Reform limits citizenship to two generations; 20,000 Brazilians obtained nationality in 2024
The government of Italy on Friday (28.mar.2025) a reform that limits the right to nationality of the country by offspring to two generations. Read the statement (PDF – 236 KB).
Now, to obtain citizenship, it is necessary that At least 1 of the parents or grandparents was born in Italy. Before, it was enough to have an Italian great -grandfather or great -grandfather. Change especially affects Latin American immigrants, such as those of Argentina and Brazil.
Who has already been recognized as a citizen by court, municipality or consulate will maintain citizenship. Orders sent until 11:59 pm (Rome time) of March 27, 2025 will be prosecuted according to the old rules.
Learn how it will work
The new limits apply only to those who have another nationality and apply to everyone, regardless of the date of birth.
The reform will be implemented in two steps. Here’s how it will work:
- 1 ª ªama: In force, it establishes that the descendants of Italians born abroad will have automatic citizenship only for two generations;
- Phase 2: A more detailed reform will be introduced, which will require citizens born outside Italy to maintain real ties with the country, exercising citizenship rights and duties at least once every 25 years, with the hypothesis of loss of citizenship by “disuse”. The government has not yet specified what rights and duties will be required.
25 year limit
Another part of the bill states that the birth registration of the descendants of Italian citizens born abroad must be done before 25.
Otherwise, it will not be possible to request citizenship, as it is assumed that there is no “Effective bonds with Italy” because of the lack of rights and compliance with duties.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani, said that the right to obtain Italian nationality by blood will not be extinguished, but there will be restrictions to avoid abuse.
Affected Brazilians
According to the Italian government, in 2023, 20,000 Argentines and 30,000 in 2024 obtained Italian citizenship. In Brazil, 14,000 people acquired nationality in 2022, and 20,000 by 2024.
It is estimated that between 60 and 80 million people worldwide could request Italian nationality, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Italy.
