What is a common mistake people make when applying for Italian citizenship by descent now?

The most common error today is relying on outdated guidance. Many guides and family plans were built around the old system, where any unbroken Italian bloodline could qualify regardless of how many generations back the ancestor was.

Since the 2025 reform, eligibility generally requires an Italian-born parent or grandparent, so cases based on a great-grandparent or earlier ancestor often no longer succeed through the standard route. Another related mistake is misjudging the cut-off dates that determine whether old or new rules apply. Verifying your eligibility against the current law before investing in document collection is essential.