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The current legislation on citizenship is governed by Law No. 91 of 1992, which is based on the principle of ius sanguinis (transmission of citizenship by descent). The new decree does not change this fundamental principle but aims to modify it by linking it to the existence of real ties with Italy. Below is a summary of the new directives.
Acquisition of citizenship by a foreign or stateless minor
The decree affirms that the descendants of Italian citizens born abroad have the right to acquire the Italian citizenship jure sanguinis only if they have at least one parent or grandparent born in Italy. This does not apply to those who have already obtained the citizenship by descent or have requested it by 27 March 2025.
In addition, it is possible to request the citizenship if one of the parents or the adopting parents has lived legally and continuously in Italy for at least two years after the acquisition of the Italian citizenship and before the birth or the adoption of the child.
Disputes concerning the determination of citizenship
In disputes concerning the determination of citizenship, oaths and testimony are not admissible as evidence. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the person applying for Italian citizenship to provide evidence that none of the grounds for failure to acquire or loss of citizenship, as provided for by law, apply.
Entry for work purposes for foreign nationals of Italian descent
The foreigner residing abroad, descendant of an Italian citizen and citizen of a State with a history of significant Italian emigration, can enter Italy for subordinate work outside of the Flow Decree’s quotas. A ministerial decree will provide a list of those States.
Granting citizenship to foreign nationals of Italian descent
The required period of legal residence in Italy for citizenship by residence, for a foreigner whose parent or grandparent is or was an Italian citizen by birth, is reduced from three to two years.
Reinstatement of citizenship for former citizens
Finally, anyone who was born in Italy or has resided there for at least two consecutive years and has lost their citizenship may regain it by submitting a declaration of reacquisition between 1 July 2025 and 31 December 2027.