Italian Citizenship by Descent: Major Processing Changes Announced for 2029

19 Jan Italian Citizenship by Descent: Major Processing Changes Announced for 2029

Italy has announced a major reform that will significantly impact Italian citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) applications worldwide. The changes, approved by the Italian Senate in January 2026, will reshape how and where applications are processed starting in 2029.

If you are considering applying for Italian citizenship through ancestry, these developments are critical to understand.

Italian Senate Approves New Citizenship Law

On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the Italian Senate approved legislation that will centralise the processing of Italian citizenship by descent applications.

Under the current system, applicants submit their documents to Italian consulates in their country of residence. This will soon change.

From 2029 onwards, all jus sanguinis applications will be handled by a single central office in Rome, ending the role of local consulates in processing these cases.

Centralisation of Italian Citizenship Applications in Rome

The new law establishes a dedicated department in Rome, operating under the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to assess all citizenship by descent applications globally.

According to official reports, this central office will employ approximately 80 staff members responsible for reviewing applications from every region of the world.

While centralisation may bring more consistent decision-making, it also introduces concerns about processing capacity and delays.

What This Means for Future Applicants

Although the law will not take full effect until 2029, it signals a clear shift in Italian citizenship policy.

Applicants who wait may find themselves navigating a slower, more congested system. By contrast, those who apply under the current consular framework may benefit from:

• Faster processing
• Direct interaction with local consulates
• Greater procedural clarity

Apply for Italian Citizenship Before 2029

For individuals eligible for Italian citizenship by ancestry, the coming years represent a crucial window of opportunity.

Starting your application now could help you avoid future uncertainty, administrative bottlenecks, and prolonged waiting periods once all applications are centralised in Rome.

Final Thoughts on the 2029 Italian Citizenship Reform

This reform represents one of the most significant changes to Italian citizenship by descent in recent decades. While the full impact will only become clear after implementation, the potential for global delays is undeniable.

If Italian citizenship is part of your long-term goals, acting sooner rather than later may be the smartest decision.