Italy has tightened its citizenship laws by introducing new restrictions on automatic citizenship by descent.
The change announced by the Italian government aims to prevent abuse of the system that previously allowed citizenship claims based on ancestry dating back to 1861.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the previous rules were being exploited, with consulates abroad overwhelmed by passport requests.
Italian passports are highly prized as they provide visa-free entry to more countries than almost any other nationality.
The law change aims to reduce people accessing Italian citizenship
PAUnder the previous system, anyone who could prove they had an Italian ancestor alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was created, could seek citizenship.
The foreign ministry reported that this led to a surge in people abroad being granted citizenship, particularly in South America.
Between 2014 and 2024, the number of Italians living abroad rose by 40 per cent, from 4.6 million to 6.4 million, many registering due to their newfound nationality.
In Argentina alone, citizenship recognitions jumped from 20,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024.
Antonio Tajani said: "We are striking down very hard against those who want to make money from the opportunity of becoming an Italian citizen.
"Being an Italian citizen is a serious thing. It's not a game to get a passport that allows you to go shopping in Miami."
Rafael Cintron from the YouTube channel Wealthy Expat explained the new "strict" criteria to qualify for Italian citizenship by descent.
Rafael said: "A parent or grandparent of yours has to be born in Italy. Or your parents were living in Italy when you were born.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
'We are striking down very hard against those who want to make money from the opportunity of becoming an Italian citizen'
GETTY"The last criterion is a recent official recognition. For example, you were recognised by the Italian embassy before March 27, 2025."
Critics of ancestry-based citizenship point out the contrast with children of migrants born and raised in Italy.
Despite speaking Italian fluently and living their entire lives in the country, these children must wait until they are 18 before being able to apply for a passport.
Another expat has said she "was absolutely shocked" by the unexpected costs that come with living in Italy.
