If you’re applying for Italian citizenship by descent, even in Court, you’ve likely heard about the recent changes introduced by the Italian government. Understandably, there’s growing concern around one key date: May 27, 2025. So, how important is it to submit your application before then?
Here’s what you need to know—clearly and without legal jargon.
The Context: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
On March 28, 2025, the Italian Government introduced Decree-Law No. 36, a regulation that tightens the criteria for citizenship applications by descent. While it is still under discussion in Parliament, the law is already in force temporarily—and could be converted into permanent law by May 27, 2025.
If that happens, new rules could potentially disqualify many applicants who would have been eligible under the previous law.
That’s why many people are rushing to submit their applications before this date.
What We’re Doing—and What’s Out of Our Hands
We are working diligently to submit your application before May 27, in the hope of securing your position under the older, more favorable legal framework.
However, certain parts of the process—like how fast we receive the main documents, including the Power of Attorney and the payment of Court fees, how fast the Court Clerk’s Office registers and accepts your filing—are not fully within our control. Even with our best efforts, we cannot guarantee that filing before the deadline will protect your case from the new rules.
A Key Point: The Law May Apply Retroactively
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the new regulation is that it applies retroactively from March 27, 2025. That is what the language of the law says now and the Parliament is set to approve it as it is. That means even if your application is filed before May 27, the Court might still apply the stricter rules introduced by the new decree.
This is, understandably, frustrating. But it’s also where our legal strategy becomes essential.
Our Strategy: Why We’re Challenging the Decree
We are not just submitting your application—we are also challenging the validity of the new law itself.
In your petitions, we argue that applying these restrictions retroactively is unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental legal principles of Italy and of the European Union. We base our cases on strong constitutional and legal grounds that support the continued recognition of citizenship for descendants of Italian citizens, including those born abroad or adopted.
And we’re not alone in this effort.
Across Italy, many applicants and legal professionals have mounted similar challenges. Moreover, is very likely that the matter will be brought before the Italian Constitutional Court, which could strike down the new provisions or limit their application.
Looking Ahead: Other Reforms on the Horizon
In parallel, the Italian Parliament is also discussing a broader reform of citizenship laws. Bill no. 1450 was introduced to the Italian Parliament by the Government on April 13, 2025. What’s clear is that the citizenship landscape is shifting, and we’re keeping a close watch on all developments to ensure your case is protected.
So, Does Filing Before May 27 Still Matter?
In short: yes, but with important caveats.
The actual legal outcome will not depend solely on the date of submission. It will depend on how the courts respond to the broader legal challenge against the decree, on how the Parliament will reform Italian citizenship within the broader framework of the legal changes after May 27 —and potentially, on how the Constitutional Court will rules on the matter of the limits to Italian citzienship by descent beyond the second generation.
In Conclusion
- We are working to file as soon as possible, to preserve your rights under the former rules.
- The new law of 28 March 2025 may apply retroactively, so even early filings -before May 27- might be affected.
- We are challenging the new rules as unconstitutional, and you’re part of a wider legal effort.
- The final outcome may rest with the Constitutional Court, which will set a national and mandatory precedent.
Finally, it’s important to consider the broader picture: we are witnessing a tightening of citizenship rules, and the reform process currently underway in Parliament could result in even more restrictive regulations—potentially more difficult to challenge than the current decree.
In this evolving and increasingly restrictive legal landscape, submitting your application now remains a sound and proactive decision.
We will continue to act swiftly and keep you informed every step of the way.
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