At Vita Calabra Tours, we specialize in organizing authentic travel experiences in Calabria and south of Italy, with a strong focus on roots tourism & Ancestry Tours. Many of our clients come to Calabria not only to discover their ancestral villages, taste local food, and walk the streets of their grandparents but also with the dream of applying for Italian dual citizenship through ius sanguinis (citizenship by descent).
Although Vita Calabra Tours does not provide legal services or manage citizenship applications, we do assist clients with what we know best: helping you retrieve official, original civil records of your ancestors—birth, marriage, and death certificates—issued in international format. These documents are often essential to start the citizenship process.
Recent changes made by the Italian government have impacted the criteria for obtaining citizenship by descent. This article, updated as of March 28, 2025, provides a clear summary of what has changed and what you should know if you’re considering pursuing recognition of your Italian citizenship.
The Italian government, through Council of Ministers No. 121, has introduced new laws and draft legislation that affect how citizenship is passed down through generations. The reforms are based on the principle of a more “effective bond” (vincolo effettivo) with Italy and aim to align Italy with European standards for citizenship.
Many people around the world have previously been eligible for Italian citizenship through a great grandparent or even further back. The new rules place generational limits on automatic recognition and impose stricter conditions based on residency and civic connection.
Let’s break down the most important changes.
A new draft law further expands on these principles:
The timeline for processing applications will now be fixed at 48 months.
Starting in the coming year, a centralized office at the Farnesina (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) will process all new citizenship applications from abroad.
During the transition period (approximately one year):
The reform also includes improvements to:
If you’re a descendant of Italian emigrants, these reforms could directly affect your ability to claim citizenship.
Vita Calabra Tours can support your journey by:
🗂️ Retrieving certified civil records from your ancestors’ hometown
🧭 Accompanying you to municipal offices during your roots tour
📜 Providing English-translated documentation for legal use
We recommend working with a qualified immigration attorney or consultant to manage the legal process. Our role is to provide reliable access to the historical documents that many legal professionals require.
Italian citizenship laws are evolving. The rules of 2025 reflect a push toward authentic connection a principle we at Vita Calabra Tours have always supported. If you’re considering reconnecting with your heritage, or beginning your journey toward citizenship, it all starts with finding the right information and the right people.
✨ Let us help you begin.
📩 Contact us today to learn how we can support your roots journey