Italian Citizenship Reform 2025: A Complete and Detailed Guide to the New Rules

The much-talked-about Italian Citizenship Reform 2025 is now a reality, and its implications are profound for descendants of Italians worldwide.

If you dream of having the red passport and are starting your journey or were already preparing, this article is your essential guide. The new rules, which came into effect on May 24, 2025, have brought significant changes that require attention and planning.

In this complete guide, we will unveil every detail of the reform: what motivated these changes, what the new requirements are, who will be most affected, the new deadlines and costs involved, and, most importantly, how you can prepare and adapt to this new scenario to continue seeking your right to citizenship iure sanguinis (by right of blood).

---

✅ What is the Italian Citizenship Reform 2025? Understanding Decree-Law No. 36/2025

The Italian Citizenship Reform 2025 is the set of legislative changes introduced by Decree-Law No. 36/2025.

This decree was approved by the Italian Parliament on May 20, 2025, and after promulgation by the Italian government on May 23, 2025, it officially came into force on May 24, 2025.

This reform is not a superficial change; it restructures fundamental aspects of the process of recognizing Italian citizenship by descent.

The main objective, according to the Italian government, is to:

• Modernize the system.
• Ensure that new citizens have stronger and more genuine ties with Italy.
• Manage the growing flow of applications more efficiently and rigorously.

The changes affect everything from the necessary documentation and eligibility criteria to administrative and judicial procedures.

---

🔍 Why was the law changed? Unveiling the Context and Italy’s Motivations

The decision to reform the Italian citizenship law did not arise in a vacuum. It is the result of a long internal debate in Italy, driven by a series of complex factors:

🚀 Exponential Increase in Applications

In recent decades, there has been a staggering growth in the number of applications for citizenship iure sanguinis, particularly from countries with a large number of Italian descendants, such as those in the Americas.

This high demand overwhelmed Italian consulates abroad and courts in Italy, leading to long waiting lists, which in some cases exceeded a decade.

The Italian government saw the need to create mechanisms to handle this volume more sustainably.

🇮🇹 Concerns about “Real Ties”

A frequent criticism within Italy was that many descendants sought citizenship primarily for the benefits of the European passport, without necessarily cultivating a cultural, linguistic, or civic tie with contemporary Italy.

The reform, therefore, seeks to ensure that new citizens have a deeper interest in and connection with the country of their ancestors. The introduction of the language requirement is a direct reflection of this concern.

🏛️ Integration and National Identity Issues

The debate on Italian national identity and the integration of new citizens also weighed in.

There is a current of thought that argues that citizenship should go beyond simple blood ties, incorporating elements of participation in the country’s cultural and social life.

💶 Pressure on Public Resources

Although citizenship processes generate fees, the increase in the number of Italian citizens residing abroad or moving to Italy also implies a potential demand for public services and consular representation.

The reform aims, indirectly, to modulate this impact.

🔍 Combating Fraud and Irregularities

As in any large-volume process, concerns arose about documentary fraud and fictitious residence declarations in Italy to speed up processes.

The tightening of certain criteria seeks to curb these practices.

🇪🇺 Alignment with Other European Legislations

Some analysts point out that Italy, in reforming its law, is also observing trends in other European countries that have sought to balance the right of blood with integration and language proficiency requirements.

---

Understanding these motivations is crucial to grasping the spirit of the new law and the logic behind the specific changes we will detail below. It is not just about making the process more difficult, but about redefining, from the Italian State’s perspective, what it means to be an Italian citizen by descent in the 21st century.

---

📜 Main Changes in the Italian Citizenship Law in 2025: A Detailed Analysis

The reform is multifaceted, altering various points of the process. Let’s analyze each change in depth:

---

🔸 1. Mandatory B1 Italian Language Level: The Linguistic and Cultural Barrier

This is undoubtedly one of the most impactful and discussed changes.

The new legislation requires applicants for citizenship by descent to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

This proof must cover skills in listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking.

✔️ What does B1 level mean?

Level B1, considered intermediate, means the applicant must be able to:

• Understand the main points of conversations and texts on familiar matters (work, school, leisure).
• Deal with most situations that may arise during a trip to Italy.
• Produce simple and coherent texts on topics of interest.
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, as well as briefly give reasons and explanations for their opinions and plans.

✔️ How to prove it?

Proof must be provided through a certificate issued by an Italian language institute officially recognized by the Italian government.

The most common are:

• CELI (Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language – University for Foreigners of Perugia)
• CILS (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language – University for Foreigners of Siena)
• PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri)
• CERT.IT (Roma Tre University)

It is essential to check with the consulate or the responsible body which certificate is accepted at the time of application.

✔️ Who needs the certificate?

The requirement applies to the vast majority of processes, both those carried out administratively (consulates) and those judicially in Italy.

✔️ Exceptions (limited):

The law text mentions that “specific cases of direct descent recognized by courts” could have exceptions.

This is an area that may still require clarification through ministerial circulars.

The initial interpretation suggests this could apply to direct children of already recognized Italian citizens, but it is crucial not to rely on this exception without specific legal advice.

Citizenship by marriage processes already had a similar requirement, which now extends more broadly.

✔️ Practical Implications:

For many descendants, especially those from generations more distant from the Italian ancestor, this means the need to invest time and resources in learning the language.

Italian courses, private lessons, and cultural immersion become essential preparatory steps.

---

🔸 2. Drastic Changes in the Administrative Process (Consulates)

The administrative process, carried out through Italian consulates in the applicant’s country of residence, was the most common route for many families.

The reform imposed a significant limitation:

❌ Restriction to the Second Generation:

Administrative recognition of citizenship is now limited to descendants up to the second generation born outside Italy.

This means that only children and grandchildren of Italians who were actually born in Italy can use this route.

✔️ Practical example:

If your grandfather was born in Italy (he is the dante causa), you, as a grandchild, could still theoretically use the administrative route, provided you meet the other requirements (such as language).

However, if your great-grandfather was born in Italy, but your grandfather and father were born in your country of residence, you (great-grandchild) can no longer use the consular administrative route.

✔️ Objective of the Change:

This change aims to relieve consulates, concentrating their resources on cases of closer descent, and to direct other cases to the judicial route in Italy, where, theoretically, the documentary and ties analysis can be more thorough.

🔸 3. Impacts on Judicial Recognition (Especially Maternal Line Prior to 1948)

The judicial route was already the path for many cases, including those with impediments in the administrative route (such as long consular queues) or for specific issues like the “maternal line.”

⚖️ Maternal Line Prior to 1948 Confirmed as Judicial:

The old Italian law prevented women from transmitting citizenship to children born before January 1, 1948 (the date the Italian Constitution came into force, establishing equality between men and women).

Italian jurisprudence had already consolidated the understanding that this restriction was discriminatory, allowing recognition via judicial means.

The new reform reaffirms that the recognition of citizenship through the maternal line for descendants of Italian women whose child was born before 1948 must be done exclusively via judicial proceedings in Italy.

📜 Standardization of Criteria:

The text of the law suggests that this measure aims to “standardize the recognition criteria and avoid divergent interpretations among the courts.”

This may indicate an effort to standardize judicial decisions, although the basic principles of the 1983 Constitutional Court ruling (which paved the way for maternal line recognition) should remain.

🔍 What happens with other judicial cases?

Great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and descendants of more distant generations who no longer qualify for the administrative route must now resort to the judicial route in Italy to have their right recognized.

This will likely increase the demand on Italian courts.

---

🔸 4. New Fees and Administrative Costs

The pursuit of Italian citizenship has always involved costs (translations, apostilles, certificates, legal fees when necessary).

The reform introduced an increase in the administrative fees charged by the Italian government.

💰 Increase in Fees:

The text mentions that administrative fees for processing citizenship applications can reach up to €600 (six hundred euros).

Previously, the consular fee for analyzing citizenship applications iure sanguinis was €300.

This new amount may vary depending on the type of process (administrative, judicial, naturalization) and the chosen route.

It is crucial to check the updated consular fee schedule or specific judicial costs.

📉 Impact on Budget:

This increase represents a significant additional cost for applicants, which must be considered in the financial planning of the process.

---

🔸 5. Stricter Residency Criteria (Especially for Processes in Italy)

For those seeking citizenship recognition while residing in Italy (whether for in-person administrative processes or some types of judicial processes requiring residency), the new law imposes stricter control.

🚫 Combating Fictitious Residency:

The Italian government is intensifying the fight against so-called “sham residencies” or “fictitious residencies”, where the applicant registers as a resident in an Italian municipality solely to file the application, without actually living there.

✔️ Proof of Effective Residency:

The new law establishes stricter criteria for proving continuous and legitimate residency in Italy during the required period.

This may include:

• 📑 Long-term rental contracts.
• 🔌 Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) in the applicant’s name.
• 🏥 Proof of registration with the local health system.
• 👮‍♂️ On-site inspections by the Vigili Urbani (municipal police).

⚠️ Increased Scrutiny:

An increase in scrutiny is expected to verify the truthfulness of residency.

False declarations can lead to the rejection of the application and possible legal sanctions.

---

🔸 6. Other Important Changes to Consider

In addition to the main points, the reform brought other relevant changes:

⏳ Extended Application Processing Time:

The legal deadline for completing the analysis of citizenship applications iure sanguinis (both administrative and judicial) has been extended to up to 48 months in some cases.

Previously, the legal deadline for consulates was 24 months (although often not met).

This extension reflects the complexity and volume of applications but also imposes an even longer wait for applicants.

💍 Citizenship by Marriage and Naturalization with Stricter Criteria:

• Marriage: Citizenship by marriage (iure matrimonii) has also been tightened.

In addition to the B1 Italian language level requirement (which already existed), there may be changes to the legal residency periods in Italy after marriage (usually 2 years, or 3 years if residing abroad, with periods halved in the presence of children).

The new law may have increased these periods or added requirements for cultural and social integration.

• Naturalization: Naturalization (granting of citizenship based on legal residency time in Italy, usually 10 years for non-EU citizens) has also had its criteria revised, with greater emphasis on effective integration, knowledge of the constitution and Italian civic life, and possibly stable income requirements.

🛑 Abolition of Automatic Transmission Beyond the Second Generation for Italians Residing Abroad:

This point is crucial and seems to reinforce the limitation imposed on the administrative route.

The mention of “automatic transmission” suggests that, even for already recognized Italians residing outside Italy, the ability to transmit citizenship to children born after the reform who represent the third generation or beyond (in relation to the ancestor born in Italy) may no longer be such a direct process, potentially requiring these descendants to also meet the new requirements, such as language, or follow judicial paths.

This is an aspect that will require careful interpretation of ministerial circulars.

⚖️Who Will Be Most Affected by the 2025 Italian Citizenship Reform?

The reform has a broad scope, but some groups of applicants will feel the impact more directly:

• Great-grandchildren, Great-great-grandchildren, and Later Generations: Those who do not have parents or grandparents born in Italy (i.e., whose Italian ancestor is a great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, etc.) will no longer be able to use the consular administrative route. They must necessarily resort to the judicial route in Italy and meet all new requirements, including language.
• Applicants without Proficiency in the Italian Language: The B1 Italian language level requirement is a significant obstacle for those who do not speak the language. This will demand a prior investment in learning and certification.
• People with Difficulty Proving Effective Residency in Italy: Those who planned a quick recognition process by temporarily residing in Italy will face much greater scrutiny and more robust documentary requirements.
• Applicants with Limited Budgets: The increase in administrative fees and additional costs for Italian courses and certification can make the process financially more challenging.
• Spouses of Italian Citizens and Naturalization Candidates: They will face stricter requirements regarding residency time, integration, and, in the case of marriage, the maintenance of the language requirement.

🛑 Who Will Not Be Affected: Exceptions and Specific Cases

Despite the comprehensive changes, there are some situations where the new rules may not apply or may apply differently:

• Judicial Processes Filed Before the Cut-off Date: Crucial information is that judicial processes duly filed in Italy by March 27, 2025, will be analyzed based on the previous legislation. This specific “cut-off date” for the judicial route precedes the law’s entry into force (May 24, 2025) and represents a closed window for applying the old rules to this type of process.
• Administrative Processes Initiated Before the New Law Came into Effect: The base text indicates that “the new rules apply to all processes initiated from that date [May 24, 2025]”. This suggests that administrative processes formally initiated before May 24, 2025 (with a protocol number, for example) could, in theory, follow the old rules. However, consular practice may vary, and it is vital to verify this information directly with the consulate where the process was initiated. Caution and seeking official confirmation are advised.
• Already Recognized Italian Citizens: Individuals who already had their Italian citizenship recognized before May 24, 2025, retain their acquired rights. The reform is not retroactive for those who are already citizens.
• Cases of Direct Descent Recognized by Courts with Possible Language Exceptions: As mentioned earlier, the law hints at the possibility of exceptions to the language proficiency requirement for “specific cases of direct descent recognized by courts“. The exact definition of “direct descent” in this context and the conditions for such an exception still need to be detailed by complementary regulations. It could refer, for example, to minor children of a citizen who obtained recognition judicially, or cases where the link with Italy is exceptionally strong and proven by other means. It is essential not to assume you qualify without specialized legal advice.

🏛️ Is the Reform Already in Effect? Detailed Timeline and Deadlines

Yes, it is imperative to understand that the Italian Citizenship Reform 2025 is already fully in effect. There is no more waiting or transition period.

• Decree-Law No. 36/2025: Published.
• Approval by the Italian Parliament: May 20, 2025.
• Promulgation by the Italian Government: May 23, 2025.
• Official Entry into Force: May 24, 2025.

All new applications for Italian citizenship by descent, whether through administrative (where still applicable) or judicial routes, filed from May 24, 2025, onwards, are subject to the new rules established by Decree-Law No. 36/2025. For judicial processes, the cut-off date for the old rules was March 27, 2025.

🚀 What to Do Now? Strategic Recommendations for Those Seeking Italian Citizenship

In this new scenario, proactivity and planning are more crucial than ever. If you are determined to seek recognition of your Italian citizenship, here are the recommended steps:

1. Assess Your Eligibility in Detail: First and foremost, analyze your family tree and determine which generation you belong to in relation to your Italian ancestor born in Italy. This will determine the possible route (judicial, in most new cases) and the specific requirements.
2. Prioritize Learning the Italian Language (B1 Level): If you are a great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild, or fall into any category that now requires language proficiency, start studying Italian immediately. Enroll in courses, use apps, practice conversation, and focus on reaching B1 level. Research certification centers (CELI, CILS) in your region and exam dates.
3. Gather and Meticulously Organize All Documentation: Documentation has always been the backbone of the process. Obtain all birth, marriage, and death certificates from your Italian ancestor to yourself, in full long-form format. Arrange for sworn translations into Italian and apostilles (Hague Apostille). With the new rules, accuracy and completeness of documentation are even more vital.
4. Seek Specialized and Updated Legal Advice: Given the complexities and novelties of the reform, guidance from a lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship who is fully updated on Decree-Law No. 36/2025 and its practical implications is indispensable. A professional can analyze your individual case, indicate the best path, prepare documentation for the judicial route (if applicable), and represent you in Italy.
5. Prepare Financially: Consider the updated costs: administrative fees (up to €600), Italian courses, proficiency exam, document retrieval, translations, apostilles, and legal fees (especially for judicial processes). Create a realistic financial plan.
6. Plan for Proof of Residency (If Applicable): If your process involves needing to prove residency in Italy, thoroughly research the requirements and start organizing the necessary documentation to demonstrate effective and legitimate residency.
7. Have Patience and Realistic Expectations: With the processing time extended to up to 48 months, the Italian citizenship recognition process is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay calm, be persistent, and understand that it may take time.
8. Stay Informed Through Reliable Sources: Follow news and updates from official Italian government sources, consulates, and reputable legal portals. New ministerial circulars may emerge to detail the law’s application.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2025 Italian Citizenship Reform

1. My great-grandfather was born in Italy. With the reform, do I still have the right to citizenship?

Yes, the right to citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) for great-grandchildren and beyond has not been extinguished, but the path has changed. You can no longer use the consular administrative route. Your recognition must be sought mandatorily through judicial proceedings in Italy. Additionally, you will need to meet the new requirements, such as proving B1 level Italian proficiency.

2. Do I really need to speak Italian and have the B1 certificate to obtain citizenship by descent now?

Yes, for the vast majority of cases, proficiency in the Italian language at B1 level, proven by an official certificate, has become a mandatory requirement. This applies to both administrative processes (for children and grandchildren of Italians born in Italy) and judicial processes. Exceptions are very limited and require case-by-case legal analysis (e.g., the mention of “direct descent recognized by courts”).

3. How does this limitation of the administrative route only for children and grandchildren of Italians “born in Italy” work? What if my grandfather was Italian but was born outside of Italy?

The restriction is clear: the ancestor who qualifies for the administrative route (parent or grandparent) must have been born in Italian territory. If your grandfather, for example, was already the son of an Italian and was born outside of Italy, he represents the first generation born outside Italy. In that case, you, as the grandchild of an Italian born outside of Italy (and great-grandchild of the original dante causa born in Italy), would no longer qualify for the administrative route under the new rules. Your path would be judicial.

4. What happens to administrative (consular) processes that were already in the waiting list before the new law came into effect on May 24, 2025?

The law states that “the new rules apply to all processes initiated from that date [May 24, 2025]”. This suggests that processes formally filed (with documentation submitted and a protocol number generated) before May 24, 2025, should follow the old rules. However, consular interpretation and practical application may vary. It is highly recommended that anyone in this situation contact the responsible consulate directly to obtain an official position on their specific case.

5. What are the total costs involved in the citizenship process with the new reform?

It is difficult to specify a total amount, as it varies greatly. Direct costs include:

• Administrative/judicial fees: Up to €600 for the government fee, plus court costs if by judicial route.
• B1 Italian Certificate: Course cost + exam fee (varies by institution).
• Documentation: Issuance of certificates, sworn translations, apostilles (each document has a cost).
• Legal fees: For judicial processes, these are indispensable and vary depending on the professional and complexity. It is prudent to budget for several thousand euros, depending on the route and the number of documents.

6. If my Italian ancestor naturalized as a citizen of the country where they resided, does this still prevent the right to citizenship for descendants?

Yes, the issue of the Italian ancestor’s naturalization remains a crucial point and has not been altered by this specific reform. If your Italian ancestor (the Italian who emigrated) voluntarily naturalized as a citizen of another country before the birth of their child who continues the line of transmission, the right to Italian citizenship for that lineage is, as a rule, interrupted. The 2025 reform does not change this fundamental principle of Italian law. Analyzing the date of naturalization versus the date of the direct descendant’s birth remains essential.

7. What does “proving effective residency in Italy” more rigorously mean? Can I just rent a room for a few months?

Probably not anymore. The new law aims to combat residencies of convenience. Proving “effective residency” means demonstrating that you actually live in the place. This implies having a regular rental contract (not just temporary), registering with the municipality (anagrafe), having utility bills in your name, possibly a family doctor, and being prepared for inspections by the Vigili Urbani (municipal police). The idea is that the place is your habitual center of life, not just a postal address for bureaucratic purposes.

🧭 Possible Paths: Navigating the New Reality of Italian Citizenship

The 2025 Italian Citizenship Reform undeniably represents a transformative milestone in recognition processes. For many, the path has become more demanding, requiring more thorough preparation, especially regarding language and judicial procedures.

However, it is fundamental to face this new reality not as an end point, but as a new journey that requires strategy, quality information, and resilience.

• Adapt: The first step is to accept the new rules and adapt your planning.
• Invest in Knowledge: Learning Italian and deeply understanding the law are your greatest allies.
• Seek Qualified Help: Do not hesitate to hire experienced professionals to guide you.
• Stay Focused on the Goal: If Italian citizenship is a dream or an important objective, dedication and perseverance will be rewarded.

With organization, access to correct information, and adequate guidance, the dream of becoming an Italian citizen and legally connecting with your roots is still achievable, even in the face of the challenges imposed by the new legislation. The journey may be longer and require more effort, but the reward of reclaiming your heritage and opening new doors to the future is certainly worth it.

---

Important Note:

This article was prepared based on the information available and the text of the reform disclosed up to its publication date (May 27, 2025) and is for strictly informational purposes. Laws and regulations may undergo changes and additional interpretations through ministerial circulars or judicial decisions. It is strongly recommended that you consult official Italian government sources (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulates) and seek personalized legal advice from a lawyer specializing in Italian citizenship to obtain precise, updated, and specific guidance for your individual case before making any decisions or starting any process.

Explore Our Detailed Guides

For each crucial step of the new reform, we have prepared an in-depth guide. Continue your research with our satellite articles:

• ➡️ The Judicial Route: See the complete step-by-step court process.
• ➡️ The B1 Language Certificate: Understand the mandatory language requirement in detail.
• ➡️ How Much Does It Cost?: Get a complete breakdown of all expenses.