Interest in dual citizenship is rising among families who want stability, cultural connection and a European foothold. Italy remains one of the most appealing choices. Its laws are grounded in heritage and steady legal principles that have guided the system for decades. Even after the recent adjustments, the country continues to offer a clear and thoughtful approach for those who value substance over shortcuts.
This guide explains why Italy dual citizenship stands out, how the current rules work and what makes Italy so attractive for long-term thinkers.
A citizenship model built on ancestry, now with clearer limits
Italian citizenship is based on ancestry. A child of an Italian parent is an Italian citizen from birth. This principle has shaped the system for many years.
Recent reforms refined how recognition by descent works. Italy now limits recognition for people born abroad to those with a closer family link, usually through a parent or grandparent. In some cases the law also looks at whether the Italian ancestor kept only Italian citizenship and whether the family had recent ties to Italy.
This has narrowed the extremely distant claims that once filled consulates. Families with a recent connection still have a viable route, while those further removed often turn to residence-based pathways instead.
A law that remains steady even after reform
Italy still recognises multiple citizenships. It still respects family ties where the rules are met. The 2025 reform did not undo this approach. It simply focused the system on applicants with a genuine family connection rather than long-distant ancestry.
For families with a parent or grandparent born in Italy, the law remains one of the most generous in Europe.
Why Americans continue to choose Italy
Americans often pursue Italy dual citizenship for two reasons. Some have a strong cultural link and want to formalise it. Others want a long-term European option for their children. Once citizenship is recognised, a person becomes both Italian and European. They can live, work and study anywhere in the EU.
This gives families flexibility. They can continue living in the United States while offering the next generation access to European education and careers.
Routes to Italian citizenship beyond ancestry
Although ancestry is the route most people discuss, Italy offers several other options.
Marriage
A foreign spouse or civil partner of an Italian citizen may apply for citizenship after a specific period of marriage. The timeline is generally two years if living in Italy and three years if living abroad, with shorter timelines when the couple has minor children. Applicants must meet language and background requirements.
Long-term residence
Non-EU nationals may apply for citizenship after ten years of continuous legal residence. This requires meeting income, language and integration criteria. Some individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent may be eligible to apply after a shorter period if they meet the new requirements.
Children born in Italy
Children born in Italy to foreign parents may acquire citizenship at adulthood if they have lived in Italy continuously and meet the legal criteria. It is not automatic at birth, but it acknowledges a life formed in the country.
These routes reflect Italy’s preference for ties that grow through family or real residence.
The advantages of holding italian citizenship
Dual citizenship with Italy offers a wide range of benefits.
Mobility across Europe
Italian citizens may live, work and study in EU countries without further permits. Families see this as an investment in long-term options rather than a short-term decision.
Access to Italian institutions
Citizens can use Italian public healthcare and education like any other Italian. University costs for EU citizens are typically lower than those charged to non-EU students.
Cultural belonging
For many families, Italian citizenship confirms a connection that already exists. It brings younger generations closer to their family’s roots and to the places that shaped earlier members of the family.
Practical considerations for dual citizens
Italy and the United States both recognise dual citizenship. This makes the combination straightforward.
There are still practical points to keep in mind.
Military service
Italy has no compulsory military service. Dual citizens have no service obligation.
Tax residence
Being an Italian citizen does not make you an Italian tax resident. Taxes depend on where you live and where your life is centred. Americans remain subject to US tax rules, so coordinated planning is important.
Documentation
Recognition by descent requires collecting the right documents. This includes birth, marriage and naturalisation records. The 2025 reforms introduced additional checks for some applicants, which means accuracy and guidance matter.
Where investment fits into the picture
Families who do not qualify through ancestry often consider residency routes. Some begin with the investor visa because it provides legal residence through a regulated investment in Italian companies, innovative startups, government bonds or approved projects.
This does not grant citizenship on its own, but it creates a structured presence in Italy. Those who meet the conditions over time may later apply for citizenship through residence.
At Ariete, we see these decisions as complementary. Citizenship connects a family to its past. Investment connects it to its future in Italy.
Italy has refined its citizenship laws while preserving their core purpose. The system now favours families with a clear link to the country, yet it remains one of the most appealing dual citizenship options in the world. For those with a qualifying parent or grandparent, and for those prepared to build their life in Italy through residence, the country offers a rare combination of culture, belonging and long-term opportunity.
For families who think beyond short-term solutions, Italy continues to stand apart.
