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Italian citizenship by descent after the 2025 reform

A plain-language guide to who can still claim citizenship through a parent or grandparent, with a source for every rule.

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Short answer

Since the 2025 reform, a person born abroad who holds another citizenship is treated as never having acquired Italian citizenship by descent, unless an exception applies. The exceptions are a complete application or lawsuit filed by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025 (or on an appointment date given by then), a parent or grandparent who holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship, or a parent who lived in Italy for two continuous years after becoming Italian and before your birth. The law is in force, but a question about it is pending at the Court of Justice of the EU, so check the current position before you spend money.

Information, not legal advice. MovItaly is not a law firm. Check with the questura or consulate before you act.

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Questions people ask

Can I still get Italian citizenship through a great-grandparent?

Generally not through descent alone if you were born abroad and hold another citizenship, unless you fall under an exception of art. 3-bis of Law 91/1992, for example a complete application or a lawsuit filed by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025. A parent or grandparent is not enough on their own either: the parent or grandparent must hold, or have held at death, only Italian citizenship, or a parent must have lived in Italy for two continuous years before your birth.

I filed my application before 27 March 2025. Do the old rules apply?

The old rules continue to apply to an application filed with the necessary documents at the consulate or comune by 23:59 Rome time on 27 March 2025, to an application filed later on an appointment date the consulate had communicated by that time, and to a lawsuit filed by that time. Consulates list what counts as filed, for example a tracked postal dispatch. Keep your proof of filing. The Constitutional Court left open the position of people who applied but did not get an appointment in time.

Does my parent need to have lived in Italy?

Only for one of the exceptions: a parent or adopter who lived in Italy for at least two continuous years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before your birth or adoption. A different exception needs no residence: a parent or grandparent who holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship.

What about minor children?

A foreign or stateless minor whose father or mother is an Italian citizen by birth becomes a citizen if the parents or guardian declare it, and either the minor then lives legally in Italy for two continuous years, or the declaration is made within three years of birth or of the date filiation is established. The three-year window applies from 1 January 2026; before, it was one year. For children who were already minors on 24 May 2025, the declaration can be made until 23:59 Rome time on 31 May 2029.

Is the law final?

It is in force, but not settled. In April 2026 the Constitutional Court rejected the Turin court's challenges. In July 2026 it asked the Court of Justice of the EU whether EU citizenship rules preclude art. 3-bis, on cases from the Mantova and Campobasso courts. The answer may change who qualifies.