Italy has long been known for its “ius sanguinis” principle, which states that a child born to an Italian citizen is automatically an Italian citizen. However, this rule may soon change as the Constitutional Court rules in favor of the government on its 2025 law restricting citizenship for those born abroad.
The law, introduced last March via emergency decree, limits citizenship only to those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy. This means that Italian citizens who live abroad and have children will no longer be able to pass their citizenship down to them. The decision is expected to devastate the country’s diaspora community, which has long relied on this principle.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling comes after four judges challenged its constitutionality, citing concerns over fairness and discrimination against women who were not allowed to transmit citizenship until 1948. Despite these concerns, the court has declared the law’s questions of constitutional legitimacy “partially unfounded and partially inadmissible.”
The new law will make it much harder for foreign-born descendants to obtain Italian citizenship, a process that can take years and cost tens of thousands of euros. Many argue that this decision is a blow to Italy’s tradition of welcoming its citizens’ families worldwide.
With the Constitutional Court’s ruling in its favor, Italy’s government has effectively cut off the path to citizenship for many Italians abroad. The decision may have long-term consequences for the country’s population, as it contributes to a shrinking and aging population.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/14/travel/italy-citizenship-law-restrictions-constitutional-court