Italy has recently introduced significant reforms to its citizenship application procedures, particularly affecting those applying through descent (iure sanguinis). Effective as of March 2025, these changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that applicants maintain a genuine and direct connection to the country.
What Has Changed?
Stricter Eligibility for Citizenship by Descent
Previously, individuals with Italian ancestry—regardless of how far back—could claim citizenship, as long as they could prove an unbroken lineage. Under the new rules, only individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy are eligible to apply. This change significantly reduces the number of potential applicants.
Increased Government Fees
Application fees have seen a substantial increase:
- Consular applications: Raised from €300 to €600 per adult applicant.
- Municipality applications in Italy: Municipalities are now authorized to charge up to €600 per applicant.
- Judicial applications: For court-based claims (such as maternal-line cases pre-1948), the filing fee is now €600.
- Historical document requests: An additional fee of up to €300 may apply when requesting records over 100 years old relating to individuals other than the applicant.
Additional Requirements
- Language proficiency: Applicants are now required to demonstrate at least B1-level Italian language skills through an official certification.
- Minimum residency: Some applicants must prove at least three years of residency in Italy to qualify under the new rules.
Why These Changes?
The Italian government is aiming to curb misuse of the citizenship system, particularly from regions such as Latin America, where applicants were tracing distant ancestry for access to EU benefits. These updates are designed to reinforce the integrity of the system and ensure a closer connection between Italy and its new citizens.
Upcoming Developments: A Potential Referendum
Alongside these reforms, a national referendum is being proposed to make the naturalization process more accessible. If passed, it would reduce the required period of residence in Italy from ten to five years and allow new citizens to pass citizenship to their children immediately. The measure is still under legal review but could go to vote during 2025.
How Eres Relocation Can Help
Navigating citizenship law—especially when regulations change—can be complex and time-consuming. At Eres Relocation, we combine deep immigration expertise with personalized support to guide you through each step of the Italian citizenship process.
Whether you’re assessing your eligibility, managing documentation, or responding to evolving legal requirements, our team is here to make the process clearer, faster, and more secure.
Get in touch with us today to ensure your application is on the right track.
