Italian Citizenship by descent: how the new Decree Law is affecting the Consulates?

Mar 31, 2025

New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Rio De Janeiro, Santiago – several Consulates around the world have already suspended citizenship appointments and the acceptance of applications.

The decree law, published on March 28th 2025 (link below), and effective as of the same day, introduces significant changes regarding Italian citizenship by descent. Until a clearer interpretation of the text and its related provisions is available, Italian Consulates have been instructed to temporarily suspend appointment bookings for citizenship services and the submission of applications until further notice. No specific guidance has been issued regarding pending applications, but it appears that their evaluation has also been suspended.

Publication on the official Journal > https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/atto/serie_generale/caricaDettaglioAtto/originario?atto.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=2025-03-28&atto.codiceRedazionale=25G00049&elenco30giorni=false

One of the main changes introduced by the decree is the centralization of citizenship application processing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a result, Consulates will no longer be responsible for evaluating applications for Italian citizenship by descent.

It is important to note that while the decree is already in effect, it must be approved by Parliament and converted into law within 60 days to remain valid. Amendments may occur.

Further updates will follow thus we invite you to monitor our website and LinkedIn page for the latest information.

On the same matter, check also:

Article written by Giuditta De Ricco and Greis Muca

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