On March 28, 2025, the Italian government issued an emergency decree (Law 36) that dramatically limited eligibility for citizenship by descent (CBD). Under the new rules:
• Only individuals with an Italian-born parent or grandparent are eligible.
• Applicants must demonstrate a closer connection to Italy (e.g. residence, registration).
• Great-grandchildren or more distant descendants are no longer eligible.

You may still qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if:
• Your parent or grandparent was born in Italy, and
• Your Italian ancestor did not renounce citizenship before the next generation’s birth, and
• You can present complete, official documentation (sworn affidavits are no longer accepted).

The decree does not affect existing applications filed before the deadline. However, it blocks all future applications from more distant descendants—even if they were previously eligible.
Legal experts argue the retroactive impact on already-born descendants may violate Italy’s Constitution and European human rights laws. Constitutional challenges are expected.

The decree is:
• Immediately enforceable, but
• Provisional until Parliament ratifies it within 60 days (by May 27, 2025).

Parliament may:
• Approve it as-is
• Modify it
• Let it expire (unlikely)

Two additional bills were introduced alongside the decree. These are not yet law, but propose the following:
Centralized Processing
All citizenship-by-descent applications would be submitted to a single office in Rome, replacing local consulates.
Stricter Citizenship by Marriage Rules
Only spouses residing in Italy would be eligible. Overseas spouses would no longer qualify.
25-Year Citizenship Activity Requirement
Italian citizens abroad must:
• Vote in Italian elections, or
• Renew their passport, or
• Register with AIRE
at least once every 25 years, or risk revocation of citizenship.
Citizenship for Minor Children (Outside Two Generations)
Children may qualify after living in Italy for 2 years with a newly recognized parent.

Yes. The decree abolishes the need for court petitions in female-line cases. You can now apply administratively through a grandmother or mother born before 1948, just like male-line applicants.

Under the new decree, this no longer disqualifies you.The provision that previously blocked applications in these cases has been repealed. This may restore eligibility for many applicants.

If you do not meet the new two-generation rule, you are currently ineligible.If you do qualify under the new rules:
• Start your application immediately.
•️ Additional restrictions may be implemented soon if the proposed bills pass.

Yes — potentially.
‍The decree must be ratified by Parliament. If it is not, it automatically lapses.Even if passed, constitutional court challenges are highly likely, especially over retroactive restrictions and human rights violations.