Italy’s Citizenship Shake-Up: New Rules, Referendum & Controversy

by Expat Living in Rome

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In March 2025, the Italian government enacted significant changes to its citizenship laws, impacting both EU residents and descendants of Italian nationals abroad. These reforms, championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, aim to tighten eligibility criteria and address concerns over the misuse of citizenship rights.

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Key Changes to Italian Citizenship Laws

1. Ancestral Citizenship Limited: Previously, individuals could claim Italian citizenship through ancestors dating back to 1861. Under the new law, only those with at least one parent or grandparent who was an Italian citizen by birth are eligible.
2. Residency Requirements for Non-EU Nationals: Non-EU residents must now reside in Italy for a minimum of 10 years before applying for citizenship, up from the previous requirement.
3. Language Proficiency Mandate: Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in the Italian language, equivalent to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

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Upcoming Referendum: A Potential Shift

A referendum scheduled for June 8–9, 2025, could alter the current trajectory of Italy’s citizenship laws. If passed, the reform would reduce the residency requirement for non-EU nationals from 10 years to 5 years, potentially making approximately 2.5 million residents eligible for citizenship.

However, the referendum faces challenges:

• Government Opposition: Prime Minister Meloni’s administration opposes the referendum, with officials encouraging citizens to abstain from voting to prevent the necessary turnout for validation.
• Voter Turnout Concerns: For the referendum to be valid, over 50% of eligible voters must participate. Historically, Italian referendums have struggled to meet this threshold.

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Implications for the Italian Diaspora and EU Residents

The tightened citizenship laws have sparked discontent among Italian descendants worldwide, particularly in the Americas, where many individuals trace their heritage to great-grandparents. The new restrictions exclude these individuals from claiming citizenship, leading to feelings of alienation and betrayal.

For EU residents, the reforms signify a more stringent path to Italian citizenship, emphasizing language proficiency and extended residency. While the upcoming referendum offers a potential easing of these requirements, its success remains uncertain due to political opposition and anticipated low voter turnout.

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Conclusion

Italy’s 2025 citizenship reforms reflect a broader trend of tightening immigration and naturalization policies. While aimed at preserving national identity and preventing misuse of citizenship rights, these changes have significant implications for EU residents and the global Italian diaspora. The upcoming referendum presents an opportunity for policy reversal, but its outcome is uncertain.

For those affected, staying informed and engaged with the evolving legal landscape is crucial. Consulting with legal experts and participating in civic processes can help navigate these changes and advocate for more inclusive policies.

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