THE ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP LAW HAS CHANGED. BUT HAVE YOU LOST YOUR RIGHT?

Over the past few months, the changes to the rules governing Italian citizenship have surprised thousands of people of Italian descent.

The reaction was immediate. Thousands of individuals who had spent years gathering documents, researching family records, translating certificates and waiting for appointments at Italian consulates concluded that all their efforts had been in vain.

But is that conclusion actually correct?

The truth is that many people gave up before fully understanding what has really changed and, more importantly, how those changes may affect their specific circumstances.

If you have Italian ancestry and dream of obtaining a European passport, this is one of the most important moments to understand your situation accurately.

What has changed in Italian citizenship law?

In 2025, Italy introduced significant changes to the rules governing the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis).

These changes created uncertainty across Italian communities worldwide and triggered an avalanche of questions from descendants who were preparing their applications or waiting for consular appointments.

Since then, one of the most frequently searched questions online has been: "Can I still obtain Italian citizenship?"

The answer depends on several factors, including your line of descent, the stage your citizenship project had reached, and the documentation you already possess.

For this reason, generic answers found in social media groups are rarely sufficient.

The mistake that could cost you your Italian citizenship

There is a pattern we have been observing frequently. Many people heard about the legislative changes, assumed that they had lost any possibility of recognition, and simply abandoned their projects.

In some cases, that decision may be correct. In others, it may mean giving up a right without even understanding what alternatives may still be available.

Italian citizenship is not a subject that allows for universal answers.

Two descendants from the same family may have completely different legal situations, depending on the available documentation, the chronology of events and the measures they had already taken before the legislative changes came into effect.

This is precisely why an individual assessment has become more important than ever.

Can the consular waiting list make a difference?

For years, thousands of people experienced difficulties in accessing Italian consular services.

In many regions, appointment slots were scarce and waiting times were extremely long. Numerous descendants spent years attempting to secure appointments or waiting for the opportunity to submit their documentation.

This context has generated an important legal debate, as many individuals demonstrated a genuine intention to initiate the procedure, gathered documentation and sought access to the consulate, yet encountered administrative obstacles that were entirely beyond their control.

So, what impact should this situation have on the assessment of these cases?

The answer is still being debated in different legal proceedings and contexts. There is no single solution applicable to every case. However, it is possible to conclude that documents which once appeared to be of secondary importance may help secure recognition of Italian citizenship.

Which documents deserve particular attention?

You may have retained documents without realising their potential value. Depending on the circumstances, it is important to preserve records relating to:

• attempts to secure appointments through the Prenot@mi system;

• communications with consulates;

• proof of registration on consular waiting lists;

• administrative reference numbers and protocols;

• records demonstrating follow-up of the procedure;

• documents evidencing the intention to initiate or continue the citizenship recognition process;

• requests for documents and certificates.

The relevance of each document will depend on the specific circumstances of the family and the legal strategy adopted.

Why are so many people seeking a European passport now?

For many descendants, Italian citizenship has never been merely a matter of family heritage. It represents the possibility of living, working, studying or doing business in European Union countries. It represents international mobility, family planning and expanded opportunities for future generations.

This is precisely why the recent changes have generated so much concern. When a person believes they may have lost an important opportunity for themselves and their children, the natural tendency is to react emotionally.

However, important decisions should not be made based on headlines or comments found on the internet. They should be made on the basis of facts, documents and technical analysis.

Are you certain that you understand your own case?

This may be the most important question of all.

It does not matter what happened in your neighbour's case, that of a distant relative, or someone who shared their experience in a social media group.

What truly matters is understanding your own situation.

In many cases, the difference between abandoning a project and discovering a viable alternative lies precisely in a detailed analysis of the documentation and the family's history.

Conclusion

The recent changes to Italian legislation have significantly altered the landscape of citizenship by descent. That is a fact.

What is not a fact is the assertion that everyone has lost the right to recognition of Italian citizenship.

In many cases, the answer depends less on the headlines and more on the documents you already possess.

Before concluding that your project has come to an end, it is worth understanding exactly where you stand and what options may still be available to you and your family.

The worst decision may not be receiving a negative answer. The worst decision may be giving up without ever discovering what the correct answer would have been.

Schedule a consultation with International Horizons and receive an individual assessment of your family and documentary circumstances.