Italy has recently implemented a new law that introduces stricter regulations for individuals with Italian heritage seeking to obtain passports. Previously, individuals with an Italian ancestor who lived after the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 were eligible for citizenship under the ‘jus sanguinis’ law, which recognizes descendants based on bloodline.
However, the amended law, which was ratified by parliament, now requires applicants for an Italian passport to have at least one parent or grandparent who was a citizen by birth. The government stated that the changes were made to strengthen the connection between Italy and its citizens abroad, prevent the misuse and commercialization of passports, and streamline the processing of citizenship applications.
According to government data, the number of Italian citizens residing abroad has increased by 40% from the end of 2014 to the end of 2024, reaching approximately 6.4 million. This surge has led to a backlog of over 60,000 pending citizenship verification cases as of March, prompting the need for more efficient consular services.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that while the new law aims to prevent abuse and exploitation of Italian citizenship, the principle of recognizing descendants of Italians will not be disregarded. The intention is to establish clear boundaries to ensure that citizenship is granted to individuals with a genuine connection to Italy.
Tajani stressed the importance of citizenship as a serious matter, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the passport issuance process. The goal is to prioritize individuals with a legitimate need for Italian citizenship and strengthen the ties between Italy and its diaspora.
In conclusion, the revised law on Italian citizenship requirements reflects the government’s efforts to address the growing number of citizenship applications, streamline the verification process, and safeguard the integrity of Italian passports. By setting stricter criteria for eligibility, the government aims to protect the authenticity of Italian citizenship while facilitating efficient consular services for eligible applicants.
