Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): What Changed in 2025 and Why It Matters
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Over the past few years, I have received a growing number of inquiries from Americans interested in buying property in Italy who also believe they may be entitled to Italian citizenship through ancestry. Many mention an Italian grandparent or great-grandparent. Some have a sibling who applied. Others say they are “starting the process” and assume this will allow them to live in Italy or obtain financing.
As of March 28, 2025, the legal framework governing Italian citizenship by descent has changed significantly. These changes have important consequences that many people are still unaware of. This article is meant to clarify what is no longer possible, what may still be possible, and why assumptions based on outdated information often lead to confusion and disappointment. |
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The 2025 Reform: What Actually Changed
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government issued a new decree-law, later converted into law on May 23, 2025. The reform introduced clear limits on citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which had been interpreted very broadly for decades.
Before March 2025
Previously, Italian citizenship could, in theory, be claimed through an Italian ancestor going back multiple generations, provided certain technical requirements were met. This led to a surge in applications from abroad, particularly from the United States, often based on distant ancestry and without any real connection to Italy.
After March 28, 2025
Under the new law, citizenship by descent is no longer open-ended.
In simplified terms:
On March 28, 2025, the Italian government issued a new decree-law, later converted into law on May 23, 2025. The reform introduced clear limits on citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis), which had been interpreted very broadly for decades.
Before March 2025
Previously, Italian citizenship could, in theory, be claimed through an Italian ancestor going back multiple generations, provided certain technical requirements were met. This led to a surge in applications from abroad, particularly from the United States, often based on distant ancestry and without any real connection to Italy.
After March 28, 2025
Under the new law, citizenship by descent is no longer open-ended.
In simplified terms:
- Having an Italian great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent is no longer sufficient.
- Claims based solely on ancestry without a direct parental or grandparental link born in Italy are now generally excluded.
- Applications filed after March 27, 2025, are subject to the new, stricter rules.
- Ongoing or previously filed applications may still be evaluated under the old framework, provided they are formally submitted before the cutoff date.
Model used for Lorenzo International Real Estate
Common Misunderstandings I See Every Week
These are some of the most frequent misconceptions I encounter:
“My brother is applying, so I can apply too.”
Citizenship eligibility is individual. A sibling’s situation does not automatically apply to you.
“I’m starting the process, so I can live in Italy.”
Starting a citizenship application does not grant residency rights, work authorization, or access to Italian healthcare.
“If I apply for citizenship, Italian banks will treat me as Italian.”
They will not. Until citizenship is granted, you remain a non-resident foreign buyer.
“I can move to Italy while my application is pending.”
No. Without a valid visa or residency permit, you cannot legally reside in Italy long-term.
Citizenship Is Not a Visa Strategy
This point is critical. Citizenship by descent is not a shortcut to living in Italy. Even before the 2025 reform, the process often took several years and required extensive documentation, apostilles, translations, and legal review. Today, eligibility itself is far more limited. If your goal is to live in Italy, you must evaluate the appropriate residency visa options independently of citizenship, such as: Each has specific financial, legal, and tax requirements that must be addressed upfront.
How This Relates to Buying Property in Italy
Many people contact me, assuming that buying property and obtaining citizenship are closely connected. They are not.
You can buy property in Italy as a foreigner without citizenship. You cannot live in Italy long-term without a proper visa or residency status. This distinction matters because unrealistic expectations often derail otherwise good real estate decisions. Part of my role is to help clients distinguish between what is legally possible and what is based on outdated online information.
Italy remains a wonderful place to own property, spend time, and build a meaningful connection. But it is not a system that works on assumptions or shortcuts. The 2025 reform has made one thing very clear: ancestry alone is no longer enough.
Before making decisions based on citizenship expectations, it is essential to understand the current legal reality. Doing so saves time, money, and frustration. Clarity is always the best starting point.
These are some of the most frequent misconceptions I encounter:
“My brother is applying, so I can apply too.”
Citizenship eligibility is individual. A sibling’s situation does not automatically apply to you.
“I’m starting the process, so I can live in Italy.”
Starting a citizenship application does not grant residency rights, work authorization, or access to Italian healthcare.
“If I apply for citizenship, Italian banks will treat me as Italian.”
They will not. Until citizenship is granted, you remain a non-resident foreign buyer.
“I can move to Italy while my application is pending.”
No. Without a valid visa or residency permit, you cannot legally reside in Italy long-term.
Citizenship Is Not a Visa Strategy
This point is critical. Citizenship by descent is not a shortcut to living in Italy. Even before the 2025 reform, the process often took several years and required extensive documentation, apostilles, translations, and legal review. Today, eligibility itself is far more limited. If your goal is to live in Italy, you must evaluate the appropriate residency visa options independently of citizenship, such as: Each has specific financial, legal, and tax requirements that must be addressed upfront.
How This Relates to Buying Property in Italy
Many people contact me, assuming that buying property and obtaining citizenship are closely connected. They are not.
You can buy property in Italy as a foreigner without citizenship. You cannot live in Italy long-term without a proper visa or residency status. This distinction matters because unrealistic expectations often derail otherwise good real estate decisions. Part of my role is to help clients distinguish between what is legally possible and what is based on outdated online information.
Italy remains a wonderful place to own property, spend time, and build a meaningful connection. But it is not a system that works on assumptions or shortcuts. The 2025 reform has made one thing very clear: ancestry alone is no longer enough.
Before making decisions based on citizenship expectations, it is essential to understand the current legal reality. Doing so saves time, money, and frustration. Clarity is always the best starting point.