Italian Citizenship Jure Sanguinis Update
Understanding the April 30 Constitutional Court Ruling Ruling.
On April 30, 2026, the Italian Constitutional Court issued its highly anticipated first decision regarding Law 74/2025 (the conversion of Law Decree 36/2025). This legislation introduces new parameters for the recognition of Italian citizenship through descent, commonly known as jure sanguinis.
While the Court has initially upheld the legislation, the legal landscape remains fluid. Below is a breakdown of what this decision means for current and future applicants.
The Court’s Current Position
In its first review of the new legislation, the Constitutional Court opted to uphold the law’s validity. However, the reasoning behind the decision focused heavily on the logistical impact of application volumes, leaving several complex legal questions open for future debate. As a result, the legal landscape surrounding Law 74/2025 is not yet fully defined. This ongoing judicial evolution suggests that as more diverse cases are heard, new interpretations and clearer guidance will likely emerge.
Who is NOT Affected?
It is important to clarify that Law 74/2025 and this recent ruling do not apply to several key categories. The following paths to citizenship remain stable:
First and Second-Generation Applicants Through an Italian Ancestor Who Held Exclusively Italian Citizenship
Children or grandchildren of an Italian citizen who held (or held at the time of death) exclusively Italian citizenship.
Residency Requirements
Children (1st generation) of an Italian citizen who resided in Italy for at least two years prior to the child’s birth, following the parent's acquisition of citizenship.
Prior Filings
All cases officially filed with a Court or Consulate before March 27, 2025, remain protected under the previous framework.
Citizenship by Marriage
Naturalization through marriage (jure matrimonii) remains unchanged.
Reacquisition & Registration of Minors
Cases involving the reacquisition of citizenship and the registration of minor children are unaffected.
Strengthening Your Case
Regardless of the timing of an application, demonstrating a "genuine connection" to Italy can be a significant advantage. Potential applicants are encouraged to gather documentation that demonstrates their ties to the Italian Republic, such as:
Proof of Consular Interaction
Records of emails, screenshots of appointment attempts, or waitlist confirmations. The Court has acknowledged that such efforts may create a "legitimate expectation" of recognition.
Language Proficiency
Certifications of Italian language skills.
Ties to Italy
Evidence of property ownership or other documented ties to the country.
It is important to remember that this is an evolving legal landscape. As additional cases are heard and analyzed, interpretations can shift and further guidance will emerge.
Decisions from the Constitutional Court, while highly influential, are not strictly binding on all judges, and interpretations may vary across different courts. Furthermore, certain cases, even if impacted by the new law, may still have strong grounds for success depending on specific circumstances, such as cases involving dual citizenship within the family line.
We are committed to navigating this evolving situation together with you, providing clear guidance and advising on the best path forward as the situation continues to develop.
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