Can Italian nationality be lost for “failing to exercise it”?
Italian citizenship by descent is one of the most sought-after rights for people with roots in Italy. However, a recently proposed bill could change this. According to this proposal, those who do not maintain an “effective link” with Italy could lose their citizenship, even without committing an offense or voluntarily renouncing it.
This legislative change particularly affects citizens born abroad and new generations of Italians by descent. Below, we analyze what this potential modification entails, its consequences, and how to securely retain Italian citizenship by descent.
The current law regarding the loss of Italian citizenship
Currently, Law 91/1992 regulates the circumstances under which a person may lose their Italian citizenship. This legislation recognizes five main causes:
- Voluntary resignation if you reside permanently in another country.
- Acquisition of an incompatible citizenship, within the framework of the Strasbourg Convention.
- Revocation of the adoption that originated the citizenship.
- Acceptance of foreign public offices, when they are incompatible with nationality.
- Collaboration with an enemy state in case of war.
Until now, passivity or "lack of exercise" of citizenship was not grounds for loss.
The new bill: Is it lost due to inactivity?
Bill 1450, introduced by the Government of Giorgia Meloni in April 2025, proposes to introduce a sixth reason for loss of nationality: the lack of exercise of civic rights and duties for at least 25 years.
If approved, Italian citizens born abroad and with dual citizenship could lose their Italian nationality by descent if they do not maintain effective links with the Italian Republic.
What is meant by “effective link”?
The text defines an effective link as the fulfillment of certain actions, such as:
- Register and keep your information updated in the AIR (Anagraphe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero).
- Vote in Italian elections, even from abroad.
- Renew or use the Italian passport as a valid document.
Failure to perform any of these actions for 25 years could be interpreted as a lack of connection, resulting in the automatic loss of citizenship.
Is voting becoming mandatory?
Legally, in Italy voting is neither mandatory nor subject to penalties for abstaining. However, the new bill proposes that voting could become a key piece of evidence to demonstrate a connection to the state.
This means that exercising the right to vote —although not mandatory— would become a mechanism for preserving citizenship.
Who would be most affected?
The main people affected by this reform would be:
- People who obtained Italian nationality by descent and have not actively exercised it.
- Citizens who did not register with AIRE or participate in elections.
- Children and grandchildren of Italians born abroad whose documentation was not registered in Italy.
- Holders of expired passports or those who never renewed or used the document.
How to retain citizenship?
Given this potential legal change, it is essential to adopt preventative measures:
- Register the birth in the Italian civil registry as soon as possible.
- Register with AIRE and keep your information up to date.
- Participate in elections from abroad.
- Renew and use your Italian passport regularly.
These actions not only strengthen the bond with Italy, but also ensure the right to retain Italian nationality by descent.
AIM Global advises you on your Italian nationality.
In a constantly evolving legal landscape, professional guidance is essential. At AIM Global, our experts in international mobility and European citizenship are ready to analyze your specific situation and provide you with a secure strategy to retain your Italian nationality by descent.
We accompany you every step of the way, from registration in the AIRE to document and electoral management, ensuring that you comply with all the requirements demanded by current and future regulations.
Request a informative meeting and proactively and effectively protect your connection with Italy.
