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.  

KPMG 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 KPMG 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: https://www.lanacion.com.ar/sociedad/cambio-en-la-ciudadania-italiana-como-afecta-a-los-argentinos-y-desde-cuando-rige-nid28032025/ .

"Todo lo que se sabe sobre los cambios para obtener la ciudadanía italiana," Cadena 3 (31/03/2025) at:  https://www.cadena3.com/noticia/sociedad/todo-lo-que-se-sabe-sobre-los-cambios-para-obtener-la-ciudadania-italiana_412784 .

Please note that by clicking on these links, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external (non-KPMG, non-governmental) site, that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG 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:  https://consnewyork.esteri.it/en/news/dal_consolato/2024/11/new-interpretative-guidelines-on-italian-citizenship-by-right-of-blood-iure-sanguinis/ .

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: https://consbuenosaires.esteri.it/it/news/dal_consolato/2025/03/importante-modifiche-alla-normativa-sulla-cittadinanza-ius-sanguinis/ .

Contacts

rodolfo-canese-mendez
Rodolfo Canese Mendez

Partner, International Corporate Tax & GMS

KPMG Argentina

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Disclaimer

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

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Argentina.

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