Italian Citizenship Changes 2025: Law 74 Explained

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On May 24, 2025, Italian President Sergio Mattarella signed into law a significant reform to Italian citizenship policy. Originally introduced as Decreto n. 36/2025 by Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, the legislation—now known as Law 74/2025—introduces new eligibility requirements for individuals applying for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis).

Key Changes Introduced by Law 74/2025

Under Law 74/2025, individuals may only claim Italian citizenship at birth through ancestry if one of the following conditions is met:

• Their Italian-born or adopted parent resided in Italy for at least two years, or
• Their Italian-born grandparent never acquired citizenship in another country.
  

These new criteria significantly restrict access to citizenship for many who previously qualified under longstanding legal precedent.

Implications for Applicants

This law affects individuals worldwide seeking Italian citizenship through ancestry. Applicants who had met the requirements under previous legislation may now find themselves ineligible under the new framework.

Impacted individuals may include:

• Those in the process of gathering documents or awaiting appointments.
• Descendants of Italian citizens who naturalized abroad.
• Individuals applying through great-grandparents or more distant ancestors.
  

Legal and Constitutional Considerations

Legal experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns about Law 74/2025, including potential violations of:

• Article 3 of the Italian Constitution, which guarantees equal treatment under the law.
• Prohibitions on retroactive laws, especially for applicants already in process.
• International treaties, such as the European Convention on Nationality.
• Established precedent, including a 2009 Italian Supreme Court ruling affirming that jure sanguinis citizenship is a right acquired at birth—not a privilege granted by the state.

Notably, on May 1, 2025, the Court of Campobasso ruled against the retroactive application of the Tajani Decree, reinforcing the principle that new laws should not adversely affect existing rights.

Steps for Affected Individuals

If you believe this law impacts your citizenship eligibility, consider the following actions:

1. Book A Consultation With Latitude: Book a paid consultation with one of our Italian Citizenship by Descent professionals can help determine your eligibility under the new law and identify any transitional protections or legal avenues.
2. Gather and Organize Documents: Keep records of all consular interactions, pending applications, and any documentation related to your claim.
3. Monitor Legal Developments: Challenges to the law are being prepared in both Italian and international courts. Future rulings may affect how Law 74/2025 is interpreted and enforced.
   

Looking Ahead

While Law 74/2025 introduces new challenges for individuals seeking Italian citizenship by descent, ongoing legal debates and court rulings may influence its future application. Staying informed and seeking professional guidance can help navigate this evolving legal landscape.