Who still qualifies for Italian citizenship by descent?

Only those with a qualifying Italian parent or grandparent. You must prove the ancestor was an Italian citizen at your parent’s or grandparent’s birth and that they did not naturalise elsewhere before that birth. Maternal and paternal lines are treated the same. Distant ancestors no longer qualify.

What happens to applications already filed through a great-grandparent?

Under the ruling, claims based on great-grandparents will be refused. Consulates must still process pending files within the new rules. Expect requests for extra documents or withdrawals. If you also have a qualifying parent or grandparent, you can pivot your file and submit correct lineage evidence.

Does this affect my EU work and travel rights?

Without Italian citizenship, you cannot live and work freely across the EU. Short stays for tourism remain under Schengen limits. Work, study, or startup visas are still available case by case. Rights for Australians already recognised as Italian citizens do not change.

What practical steps should Australians take now?

Run an eligibility check first. If you qualify, secure civil records and book a consulate slot early. If not, compare work, study, and investor options, and separate property plans from immigration goals. Keep costs, timelines, and risks in AUD so you can make clear trade-offs.

Law and Government

March 15: Italian Citizenship Curbed as Court Backs Limits on Descent

ByHuzaifa Zahoor March 15, 2026March 15, 2026

On 15 March, Italy’s Constitutional Court backed the 2025 law that narrows Italian citizenship by descent to a parent or grandparent. For Australians, this reshapes plans for Italian dual citizenship, EU work rights, and property timelines. Millions in the diaspora lose eligibility through distant ancestors, closing a once popular path. We break down what changed, who still qualifies, and the practical next steps for Australians weighing EU moves, study plans, or investment strategies after this ruling. Expect more focus on jobs, study, and investor routes, and tighter standards at consulates across Australia.