4 Things You Can Do If You’re Affected by the New Italian Citizenship Decree

And Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

On March 28, 2025, the Italian government dropped a legal bombshell—one that caught nearly everyone off guard. Through an emergency legislative move known as the Tajani Decree, major changes were announced to the way Italian citizenship by descent is recognized and processed (official Gazzetta in Italian).

If you’ve been following along, you already know how disruptive this has been. If this is the first time you're hearing about it, take a deep breath—I’ll walk you through exactly what’s changed, who is affected, and most importantly, what you can still do.

Who Is Affected by the Decree?

Let’s start with the basics: If you have a parent or grandparent who was still an Italian citizen when the next generation was born, you’re safe. This decree does not affect your eligibility.

However, everything you knew about Italian citizenship before March 28th has, for now, could be wiped away—or at least that’s how the new decree is being interpreted.

This means:

• No more 1948 cases

• No more minor exceptions

• No more tracing your ancestry back through multiple generations

Effectively, citizenship by jure sanguinis has been reset and replaced by this new decree. Under the new framework, eligibility appears to begin only if you have an Italian parent or grandparent.

The Tajani Decree, issued on March 28, 2025, introduced severe restrictions on the right to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry (iure sanguinis). It impacts anyone who had not yet filed their application—whether through a court, a comune, or an Italian consulate—before midnight on March 27, 2025.

Here’s a quick breakdown of who is affected:

• Applicants planning to submit their case after March 27, 2025

• Applicants relying on more distant ancestors (especially beyond grandparents)

• Families where not all members qualify under the stricter new rules

• Anyone preparing to apply via a comune or consulate appointment that was scheduled after the cutoff date
  

If you’ve already filed your case in court or submitted your application through a consulate or comune before midnight on March 27, your case is protected under the previous law. You're in the clear—for now.

What You Can Do If You're Affected

This new decree has understandably left many people feeling like the door to Italian citizenship has slammed shut.

But it hasn’t. Not entirely.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Pause and Wait (Strategically)

The decree is not yet permanent law. Under the Italian Constitution, Parliament has 60 days to convert the decree into law—or reject or amend it. This means everything could still change.

One possibility is that Parliament will modify the effective date of the decree, creating a grace period. If that happens and you’re ready to file quickly, you may still have a chance to submit your application under the current rules.

We’re advising clients who are close to ready to stay prepared. If a filing window reopens, you’ll want to move quickly.

2. Take Legal Action (Court Cases Only)

If your case is going to court, and you have some applicants who still qualify, you should choose to move forward with them. The court is then obligated to make a decision on the non-qualifying applicants as well—although the outcome is uncertain- it is better to make the judge decide.

Only a judge can raise a case to the Constitutional Court, therefore, every case brought to a civil court increases the chance that a judge will raise the issue to the Constitutional Court, where real change can begin.

While this route isn’t risk-free, we believe in using the legal system to challenge laws that overreach. That’s how progress has always been made—from the 1948 cases to today.

3. Consider Applying for a Visa

If you were hoping to move to Italy soon and the citizenship path is now on pause, don’t give up on your plans. There are multiple types of visas available, depending on your situation—whether you're retiring, working remotely, studying, or investing.

You can download our Free Italy Visa Guidebook here for an overview of your options. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking to keep moving forward without delay.

4. Hold Your Case and Watch the Legal Landscape

If you’re not ready to file and don’t want to take the risk of proceeding now, that’s okay. You can pause your case and wait for more clarity. How long will you have to wait?

There are two major milestones to watch:

• Parliament’s decision within the 60-day window. This expires on May 28, 2025, so mark the date.
  

• The Constitutional Court hearing, which although it will be making decisions on another argument, is closely related to the facts in issue on the Tajani decree, it is important. This is scheduled for June 2025
  

These will determine whether the decree is confirmed, modified, or challenged. Legal battles could stretch well into 2026, but history shows that the courts do correct unfair laws—eventually.

Our Position

We’ve been working closely with our citizenship team of legal experts across Italy and abroad to monitor this situation and prepare strategic responses. We believe this decree is deeply flawed and likely unconstitutional—and we won’t be standing still.

I’ve spoken about this with CNN and World Radio Report and on my recent Podcast episode, and we’ll continue to advocate for fairness, clarity, and justice for Italian descendants around the world.

You're Not Alone

If your dream feels further away today than it did a month ago, you’re not alone. But remember—generations before us fought to keep these rights alive. The path forward may be slower, but it still exists.

You have options. You have support. And we’re still here—walking this path with you.

If you're not sure what your next move should be or unsure if you still qualify, you can take our updated quiz here.

If you are impacted by this decision but unsure of other pathways to Italy, Download our free visa guidebook here and stay tuned for updates as we learn more from Parliament and the Constitutional Court.

Still Have Questions? You’re Not Alone.

We know that every case is unique, and with so much uncertainty around the Tajani Decree, it’s natural to wonder what it means for your specific situation. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into the process, now is the time to get clarity and make smart, informed decisions.

Here are some of the most common questions we’ve received in recent days—and what you need to know right now:

1. Can I still proceed if I have a 1948 petition?

If your 1948 case was filed in court before March 28, 2025, it will move forward under the previous rules. No changes apply to you at this time.

If you haven’t filed yet, the new decree introduces restrictions that could impact your eligibility. However, it also may impact the 1948 law itself and replacing it with the new decree.

If you're ready to file now, we recommend doing so before the 60-day window closes. While there’s no guarantee, if Parliament decides to adjust the effective date of the decree, your case may still fall under the current law.

If you're not yet ready, you can still choose to pursue your case through the courts—but you’ll need to understand the risks involved. There’s a chance the court may apply the new law, but there’s also the possibility that the law could be amended or the judge rules in your favor.

2. Should I continue collecting documents and preparing my application?

Given the decree's 60-day period before parliamentary confirmation, it's prudent to continue gathering necessary documents. Being prepared will position you to act swiftly if opportunities arise, especially if Parliament amends the decree to allow a grace period for applications.​

3. I am ready to move to Italy to apply; should I go?

With the current uncertainties, it's recommended to wait until the 60-day period concludes and Parliament makes a definitive decision on the decree. This will provide clarity on application procedures and prevent unnecessary expenditures or complications.​

4. What is the risk if I still go to court?

Proceeding with a court application now carries risks due to the decree's potential to limit eligibility. If the decree becomes law without amendments, your case might face dismissal based on the new criteria. It's essential to discuss these risks with your legal counsel to make an informed decision.​

5. Some of my family members still qualify; should we keep everyone on the file?

For court cases, you have the option to include all applicants. Qualifying members' applications will proceed, while non-qualifying members will be subject to the court's interpretation of the new law. This approach carries uncertainty, as outcomes for non-qualifying members are unpredictable. Alternatively, you can choose to proceed only with qualifying members to ensure their applications are not delayed or jeopardized.

Stay strong. Stay informed. And don’t stop dreaming. And remeber, this is evolving, and we expect changes in the coming months so stay tuned and subscribe to Italy Per Te to stay up to date.