.jpg "Italy Citizenship Law 2025")
New Law is Active
In March 2025, the Italian Parliament approved an important change in the country's citizenship law. This change makes it harder for immigrants living in Italy and people of Italian descent living abroad to get Italian citizenship. The new law became active through Decree-Law 36/2025, proposed by Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Who Can Get Citizenship Now
According to the new law, only people whose parents or grandparents were born in Italy can apply for Italian citizenship. Before this, anyone with an Italian ancestor born after 1861 could apply.
Changes in the Application Process
The process to apply for citizenship has also changed. Now, applicants must attend an interview in Italy. Also, the application process will be handled online. People who are at risk of losing their citizenship must pay taxes, vote, and renew their passports to keep their citizenship active.
Reasons for the Change
The Italian government gave a few reasons for the new law:
- Too many applications: Under the old rule, around 60 to 80 million people were eligible, which is much more than Italy's population.
- Misuse of the system: Many people applied only to get an EU passport, even if they had no real link to Italy.
- Administrative pressure: Too many applications caused a lot of pressure on Italy's consulates and systems.
Public Reaction
This new law received mixed reactions from the immigrant community. Many believe the change makes it harder to stay connected with their Italian roots. People living in Latin America and the US with Italian heritage are especially unhappy with this change.
Conclusion
The changes to Italy’s citizenship law have made it more difficult for people of Italian descent living abroad to become citizens. Those who plan to apply for Italian citizenship should learn about these new rules and prepare properly.