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GMS Flash Alert 2025-065

Argentina � Italian-Argentinians Could Be Affected by Changes to Italy’s Citizenship Law

GMS Flash Alert 2025-065 | 2 April 2025

Many Argentinians of Italian descent could be affected by recent changes introduced by the Italian government to Italy’s citizenship law.1  Previously, the principle of ‘’ius sanguinis’� (right of blood) allowed individuals with Italian ancestry, even up to great-grandparents, to obtain Italian citizenship.  Under the new decree, only those with parents or grandparents born in Italy � first and second-generation descendants � are eligible for automatic citizenship.

With the change in its citizenship rules2, Italy claims it is addressing a surge in citizenship applications � from countries like Argentina and Brazil � and the commercialization of passports as well as the strain on consular services due to the high volume of applications.

WHY THIS MATTERS

These measures represent a significant shift in Italy´s approach to citizenship, impacting numerous Argentinians seeking to obtain an Italian passport through ancestral connections.

In Brief

The reform introduces new procedures: applications will no longer be processed at Italian consulates abroad but through a centralized office with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.  

Individuals are entitled to apply for citizenship if they can prove they have Italian grandparents and/ or parents, but proving Italian heritage through great-grandparents does not apply.  

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø INSIGHTS

Argentinians of Italian descent expecting to secure Italian citizenship under the former rules and with questions about their eligibility and the opportunities to avail of, and the new procedures, under the new rules, are advised to consult with their usual immigration counsel or with a member of the immigration team with ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in Argentina (see the Contacts section).

FOOTNOTES:

1  "Cambio en la ciudadanía italiana: ¿cómo afecta a los argentinos y desde cuándo rige?," La Nacion (29 de marzo de 2025) at: .

"Todo lo que se sabe sobre los cambios para obtener la ciudadanía italiana," Cadena 3 (31/03/2025) at:  .

Please note that by clicking on these links, you are leaving the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø website for an external (non-ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, non-governmental) site, that ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is not affiliated with nor does ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø endorse its content. The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.

2  The Consulate General of Italy in New York/Consolato Generale d'Italia a New York, "New Interpretative Guidelines on Italian Citizenship by Right of Blood (iure sanguinis)" at:  .

Also see (in Italian) "IMPORTANTE: modifiche alla normativa sulla cittadinanza 'ius sanguinis'" (31 marzo 2025) on the website for Il Consolato Generale d’Italia a Buenos Aires (General Consulate of Italy in Buenos Aires) at: .

Contacts

rodolfo-canese-mendez
Rodolfo Canese Mendez

Partner, International Corporate Tax & GMS

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Argentina

rodrigo-barbieri
Rodrigo Barbieri

Manager

ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Argentina

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Disclaimer

* Please note the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International member firm in Argentina.

GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø LLP Washington National Tax practice. The ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø global organization. ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does ÀÖÓ㣨Leyu£©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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