Italy Moves to Tighten Citizenship Rules Amid Surge in Applications

Italy’s government announced on Friday plans to tighten citizenship laws, seeking to limit claims based on distant ancestry amid a surge in applications from abroad.

Under current jure sanguinis ("right of blood") rules, individuals with proof of an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861—when the Kingdom of Italy was established—can claim citizenship. However, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the system is being exploited, overwhelming consulates worldwide with passport requests.

"Being an Italian citizen is a serious matter. It’s not a game to obtain a passport for shopping in Miami," Tajani said at a press conference. He emphasized the need to "strengthen the emotional bond between Italy and its citizens abroad" while preventing abuse, including the "commercialization of Italian passports."

Rising Citizenship Grants Strain System

The Foreign Ministry reported a sharp increase in citizenship approvals, particularly in South America, where millions of Italians migrated in the 19th and 20th centuries. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of Italians registered abroad rose by 40%, from 4.6 million to 6.4 million.

In Argentina, citizenship recognitions jumped from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024, while Brazil saw an increase from 14,000 to 20,000. Tajani noted that companies are profiting by helping applicants trace distant relatives and secure documentation, creating backlogs in municipal offices.

Italy’s population, currently around 59 million, has been declining for a decade. The government estimates that under existing laws, 60 to 80 million people worldwide could be eligible for citizenship.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has previously suggested addressing demographic challenges by encouraging Christians of Italian descent—such as those in Venezuela—to resettle in Italy. The proposed reforms aim to balance heritage rights with sustainable immigration policies.