How Decree Law n. 36 Affects Minor Children’s Eligibility for Italian Citizenship

Apr 04, 2025

New eligibility rules for minor children – Latest clarifications

The requirements

The Italian government issued a new Decree law on March 28^th, 2025 that modifies the regulations on Italian citizenship. Along with provisions for adult applicants, the decree law also includes new rules regarding the eligibility of minor children.

Under the new provisions, a minor child (under 18 years of age) may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if the following conditions are met:

• The minor is the child of an Italian citizen who was born in Italy
• The minor is the child of an Italian citizen who was born abroad but resided in Italy for a minimum of two consecutive years (even prior to their official recognition as an Italian citizen) before the birth of the child.
• The minor is the child of an Italian citizen who was born abroad and did not reside in Italy for at least two consecutive years before the child’s birth, but whose grandparent(s) was an Italian citizen born in Italy.

Recognition of Citizenship

Please note that the Decree law is already into force (starting from March 29^th, 2025). It may be converted in law within 60 days as it is, OR it may be amended OR it may expire and lose its previous effects.

Individuals who have already been recognized as Italian citizens (by a court, municipality, or consulate) will retain their citizenship and that applications for citizenship that were submitted before 23:59 (Rome time) on March 27^th, 2025, will be processed according to the previous regulations.

Article written by Giuditta De Ricco, Valentina Giannessi and Angela Suprano.

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