Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
by Adriana ruiz
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad.
Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at birth. This rule applies even if the person was born abroad, lives abroad, and already has another nationality.
Why Was the Case Brought to Court?
Several courts in Bologna, Rome, Milan, and Florence questioned whether it makes sense to grant citizenship to people who:
• Were born and live outside of Italy,
• Hold another nationality, and
• Have little or no real connection to Italy.
The judges asked the Constitutional Court if the law should include limits or require stronger ties to Italy.
What the Court Decided
The Constitutional Court said:
• It is not the Court’s role to rewrite the law. Only the Italian Parliament can decide if stricter requirements should be introduced.
• Having an Italian parent is a valid reason to grant citizenship. The parent–child connection is enough under the current law.
• The current law is not unconstitutional. The Court rejected arguments that it violates Italian or EU legal principles.
The Court also did not apply the new rules introduced in 2025 (Law 74/2025), which put some limits on citizenship by descent, because the cases under review started before those changes.
What This Means for Applicants
For now, nothing changes for people applying for Italian citizenship through ancestry:
• If you can prove you are a descendant of an Italian citizen, you can still claim citizenship under the existing rules.
• New restrictions introduced in 2025 will only affect future cases.
Want help navigating the process? Reach out to [email protected] — we offer personalized support and relocation assistance, all tailored to your unique path to citizenship.
Subscribe to our newsletter to access content and updates to help navigate life as an expat in Italy.
Christmas in Italy 2025: A Magical Season for Expats Across Italy
Christmas in Italy isn’t just a holiday — it’s a season full of history, flavor, celebration, and heartfelt traditions that bring families, towns, and entire regions to life. Whether you’re an expat experiencing your first Italian Christmas or a returning fan of the magic, 2025 promises some beautiful celebrations across the country. Here’s what to […]
Tax Residency Incentives in Italy — Your Guide (2025)
Italy offers several tax incentives designed to attract retirees, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and remote workers. These regimes can be extremely generous — but they are complex and often conditional. This guide explains the main options in 2025, who qualifies, and how we can help you plan a compliant move. Why Italy Offers Tax Incentives Italy […]
Navigating Healthcare in Rome: A Guide for Expats with English-Speaking Doctors
Moving abroad is exciting, that is until real life hits. I came to Italy from Alaska in 2021 for what was supposed to be a four-month study program in Florence. Four years later, I’m still here, now living and working in Rome. When we plan our dolce vita, we think about pasta, museums filled […]
Major Tax Incentives for Home Renovation in Italy (2024-2033)
Taxpayers carrying out renovation work on residential buildings and common areas of residential complexes in Italy are entitled to claim significant tax relief. This benefit allows individuals to deduct a portion of the expenses incurred from their Italian personal income tax (Irpef). This article outlines the rules, beneficiaries, and changing deduction rates for these home […]
How to Save on Taxes When Buying Your First Home in Italy
Buying a first home in Italy comes with significant tax benefits and incentives designed to make property ownership more accessible. Whether you are an Italian national or a foreigner, understanding these advantages can translate into substantial savings on your property purchase. The “Prima Casa” regime is essentially a set of tax reliefs applicable to the […]
Bringing Your Family to Italy: A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens residing in Italy, having your family with you is a tangible goal. Italian law provides a framework for family reunification, allowing you to bring close relatives to live with you under specific conditions. This guide outlines the key requirements, procedures, and rights to help you navigate the process. Who Can Apply for […]
How to Become a Self-Employed Worker in Italy
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Italy? This guide explains the conditions you must meet, the procedures to follow, and the rights you can enjoy during your stay. Conditions for Self-Employment To legally engage in independent work in Italy, non-EU citizens must satisfy several conditions and obtain the […]
Transport strikes scheduled across Italy in September 2025
September is shaping up to be a turbulent month for travelers in Italy, with more than 14 national strikes scheduled. Widespread protests are expected to cause significant disruption across trains, flights, and local public transport networks. Rail and Air Travel Disruption Commuters and long-distance travelers on trains should be aware of a major nationwide strike […]
