The Senate in Italy must vote on Thursday (15) a Decree maybe Change rules Getting Italian citizenship, It affects millions of descendants around the world – especially in Brazil. Changes Restriction of access Which was previously considered one of the most flexible in Europe.
This is explained by Raphael Gyansini, CEO of Citizenship4u, a company specialized in European citizenship in Latin America New rules Reducing the document to The grandchildren of parents and grandparentsThe influence near 95 % of the Brazilians Those looking for the law.
“They have now turned into the Italian son and grandson who have only those who have its Italian citizen, that is, it was not possible to naturalize or have a double nationality, he must have him Exclusively Italian nationality.
The expert adds that “using the word” exclusively “limits 95 % of Brazilians who will not be entitled to obtain Italian citizenship.
However, Gianessini explains that those who went to court until March 27 – the day before Change the advertisement – Or who was in the queue, was called and the documents were delivered until March 27 It will not be affected For changes and you will be counted Previous rule.
How were the rules before:
- Anyone could prove that he had an Italian predecessor who was alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was created, he could seek citizenship.
What will be the changes?
- Nationality will only be granted To descendants From a citizen born in Italian territory, that is, only individuals who have at least one of the country or grandparents born in Italy, a member state of the European Union, will qualify to obtain citizenship for offspring.
- Ascending needs to Exclusively Italian citizenship – it cannot become natural or double sexual.
- Newborn children will have people with Italian nationality up to a year to learn about their nationality. Otherwise, they lose the law.
- There was a proposal that required the level of Italian B1 efficiency certificate to preserve citizenship, but the procedure was canceled due to the high costs to be proven.
When will the changes begin in the righteous?
Takes already Valid form temporary And wait consent ultimate
Gianessini explains that the Decree Law follows it in the session: this Thursday (15), it can be voted by the Senate Members Committee. If approved, he will go to the plenary session of the Senate and then to the House of Representatives. The Italian government has it to this day May 27 To complete the legislative process. Otherwise, the text loses health.
“The government uses a legal device for emergency situations, such as epidemics, to agree to this change. This is already disputed by the opposition, which is also considered the unconstitutional decree. Expect a little reflectionBecause the government has a majority.
However, the CEO states that text The meeting marina passed Amendments Among the important amendments and the deadline for the initial vote on May 8, which indicates competition in relation to the project.
Lack of constitution and judicial collapse
For gianesini, the decree is unconstitutionalBecause it rejects the retroactive effect of the right that must be recognized from birth. “When we realize nationality, we realize from the day the person was born. There can be no law that dates back to this right.
In addition, the new rule also directly affects people who have been in a line for confession. “Imagine the waiting for 10 years and it has not been called in time. Now, these people will not be able to communicate the documents and they will have to judge. This will be born The collapse in the Italian judiciary“The CEO warns.
Gianessini explains that there are three ways to obtain Italian citizenship:
- Administrative via the consulate, the path followed by the Brazilians and other grandchildren residing outside Italy. However, this process can take up to 10 years of waiting due to high demand and restriction of the structure.
- Administrative in Italy, which involves a temporary change of the country to perform the operation directly in Italian territory.
- Judicial, is usually used to delay in the consular line. This is the most common way today and the main road used by specialized companies, such as Citizenship4u.
However, another proposal that accompanies the reform is the centrality of recognition of Italian citizenship in one member, to replace consulates that are now part of the process.
According to him, the only way will remain for most of them will be judicial. “The administrative road is no longer an option for 95 % of people. Everyone will have to go to court. The system is not ready for that,” he says.
“He is The judicial processAnd that lasted in 2020 about 10 months, today, in 2025, it is already taking average 3 years. With the new rules, it will be the only option for everyone. “
The expressive growth of the search for nationality is reflected in the numbers:
- Between 2014 and 2024, the number of Italians living abroad jumped 40 %From 4.6 million to 6.4 million.
- In Argentina, confessions rose from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024.
- no BrazilThey were 14 thousand l 20 ml In the same period.
Announcing the new rules
The new guidelines were announced by Italy Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on March 28.
Tajani said that the system was abused, as potential Italians abode abroad for passports, which provide entry without a visa to more countries of almost any other nationality.
“Being an Italian citizen is serious. It is not a game for a passport that allows you to shop in Miami,” Tajani told a news conference.
The Italian consulate said in a statement that “the purpose of the approved measures is to evaluate the effective bond between Italy and residing abroad,” the Italian consulate said in a statement.
The portfolio added that the reform will take place in two phases: “Some criteria will enter into force immediately,” such as the rule of citizenship aroused on two generations, and “later, the organic reform will be implemented for large requirements and procedures related to citizenship.”
Italy’s population is about 59 million, which decreases in the past decade. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimated that, under old bases, 60 to 80 million people worldwide were qualified to obtain citizenship.
Tajani explained, according to the consulate’s statement, that “the principle of Ius Sanguinis (” Rights of Blood “) will not stop working in effect, and that many of the descendants of immigrants will remain able to obtain Italian citizenship, but accurate limits will be established, especially to avoid abuse or” Phynna of Idalian ProsPorts “.
With information from Reuters.
