Italy Restricts Citizenship: Thousands of Brazilians Affected

Italy Tightens Citizenship Rules for Descendants of Italians Born Abroad Rome, May 16, 2025 – The Italian parliament is set to discuss a bill that will significantly restrict the granting of Italian citizenship to descendants of Italians born outside the country. This follows a decree issued in late March that limited the right to citizenship to the children and grandchildren of Italian citizens. The proposed legislation will formalize this restriction. Previously, Italian citizenship could be passed down through generations, provided a link to an Italian ancestor alive after the creation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 could be proven. The new rules, however, limit eligibility to children and grandchildren of Italian citizens, and only under specific conditions. These conditions include the parent or grandparent being born in Italy, or having lived in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the birth of the child or grandchild. "The change affects many Brazilians who were previously eligible for Italian citizenship," stated Wesley Bischoff, a reporter for g1. "Now, only children and grandchildren, under specific conditions, can apply." The stricter rules have led to Italian consulates temporarily suspending new citizenship applications. Those who started the process before March 28th are unaffected. Currently, new applications must be submitted through the Italian courts. While the Italian government justifies the measure as necessary for national security and to manage the high volume of applications, some experts argue that the decree may be unconstitutional and discriminatory. The debate continues, and the final outcome awaits parliamentary approval.