Italy Citizenship Reform 2026: Easier Paths for Expat Families

Italy’s government is actively debating changes to its citizenship laws in 2026, with proposals to streamline the process for descendants of Italian emigrants and long-term residents. For expats dreaming of an Italian passport, these reforms could reduce bureaucratic hurdles and shorten waiting times. However, the details are still evolving, and understanding the current system is essential before the new rules take effect. This guide explains what’s changing, how it might impact your application, and practical steps you can take today.

Current Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Italy’s citizenship by descent—known as jure sanguinis (right of blood)—is one of the most generous in the world, but it’s also notoriously complex. Currently, anyone with an Italian ancestor who died after March 17, 1861 (the unification of Italy) can claim citizenship, provided the lineage hasn’t been broken by a naturalization before that ancestor’s child was born. The process requires gathering birth, marriage, and death certificates from both Italy and the country of your ancestor’s emigration, plus proving no naturalization occurred before the next generation’s birth. Applications can take 2–5 years through Italian consulates, and many applicants face backlogs and inconsistent requirements.

Key current rules: the ancestor must have been an Italian citizen at the time of your parent’s birth, and women could only pass on citizenship to children born after January 1, 1948 (though a 2023 court ruling partially changed this). For those with female ancestors, a judicial process is often needed, adding time and cost.

Proposed Reforms in 2026: What’s Changing?

In mid-2026, Italian lawmakers introduced a draft bill aimed at simplifying citizenship by descent and naturalization. The proposed reforms include:

• Reducing documentation requirements: The bill suggests accepting digitized records and allowing self-certification for some documents, cutting the need for expensive apostilles and translations.
• Limiting generations: To address backlogs, a cap on the number of generations that can claim citizenship—likely limiting claims to grandchildren of Italian emigrants (i.e., great-grandchildren may no longer qualify).
• Faster naturalization for residents: For those living in Italy, the residency requirement for citizenship could drop from 10 to 5 years (for non-EU citizens) and from 4 to 2 years for EU citizens. Language proficiency (B1 level) remains mandatory.
• Streamlined consular processing: A centralized online portal for applications, with standard processing times capped at 12 months.

These changes are not yet law—they are under parliamentary review—but experts expect a vote by late 2026 or early 2027. If you’re considering applying, don’t wait; the grandfather clause may protect current applicants if the law changes.

How the Reforms Affect Expat Families

If you’re an expat living in Italy or planning to move, the reforms could be a game-changer. For families with Italian ancestry, the proposed generational limit means acting quickly if you’re a great-grandchild or further removed. For those without Italian blood, the reduced residency requirement makes naturalization more accessible after just 5 years of legal residence (with a permesso di soggiorno).

Practical considerations for families: children under 18 automatically acquire citizenship when a parent naturalizes, so a faster process benefits the whole family. However, you’ll still need to meet income and integration requirements, such as passing a B1 Italian test and proving no criminal record. Start learning Italian now—it’s the most common stumbling block.

Another tip: if you’re applying by descent from abroad, consider moving to Italy first. The Italian government is exploring a “fast track” for descendants who reside in Italy, potentially reducing processing times to 6 months. This could save years of consular delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Application

Regardless of the reforms, preparation is key. Here’s a practical roadmap for 2026:

1. Document gathering: Collect all vital records (birth, marriage, death) for your Italian ancestor and every direct descendant in your line. Order certified copies from the Italian comune (town hall) and from foreign civil registries. For ancestors from Italy, you can request documents via the Anagrafe online.
2. Verify naturalization: Check if your Italian ancestor naturalized in their new country before the birth of the next generation. You’ll need a Certificate of Non-Naturalization from the U.S. National Archives (if applicable) or equivalent from other countries.
3. Language preparation: Start studying Italian to at least B1 level. The test (CILS or CELI) is required for naturalization and may become required for descent applications under the new law. Use free apps like Duolingo or take a course at a local Italian cultural institute.
4. Legal consultation: Hire an Italian immigration lawyer or a recognized praticante (legal expert) who specializes in citizenship. They can advise on generational limits and help with court cases (e.g., for 1948 cases).
5. Submit early: If you’re eligible now, apply before any reforms take effect. Consulates may prioritize pre-existing applications if a cap is introduced.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with reforms, mistakes can derail your application. The most common errors include:

• Incomplete lineage: Missing a marriage certificate or failing to prove that your ancestor was still an Italian citizen when your parent was born. Double-check every link in the chain.
• Wrong translations: All non-Italian documents must be translated by a certified translator (notarized or with a “dichiarazione di conformità”). Use a translator accredited by the Italian consulate.
• Apostille confusion: Documents from non-EU countries often need an apostille (Hague Convention). Some consulates waive this for certain records, but don’t assume—check with your specific consulate.
• Ignoring the 1948 rule: If your Italian ancestor was a woman who gave birth before 1948, you must file a lawsuit in Rome. This adds 1–2 years and €2,000–€5,000 in legal fees, but it’s often the only path.

To avoid delays, organize your documents in chronological order and make multiple copies. Many consulates now require scans uploaded via a portal, so invest in a good scanner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Italy to apply for citizenship by descent?

No, you can apply from abroad through your local Italian consulate. However, living in Italy can speed up the process—some comuni process applications in 6–12 months, compared to 2–5 years at consulates. The proposed reforms may make this “fast track” official.

Will the 2026 reforms affect applications already in progress?

Typically, Italian law applies the rules in effect at the time of application. If you submit before any reform passes, your case should be processed under current rules. However, always consult a lawyer for the latest guidance, as retroactive changes are possible but rare.

What is the B1 Italian language test, and how do I prepare?

The B1 test assesses intermediate Italian skills—you should be able to hold conversations about familiar topics, understand main points of clear speech, and write simple texts. Approved tests include CILS (Università per Stranieri di Siena) and CELI (Università per Stranieri di Perugia). Prepare with online courses, language exchange partners, or immersion in Italy.

Can my spouse and children get Italian citizenship through me?

Yes, if you naturalize (become a citizen by residency or descent after moving to Italy), your spouse can apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage (if residing in Italy) or 3 years (if abroad). Minor children automatically acquire citizenship when you do. For descent applications, children under 18 can be included in your application as long as they live with you.