Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): What Changed in 2025 and Why It Matters
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Over the past several years, I have received a growing number of inquiries from Americans interested in buying property in Italy who also believe they may qualify for Italian citizenship through ancestry. Some have an Italian parent or grandparent, others refer to more distant ancestors, and many are relying on information that was accurate before 2025.
Italy significantly changed its citizenship-by-descent rules through Decree-Law No. 36 of March 28, 2025, subsequently converted—with amendments—into Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025. Additional provisions and administrative guidance have continued to clarify how the new framework applies. The principle of citizenship by descent still exists, but recognition for people born abroad who hold another citizenship is now subject to substantially narrower conditions. This page provides a general overview of how those changes may affect Americans considering property ownership, relocation, or a longer-term connection with Italy. Citizenship eligibility must always be verified through the appropriate Italian consulate or a qualified immigration and citizenship attorney. |
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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, by itself, is generally no longer sufficient.
- A person born abroad who holds another citizenship may still qualify if a parent or grandparent holds—or held at the time of death—exclusively Italian citizenship.
- Eligibility may also exist when an Italian parent resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years after acquiring Italian citizenship and before the applicant’s birth or adoption.
- Applications and judicial proceedings formally submitted by 11:59 p.m. Rome time on March 27, 2025—as well as certain applications connected to appointments communicated by that deadline—may remain subject to the previous rules.
- Individual eligibility depends on the applicant’s family history, citizenship records, dates, and specific circumstances.
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 an Italian resident.”
Not necessarily. A pending application does not make someone an Italian citizen, and Italian citizenship does not automatically establish Italian residency. Banks generally consider residency, income, employment, credit profile, documentation, and the property itself when evaluating a mortgage application.
“I can move to Italy while my application is pending.”
Not necessarily. Filing or preparing an application from abroad does not, by itself, create a general right to reside or work in Italy. The applicable requirements depend on the citizenship procedure, where the application is submitted, the applicant’s nationality, and the legal basis for remaining in Italy.
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.
Important: Citizenship rules are highly fact-specific and may be affected by subsequent legislation, court decisions, and consular guidance. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Eligibility should be verified through the appropriate Italian consulate or a qualified citizenship attorney.
Last reviewed: August 2026.
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 an Italian resident.”
Not necessarily. A pending application does not make someone an Italian citizen, and Italian citizenship does not automatically establish Italian residency. Banks generally consider residency, income, employment, credit profile, documentation, and the property itself when evaluating a mortgage application.
“I can move to Italy while my application is pending.”
Not necessarily. Filing or preparing an application from abroad does not, by itself, create a general right to reside or work in Italy. The applicable requirements depend on the citizenship procedure, where the application is submitted, the applicant’s nationality, and the legal basis for remaining in Italy.
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.
Important: Citizenship rules are highly fact-specific and may be affected by subsequent legislation, court decisions, and consular guidance. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Eligibility should be verified through the appropriate Italian consulate or a qualified citizenship attorney.
Last reviewed: August 2026.