Citizenship by descent law changes
Every change that affects who qualifies or how you apply, newest first. Each entry links to its source. Where only secondary reporting exists so far, the source label says so.
· Italy · Pending decision
EU-law questions referred to the Court of Justice of the EU (Order No. 147/2026)
The Constitutional Court suspends the related cases and asks the CJEU whether the new limits are compatible with EU law. Registered at the CJEU as Case C-816/26. The ruling could reopen some claims.
Source: Secondary report: Apriglianos — Order No. 147/2026 explained
· Slovakia · Procedure change
Slovakia eases the descendants route (reported)
Reported changes remove a residence requirement for descendants of Czechoslovak citizens and allow consular filing by mail or electronically. Confirm with the embassy.
Source: Embassy of Slovakia in Washington — Slovak citizenship by descent
· Portugal · Restricts eligibility
Portugal's nationality reform takes effect
Grandchildren must now show an effective connection that includes language and civics knowledge. Great-grandchildren need prior legal residence. Implementing regulations are pending.
· Italy · Restricts eligibility
Constitutional Court upholds Law 74/2025 (Judgment No. 63/2026)
The Court finds the new limits compatible with the Italian Constitution, so the parent-or-grandparent rule stays in force.
Source: Italian Constitutional Court — Judgment No. 63/2026 (Italian)
· Canada ·
Canada's Bill C-3 removes the first-generation limit
People born abroad before December 15, 2025 with a Canadian chain of descent become citizens automatically and can apply for proof of citizenship.
· Spain · Restricts eligibility
Spain's Democratic Memory Law nationality window closes
No new appointment requests are accepted under the Eighth Additional Provision from October 23, 2025. Applications already filed continue.
Source: Consulate of Spain in Bahía Blanca — End of the Eighth Additional Provision period
· Italy · Restricts eligibility
Parliament converts the decree into Law 74/2025
The restrictions become permanent law, in force from May 24, 2025.
Source: Consulate General of Italy in Miami — Citizenship by descent
· Italy · Restricts eligibility
Decree-Law 36/2025 limits citizenship by descent
Recognition for people born abroad is limited to those whose parent or grandparent held exclusively Italian citizenship. Complete applications filed before 11:59 pm Rome time on March 27, 2025 keep the old rules.
Source: Consulate General of Italy in London — New regulatory framework
· Germany ·
Germany allows dual citizenship
The Citizenship Modernisation Act ends the general requirement to give up a previous citizenship, and Germans no longer lose citizenship by naturalizing elsewhere.
Source: Federal Office of Administration (BVA) — Amendment to German citizenship law