Italy Citizenship 2026: New Rules and Easier Paths for Brazilians

Italy’s government is considering changes to its citizenship laws that could simplify the process for descendants of Italians and long-term residents. For Brazilians, many of whom have Italian ancestry, this is a pivotal moment. In 2026, the proposed reforms aim to reduce bureaucracy, shorten wait times, and open doors for those who lost citizenship or never claimed it. This guide breaks down what you need to know, from eligibility to practical steps, so you can take advantage of these changes.

Understanding the Proposed Changes in 2026

The Italian government wants to make it easier to take citizenship back, particularly for those with Italian ancestors (jure sanguinis) and for residents who have lived in Italy for years. Key proposals include removing the requirement to prove Italian language proficiency for certain applicants, reducing the residency period for citizenship by marriage from 10 to 5 years, and allowing dual citizenship without restrictions. These changes are not yet law, but they signal a clear trend toward inclusivity. For Brazilians, this means less paperwork and faster processing if you act now.

• Simplified jure sanguinis: No need to show language skills if your ancestor was born after 1861.
• Residency reduction: From 10 years to 5 years for citizenship by marriage (if living in Italy).
• Easier reclaiming: New process for those who lost citizenship due to naturalization elsewhere.
• Digital applications: Online portals to submit documents, reducing consulate delays.

Who Is Eligible for Italian Citizenship in 2026?

Eligibility depends on your connection to Italy. The two main paths are jure sanguinis (by blood) and jure matrimonii (by marriage). For jure sanguinis, you need an Italian ancestor who was alive after March 17, 1861 (when Italy unified). There is no generational limit, but you must prove the uninterrupted line. For marriage, you need to be married to an Italian citizen for at least 3 years (if living abroad) or 1 year (if living in Italy). The proposed 2026 rules would halve the residency requirement for marriage-based applications.

1. Check your family tree: Gather birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Italian ancestor and all descendants.
2. Verify if your ancestor naturalized in Brazil before 1912 – if so, you may not qualify.
3. If married to an Italian, ensure your marriage is registered in Italy (trascrizione del matrimonio).
4. Consider residency: Moving to Italy can speed up citizenship by marriage or by descent.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Brazilians

Applying for Italian citizenship involves several stages. First, collect all required documents, which must be translated into Italian and apostilled. For jure sanguinis, you apply through the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction in Brazil (e.g., São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro). Wait times can be 2-4 years, but the new rules aim to reduce this. Alternatively, you can apply directly in Italy if you move there and establish residency. The 2026 reforms may allow online submission, so stay updated on the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

• Step 1: Gather original documents: birth, marriage, death certificates for each generation.
• Step 2: Get an apostille from the Brazilian Ministry of Justice.
• Step 3: Hire a certified translator (traduttore giurato) in Brazil or Italy.
• Step 4: Submit your application at the consulate or comune (town hall) in Italy.
• Step 5: Pay fees: around €300 for consulate processing, plus administrative costs.

Dual Citizenship Benefits and Tax Implications

Italian citizenship grants you EU rights: live, work, and study in any EU country. You also get a second passport, which is powerful for travel. However, be aware of tax rules. As a Brazilian citizen, you still owe taxes to Brazil on worldwide income if you are a tax resident there. Italy taxes residents on global income, but if you move to Italy, you may benefit from the “new resident” regime, offering a flat tax of €100,000 per year on foreign income for 15 years. Dual citizenship does not double-tax you, but you must file declarations in both countries.

• EU freedom: No visa needed to work in Germany, France, etc.
• Healthcare: Access to Italy’s national health system (SSN) after residency.
• Education: Reduced tuition fees at Italian universities.
• Tax planning: Consult a cross-border accountant to avoid double taxation.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many applicants fail due to incomplete documents or missing deadlines. A common mistake is assuming your ancestor’s Italian citizenship was passed down if they naturalized in Brazil before 1912. In that case, your line may be broken. Another issue is apostille errors – ensure every Brazilian document has an apostille from the competent authority. Also, avoid using unauthorized intermediaries; only licensed lawyers (avvocati) can handle complex cases. In 2026, the government plans to crack down on fraud, so use official channels.

1. Double-check naturalization dates: If your ancestor became Brazilian before 1912, you likely cannot claim citizenship.
2. Use only certified translations – not notarized ones – for Italian consulates.
3. Apply early: Consulate queues are long; consider moving to Italy if you can.
4. Keep copies of everything: You may need them for future generations.

Perguntas Frequentes

Can I apply for Italian citizenship if my ancestor was born before 1861?

No, Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) only applies if your ancestor was alive after March 17, 1861, when the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed. If your ancestor died before that date, you are not eligible through that line.

How long does the citizenship process take in 2026?

Under current rules, consulate applications take 2-4 years. The proposed 2026 reforms aim to reduce this to 12-18 months by digitizing submissions and hiring more staff. Applications made directly in Italy may take 6-12 months if you have residency.

Do I need to speak Italian to get citizenship?

For jure sanguinis, the new rules may waive the language requirement for descendants. For citizenship by marriage or naturalization, you still need a B1 level of Italian, unless exempted by the 2026 reforms (still under debate).

Will I lose my Brazilian citizenship if I become Italian?

No, Brazil allows dual citizenship, and Italy does not require you to renounce your original citizenship. You can hold both passports simultaneously. However, you must comply with both countries’ laws, such as tax filing.