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ITALY'S NEW MEASURES TO TIGHTEN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

Italy Intends to Continue Tightening Citizenship Requirements, with Focus on Descent and Marriage-Based Applications, According to Recent Reports.

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ITALY'S NEW MEASURES TO TIGHTEN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

Italy's Citizenship Changes: Here's What You Need to Know* 5 comments

In a surprising move earlier this year, Italy tightened access to its citizenship by descent, leaving countless people of Italian descent questioning their eligibility. Here's an updated breakdown of the changes and what you need to keep in mind.

No More Surprises

Imagine waking up one day to find that a long-held promise of Italian citizenship has vanished. That's exactly what happened to tens of thousands of people when Italy issued a sudden decree tightening access to citizenship by 'right of blood.'

Under the old system, there were no generational limits, and citizenship could theoretically be claimed through an ancestor going back to March 17th, 1861—as long as no one in the line lost or renounced Italian citizenship. But now, only those with an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy, or an Italian parent who spent at least two continuous years in Italy, can qualify.

Stay Connected

On the heels of the decree shaking things up, Italy also announced two draft bills aimed at further limiting access to citizenship by descent and marriage. These proposals, if passed, would require children born abroad to register their birth certificates with Italian authorities before turning 25 to be eligible for citizenship later in life. Italian citizens living abroad would also need to exercise unspecified "rights and duties" at least once every 25 years to maintain their citizenship.

The draft laws haven't yet been discussed by Italy's parliament, and details on when they might be are unclear. As always, it's essential to keep tabs on updates and adjust plans accordingly.

Starting Fresh

Citizenship by marriage is another story. The provided data indicates existing rules may remain unchanged—for the time being. Spouses of Italian citizens must currently live in Italy for two years to qualify for naturalization, and they must also pass a B1 language exam.

Increased wait times and fees could also be in Italy's future. The second draft law proposes extending the maximum processing time for citizenship applications from 24 to 48 months. However, a hike in application fees—from €600 to €700 by 2026—doesn't appear in the official press release.

Why the Change?

According to Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, the reform aims to curb "abuse" of Italy's previous citizenship laws, which resulted in overwhelmed consulates and municipal offices. The changes are also part of an effort to ensure new citizens have an "effective connection" with Italy.

When Will It Happen?

Between parliamentary sessions and hurdles, it's unclear exactly when the changes will take effect. Traditionally, the process can drag on for months, if not years. Keep an eye on updates from Italy's parliament for more information.

Sources1. BBC News2. Reuters3. The Local4. LawNo amendments.5. Draft laws consultation.

  1. The Italian government tightened access to Italian citizenship by descent, affecting many people of Italian descent who previously thought they were eligible.
  2. Under the new Italian rules, only those with an Italian parent or grandparent born in Italy, or an Italian parent who spent at least two continuous years in Italy, can qualify for citizenship by descent.
  3. The Italian proposals, if passed, would require children born abroad to register their birth certificates with Italian authorities before turning 25 to be eligible for citizenship later in life.
  4. Italian citizens living abroad would also need to exercise certain rights and duties at least once every 24 years to maintain their citizenship under the current draft laws.
  5. Citizenship by marriage requirements may remain unchanged, but increased wait times and fees could be implemented in the future.
  6. The Italian government aims to curb "abuse" of previous citizenship laws by tightening access to citizenship by descent and marriage.
  7. Keep an eye on updates from Italy's parliament as the changes are not yet in effect, and the process can take months, if not years.
  8. There is no clear timeline for when the new citizenship changes will take effect as the draft laws are yet to be discussed by Italy's parliament.
  9. The Italian government is aiming to ensure new citizens have an "effective connection" with Italy to prevent abuse of previous citizenship laws.
Italy's administration initiates more stringent regulations on Italian citizenship acquisition, targeting both descent-based applications and marital ties. Here's a summary of the tentative changes.

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