of great-grandparents in front of an Italian town, thoughtful expression, connection to ancestry, generational storytelling,

What Changed — and Why It Matters

For over a century, Italy honored citizenship passed through generations, regardless of how many branches stretched out from the family tree — as long as no one naturalized elsewhere before passing on citizenship. That meant, for many Americans, eligibility through great-grandparents or even further back.

Not anymore.

This new order shortens the chain. Now, if your Italian heritage traces only to a great-grandparent, and you haven’t filed yet — you’re likely no longer eligible.

It’s a significant shift. And for many, it feels like a door gently closing.

Why the Change to Dual Citizenship?

The Italian government hasn’t offered a full explanation. But the message is clear: the system was overwhelmed.

With hundreds of thousands of dual citizenship applications flooding Italian consulates and municipalities, the burden of administration grew too heavy. Narrowing eligibility to just parents and grandparents is a way to streamline operations — and focus on those with a closer connection to Italy today.

But still, for many of us — it stings.

Italian identity is emotional. It's about language, culture, and memories — not just paperwork. And for Italian-American families who’ve kept those memories alive for over a century, this shift feels like being told, “Thanks, but you’re too far removed now.”

If You’re No Longer Eligible for Dual Citizenship— You Still Have Options

If this decree affects you, take a breath. The dream isn’t over — it’s just evolving. There are still other legal pathways to live in Italy, and even to earn citizenship over time.

Here are some you should know about:

Elective Residency Visa (ERV)

This is the classic visa for retirees and those with passive income. It’s ideal if you’re ready to live a slower, sweeter Italian life — and can support yourself without working.

👉 You’ll need proof of income, long-term housing, and private health insurance.

Digital Nomad Visa

Italy’s much-anticipated digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers. If you work online and can bring your job with you, this could be your next step.

👉 Expected to roll out fully in 2025.

Freelance & Startup Visas

If you plan to work for yourself, run a business, or start a creative or tech company in Italy, there are options under Partita IVA (freelance) or the Startup Visa program.

Long-Term Residency & Naturalization

Even without ancestry or marriage, you can still become an Italian citizen. The path?

• 10 years of legal residency

• Integration into Italian life

• Clean legal record

• B1-level Italian language proficiency

It’s not quick, but for those who truly want to plant roots, it’s worth the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply through my great-grandparents?

Not anymore. As of March 26, 2025, you need to show descent from an Italian parent or grandparent. Applications based on great-grandparents are no longer accepted unless already submitted before the decree.

What if my application is already in progress?

There’s no clear ruling yet, but if your application is already being processed — especially by a local Italian comune — it may still be reviewed under the old rules. If it hasn't been filed yet, expect the new restrictions to apply.

I’m a U.S. citizen — what’s my path now?

Here are your main options:

• Elective Residency Visa (for retirees or those with passive income)

• Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers)

• Freelance or Startup Visas

• Long-term residency leading to naturalization

• Student Visas

• Family reunification or marriage-based paths

Each has its own timeline and paperwork, but they’re all legal, real, and active options.

What about people who already have Italian citizenship?

You're in the clear. This change does not affect current dual citizens. But it will affect your children or future generations unless they fall within the parent/grandparent requirement going forward.

Is it still worth it?

Yes. A thousand times yes. Italy is more than its citizenship policy. It’s a way of life. It’s waking up to espresso and birdsong, building friendships over wine, and learning the rhythm of living seasonally, slowly, and with intention. Whether you hold a passport or not — you can still find your place here.

person walking toward a sunlit village in Southern Italy with a suitcase and passport in hand, symbolic of relocation, quiet optimism, stone streets, morning light

Final Thoughts

This change to Jure Sanguinis feels like the end of an era — and in a way, it is. But it’s also an invitation: to think differently, to explore new paths, and to remember that being Italian has always meant more than bureaucracy.

If you're dreaming of a life here, don’t let the paperwork stop you. There’s more than one way home.

🌿 Need help exploring your options? I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned — or connect you with someone who can help. info@madrinaclub.com

You can find the official announcement here:🔗 Comunicato Stampa del Consiglio dei Ministri – n.121

Contact Avv. GianCarlo Pezzuti studiopezzuti@gmail.com.