House debates tougher rules for Italian citizenship by crime and language

A bill introduced by Deputy Igor Iezzi (Lega) that tightens language requirements and expands crime-based disqualifications for the granting and loss of Italian citizenship (Bill 2124-A) entered the House floor agenda on 10/19/2026 for plenary discussion, according to Italianismo. The text envisions changes across several modalities — naturalization by residence, marriage, and those born in Italy — but does not directly alter recognition by descent (ius sanguinis).

Summary of the bill under discussion (Italian citizenship, Italy laws 2026)

• The Bill 2124-A, authored by Deputy Igor Iezzi (Lega), was referred to the plenary after review by the Constitutional Affairs Committee, according to Italianismo.
• The declared objective of the text is to harden rules for acquiring and revoking citizenship, focusing on:
  • formal requirement of the B1 level of Italian in more situations;
  • expansion of the list of crime-based disqualifications that can block grant or motivate loss/revocation.
• The agenda inclusion on 10/19/2026 marks the start of public discussion in the plenary, which does not equal final approval, in line with legislative practice.

What DOES NOT change for recognition by descent (ius sanguinis)

• The project does not directly alter recognition by ius sanguinis: it does not create a language exam for requests based on descent, according to Italianismo.
• The post-2025 reform landscape remains in place, which already restricted recognition for people born abroad; these limitations stay in effect until there is an express legal modification in 2025 law. For those seeking information on current paths and requirements via descent, see the [Italian Citizenship](/c citizenship) section.

Impact for Brazilian residents and residence-based naturalization

• The general rule of 10 years of legal residence for non-EU nationals (like Brazil) remains unchanged in the text under discussion.
• The bill provides that certain crimes and definite convictions can prevent grant of nationality by naturalization; additionally, pending criminal cases may suspend the procedure until a final decision.
• These restrictions aim to increase checks on criminal records for naturalization, within the scenarios indicated in the bill. For practical changes and guidance, also see coverage in Italy News.

Impact for Brazilians married to Italians

• The current timelines for applying for citizenship by marriage are kept in the text under discussion.
• However, the bill eliminates two exemptions to proving the B1 level:
  • holders of EU long‑term residence permits (permesso di soggiorno di lungo periodo) would lose the exemption and must prove B1;
  • those who signed integration agreements (accordi di integrazione) would also no longer be exempt and would need to present B1.
• If approved, this change would increase the number of applicants required to present language certification. For practical experiences and guidance, see the Life in Italy section.

Impact for children of foreigners born in Italy

• The bill broadens requirements for those born in Italy who resided legally until reaching adulthood:
  • the obligation to demonstrate knowledge of Italian (B1 level) to formalize acquisition;
  • inclusion of disqualifications related to criminal convictions that can render the application ineligible or suspended.
• The procedure may also be suspended in cases where investigations or pending proceedings exist, per the proposed provision.

Crimes, oath, and loss of citizenship

• The text provides for expansion of the list of crimes that can ground the revocation of citizenship acquired by naturalization, by marriage, or by mere acquisition upon reaching adulthood; revocation would generally require a final criminal conviction.
• The bill requires that the oath of fidelity and respect for the Constitution be spoken in Italian, making the language a formal expression of the constitutional commitment at the moment of acquisition.
• The effective application of these provisions depends on the final wording and court interpretations.

Procedure and when the rules could take effect

• The inclusion of Bill 2124-A on the House agenda on 10/19/2026 marks the start of plenary discussion, but does not mean approval. The text must be voted on in the House and, if approved, sent to the Senate; only a law passed with identical text in both chambers can alter the current framework.
• Until a potential new law is enacted, current rules remain in force, including the 2025 reform limitations on descent recognition and the existing consular and judicial provisions.
• Changes that affect substantive rights — for example, modalities already restricted by the Tajani Decree (DL 36/2025 / Law 74/2025) — require careful attention to retroactivity and protection of ongoing processes, issues already discussed publicly.

Conclusion The Bill 2124-A proposes tightening language requirements and broadening crime-based disqualifications across several modalities of acquiring and losing Italian citizenship, while leaving descent recognition in its current declarative form and the naturalization timelines intact. The proposal entered the House floor on 10/19/2026 and still depends on voting and Senate proceedings to become law; until then, current rules apply. To follow developments and practical guidance on citizenship, follow coverage in Italy News and on our Italian Citizenship page.

Source: Italianismo