New provisions make access to Italian citizenship more complex for minors born abroad
Law n. 74/2025 has raised numerous questions and sparked debates, particularly concerning the status of minor children of Italian citizens born abroad. In particular, under the new rules, children of naturalized citizens who are born abroad face greater difficulties in obtaining Italian citizenship.
This situation has already led to the denial of 22 applications/requests for minors in Turin, raising concerns among families and professionals about the law’s impact on children born outside Italian borders.
Questions are being raised as to whether having one’s child born in Italy is truly essential to guarantee them Italian citizenship.
Here are some of the most common cases.
Case 1
Minor born abroad in 2025, as foreign citizen, whose parent was naturalized in 2024 and currently resides abroad. Since the parent cannot demonstrate two consecutive years of residence in Italy after the oath and before the child’s birth, the minor is excluded from obtaining citizenship. They will only be able to acquire it as an adult, through the standard naturalization process, after five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Italy and upon meeting all the legal requirements established by law.
Case 2
Minor born abroad in June 2026, as foreign citizen, whose parent has been recognized Italian citizen by descent prior the birth event. In this case, citizenship can be granted if the parent submits the declaration to register their birth within the child’s first year of life. If the declaration is not submitted by June 2027, the minor residing abroad will be required to move to Italy and live there continuously for at least two years in order to obtain citizenship.
Are you an Italian parent of a minor child and unsure which steps to take? Reach out to our Citizenship Department for guidance.
This article was written by Giuditta De Ricco and Greis Muca
