Italy Tightens Citizenship Laws to Curb Ancestral Claims

The Italian government has introduced stricter citizenship rules, limiting eligibility for ancestry-based citizenship in an effort to prevent abuse of the system and ease pressure on consulates worldwide.

Previously, anyone with an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861 could claim Italian citizenship. Under the new restrictions, only those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy will automatically qualify.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the surge in citizenship applications, particularly from South America, has overwhelmed Italian consulates. The number of Italian citizens abroad grew by 40% between 2014 and 2024, with Argentina and Brazil seeing record numbers of new Italian passports issued.

Critics argue the old system unfairly granted nationality to distant descendants with no real ties to Italy, while children of migrants born in Italy must wait until age 18 to apply.

The government hopes this move will streamline nationality requests, free up resources, and ensure Italian citizenship is granted based on genuine connections to the country.