As a tour leader for Italian travel, I often have clients who join my tours who have Italian ancestry. For them, returning to Italy is like returning home, so the conversation frequently flows toward Italian citizenship and whether it has any benefits. 

Although I was born in Italy, I have had dual citizenship since birth. The U.S. Government declared me a “U.S. citizen born abroad” as my mother was a naturalized U.S. citizen at the time of my birth. My father never neutralized, so I have him to thank for my Italian citizenship. Italy recognizes citizenship via the bloodline, and not based on simply being born in Italy, so I would not have Italian citizenship if I had been born in Italy to two U.S. citizens. (Thanks dad!)  

This post will not discuss whether you qualify for dual citizenship. Instead, I highly suggest you work with a qualified lawyer (let me know if you need a referral) to discuss your case. I wholeheartedly believe that if you qualify for both, you should pursue both. You’re not being asked to give something up for something else, so while the process is long and can be daunting, I think it’s worth it for the reasons below.

Enhanced Mobility and Freedom of Movement

One of the foremost advantages of dual citizenship between Italy and the United States is the access it grants to different regions of the world. As a member of the European Union (E.U.), Italy offers its citizens the freedom to live, work, and study across all E.U. and countries, including nations like France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. This allows American-Italian dual citizens to move seamlessly across 27 E.U. countries without requiring visas, residence permits, or lengthy bureaucratic procedures. 

Career and Economic Opportunities

Dual citizenship between Italy and the U.S. offers significant professional advantages, opening doors to job markets in the E.U. and North America. The European Union boasts a diverse economy, with industries ranging from technology and finance to agriculture and tourism. Italy is known for its automotive, fashion, and culinary sectors, with internationally renowned companies like Fiat, Gucci, and Ferrero. A dual citizen can work in Italy or elsewhere in Europe without the constraints of work visas or permits, which can otherwise pose considerable legal and financial hurdles.

Dual citizenship also allows for easier self-employment opportunities in both countries. For instance, owning property and setting up a business is more straightforward for citizens, and dual nationals can leverage the regulatory frameworks of either country to benefit their businesses. 

Educational Benefits

Educational opportunities for dual citizens are substantial. Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, such as the University of Bologna and Sapienza University in Rome. Italian citizens enjoy access to these institutions at significantly lower tuition fees than international students, with many universities offering programs in English and a wide range of academic disciplines. Tuition fees in Italy are generally more affordable than in the U.S., and students can also access scholarships and financial assistance programs reserved for E.U. citizens. This can lead to substantial savings for American students pursuing higher education in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.

Healthcare Access

Healthcare is another area where dual citizenship provides tangible benefits. Italy’s healthcare system, known for its high quality, is publicly funded and essentially free for residents, with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Italian citizens have access to this universal healthcare system, which covers many medical services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications.

Dual citizens can benefit from both healthcare systems, having the option to seek medical care in Italy when it is more affordable or when services are easily accessible. This flexibility is particularly valuable for retirees or individuals with ongoing medical needs, as it balances quality care and financial feasibility.

Real Estate and Property Ownership

Italian-American dual citizenship can simplify property ownership in Italy, as citizens have no restrictions on purchasing real estate. Italy is known for its diverse property options, from historic villas in Tuscany to beachfront apartments along the Amalfi Coast. Many Americans dream of retiring or spending part of the year in Italy, and dual citizenship makes this an achievable reality without the red tape often required for foreigners purchasing property. Additionally, Italian law provides for “primary residence” tax benefits, which can reduce property taxes for citizens, further enhancing the financial appeal of owning property in Italy.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Identity

For Italian-Americans, dual citizenship offers a way to connect more meaningfully with their Italian heritage. Italy is rich in culture, history, art, and traditions, and holding Italian citizenship allows individuals to immerse themselves fully in the country’s way of life. Dual citizenship often strengthens family bonds, enabling individuals to maintain close relationships with relatives in Italy and pass down cultural traditions to future generations.

This cultural duality can be enriching, allowing individuals to embody and celebrate Italian and American customs, languages, and values. Italian citizenship also provides access to events, celebrations, and community networks reserved for Italian nationals, fostering a strong sense of belonging. 

Security and Legal Protections

Finally, dual citizenship with Italy and the United States offers security that single citizenship may not. In times of political or economic uncertainty in one country, dual citizens can reside in the other, providing a safety net. This dual status can also streamline international travel and protect individuals from the risk of deportation in either country.

Both Italy and the U.S. offer consular services and protections to their citizens abroad, ensuring assistance in emergencies. For instance, American citizens can rely on the U.S. embassy in Rome if they encounter difficulties while in Italy, and vice versa for Italian citizens in the U.S. This added layer of legal and diplomatic protection can provide peace of mind, knowing that support is available in both countries.

Conclusion

Dual citizenship with Italy and the United States is a multifaceted asset, providing many benefits, from expanded mobility and career opportunities to cultural enrichment and enhanced security. If you are reading this and are retired and thinking that you’re not going to be working in Italy, you’re not going to be going to school in Italy, than what’s the point? I would say that reconnecting with your heritage is a beautiful reason in itself. Embracing the rights and responsibilities of both nationalities allows individuals to enjoy the best of both worlds, opening doors to personal and professional growth across two continents. In an interconnected global society, dual citizenship between these two dynamic nations is a powerful tool that offers unparalleled opportunities.