7 Reasons Italian Citizenship Can Change Your Life
Can having Italian Citizenship Change your life? I went through the process of having my Italian citizenship recognized, and I can tell you that it changed mine.
“Being Rooted in Italy brings forth a new perspective on life.”
Italian citizenship is based on the principle of “jure sanguinis” (blood right).
A child born of an Italian father or mother after January 1, 1948, is an #Italian citizen. Share on XKeep in mind; there are five key criteria to consider in determining someone’s eligibility be recognized as an Italian citizen. These standards have been known to be challenged in the Italian courts with some success. If you choose to dispute them, I recommend that you seek legal assistance.
The European Union has expanded six times since its inception in the 1950s. As of 2016, it consists of 28 member states with 508 million inhabitants. The UK, Germany, and Sweden, just to name a few.
Live Like A European-7 Reasons To Become An Italian Citizen
7. Work Abroad Without the Headaches of a Work Visa.
The freedom to move to an EU country and seek employment without a work permit is strictly a right for EU nationals. Most jobs and professional opportunities are offered to EU citizens first. Having your Italian citizenship recognized broadens your professional opportunities.
6. Attain Access to Medical Benefits, Including Free Healthcare
A European Health Insurance Card is free of charge and allows you the right to health care services that are both necessary and provided by the state during a temporary stay in any EU country, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The cost is the same (free in some countries) as for people insured in that country.
5. Open the door to educational benefits, including potentially free higher education
As an Italian citizen, you are entitled to study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals. There are over 1300 institutions offering high-quality educational programs. The tuitions are moderately priced or require no tuition fees. It is an exciting cultural opportunity, and you can study in various languages.
If you are interested in pursuing the Italian dream and changing your life by applying for Italian citizenship contact us now and ask for our consultation services.
4. Easier to Complete all Necessary Purchasing Requirements for Buying Property in Italy
Buying real estate in Italy from abroad is quite complicated. It can go from exciting to discouraging very quickly. Having Italian citizenship can make the whole process much easier, cutting down on the bureaucracy involved.
You can also simplify the decision-making process in choosing the right property. It is not always easy to make an informed decision about a location when you have only visited as a tourist. As an Italian citizen, you have the opportunity to experience an extended stay to understand the area and its amenities.
3. Ability to Automatically Transfer Italian Citizenship to All Children Under Age 18
If your children are under the age of 18 at the time your application for citizenship is accepted, they will not be required to submit a separate application. They will receive their Italian Citizenship at the same time as you.
As mentioned above this entitles them to study in the European Union as an EU national, and they can realize the benefits of moderate tuition and cultural experience of attending an overseas University.
2. Exercise the Right to Vote for the Italian Parliament Representative in your Region.
Voting is a right protected under the Italian Constitution. Italian citizens living abroad who are registered voters in the Overseas District may vote by mail. You can cast a vote to elect your representatives to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic for the candidates listed on the ballot for the “Circoscrizione Estero” (Overseas District).
You can also choose to vote in Italy in your respective Italian Municipality for candidates in the National Districts, instead of the Overseas District.
1. Establish a Firmly Rooted Connection With Your Italian Heritage.
Your Italian ancestors left their beloved country to provide a better life for their children. In turn, the next generation could provide an even better life for their children. Although they left Italy long ago, their hearts have always remained in the Motherland. They brought their cultural beliefs and traditions with them when they emigrated. These ideas were lovingly passed down to you along with a strong sense of family and determination.
By having your Italian citizenship recognized you complete the circle. You can now experience, through your eyes, their history, struggles, and joy. You can also open the doors of opportunity to expose your children, first hand, to their origins.
You are not only Italian Americans/Australians/Canadians but you are also American/Australian/Canadian Italians.
Where are your roots in Italy and what are your reasons for wanting to become an Italian citizen?
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It will also give you the right ti pay taxes in Italy, it will give you the right, if you buy property, to pay extra taxes in top ofvthe ones you already pay in your country, example: you own a house in the states ot anywhere else and of course you pay taxes on it, well, you’ll be paying taxes on your italian property as a second house, paying taxes on a property in Italy as a second or third house, means paying more than double the price that most people pay to own one house.. (Personal experience, other house is in Canada) so if taxes for that house in Italy normally would be €1000 x year, since is your second property you will probably pay €2000…
You have a pension in you country? US, UK, Canada or anywhere else? Don’t think of applying for an italian one, the italian pension is close to poverty, and besides, since you have a pension in your country, you’ll pay taxes on your earnings outside Italy and therefore lower your pension in and cut your actual pension.. It sums up, and increases your income.. I could go on for a few other points.. I’ll wait till the next similar post.. Didn’t want to ruin your italian dream, but there is more than Pasta, Beauties of Roma, and Pizzas on the Amalfi Coast..
Thank you for leaving your comment Christopher. These are interesting points. I am cusious to see if anyone else shares your experience too.
Dear Christopher, I am from Italy, born,raised, and finished University there. Italy is a great place and go there very often for business. I still have double citizenship and the country is not that easy to do work with the taxes so high and almost 22 political parties. There are many more points which you should be aware about the laws of that country
I insisted that both my Canadian born son and grandson get their Italian Citizenship, which they did as both my ex-wife and I are Italian born. I’ m happy that they got it because in life you never know and this gives both of them options.
Where were you born Joseph? How often do you return to Italy to visit?
What is the cost of obtaining Italian citizenship?
Ciao, Mary Ann, You have posed an excellent question. However, it is not so easily answered. Each person’s situation is unique and requires a closer evaluation to determine an overall price. Please send me a message on the contact page of the website and also download the Free Guide to Heritage Tourism at the following link: http://digginguprootsintheboot.com/heritage-tourism-free-guide/
I know my home country is less likely to help me abroad (if i need help) if I have dual citizenship
So being a 3rd generation italian you’re still able to obtain dual citizenship?
Kelly, it is possible that you may qualify to have your Italian citizenship recognized as a 3rd generation Italian descendant. I am 3rd generation and have had mine recognized! Download my FREE guide to Heritage Tourism and learn more: http://digginguprootsintheboot.com/heritage-tourism-free-guide/
Thanks for all the information! I signed up to download it. My whole maternal side is from Italian ancestry. We have a large tree on ancestry that can trace our roots back in Italy to almost the 1700s. From what I see my mother’s grandmother was never naturalized. Nor were her great grandparents on that side.
Wish I could put in for Italian Citizenship, but my Nonno became a US Citizen Before my Father was born [1909], so I’m out of luck. He did have to be “repatriated” after serving in the Italian Army [1913 – 1919], but that was After my Father was born. From the time that he came to the US [1899] he kept going back to Italy. He stayed there for several years, came back to the US and went back again. But no proof, as he went as a Ship surgeon.
We have no record of my husband’s Grandfather becoming a citizen (he jumped ship) – my husband doesn’t care to apply – though our kids want him to. The latter is hard to prove.
Kathleen, you can prove whether your husband’s grandfather naturalized by requesting a record search. Also, if the record search shows that there is no record of naturalization than your children (if/when they are adults) can apply directly to have their Italian citizenship recognized. They do not have to wait for your husband to apply. Download my FREE guide here for more information on the records search. http://digginguprootsintheboot.com/heritage-tourism-free-guide/
I appreciate Christopher’s comments. Nothing is ever perfect, so knowing the pros and cons is important. I have also heard from my tax accountant that if you live and work in the EU (anywhere outside the US) for more than 6 months, you are liable for taxes in both countries. She also warned that this is not her expertise, so I should look into it further. I would really like to know if that is true. BTW, we have a consulate appointment in the US in February to turn in our documents. 🙂 I estimate the cost to us was around $1500 after paying for documents, consulting, and apostille and translation of the documents. In our case, my husband’s grandfather was born in the US to Italian citizens, so he had dual citizenship from birth and never had to renounce his Italian citizenship.
You are right, there are always pros and cons, and it is better to know them upfront. Here is a great article about taxes. It is a few years old but gives you a good idea of what to expect. In Boca al Lupo for your consulate appointment in February. Which consulate and how long was your wait time?
My brother, Lou Colombo, and I have dual citizenship with Italy.
This is our way of honoring our paternal grandparents, John and Luigina Cucchi Colombo and our maternal grandparents, Bernardo and Angelina Bonfiglio . Our research reached back to he 1600’s and show all our ancestors were Italian Roman Catholics.
That is fantastic Evelyn! What were your grandparents’ ancestral villages? How long have you and your brother had your Italian dual citizenship?
I received my Italian Citizenship 6 yrs. ago. My grandson now 22 yrs old wishes to obtain his. I was told at the time mine was granted he could also receive his.
Since 6 years have passed would he need to qualify on his own? I am not sure how to proceed.
I appreciate any information you can provide.
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My son and I have dual Italian/US citizenship. He is in his first year of college and would like to study in the EU for a year. He was just informed that he would NOT be able to enroll as a national because he does not have 3 years of residency. Does anyone have any experience with this?
I got my citizenship last July as a spouse, if anyone is curious about that process.
Madeline, It was my understanding that Ireland requires 3 years of residency to qualify as a national, but that was the only country I was aware of that required that. What country told your son he was ineligible?
As a Canadian citizen who would like to visit/live in Italy for 3 or 4 months of the year when I retire (at age 60) what would be the benefit to me to obtain my Italian citizenship (which I am in the process of doing). Is it so I can obtain health care if needed in Italy when I am there? I don’t plan on getting an Italian passport (unless I have to?) But for 3 or 4 months… am I obligated to pay any type of tax if I am either staying with relatives or renting? I do not plan on working when there. Is it even worthwhile to obtain my citizenship? Comments? (I don’t know what I’m doing… 🙂
I and my children have dual citizenship , can my daughters go to university in Italy as a citizen ?
Thanks in advance
Ciao Dan, If your children have Italian citizenship, they can attend university in Italy as an Italian student. Here is a link https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/education/university/index_en.htm and below is some general information for EU students that might help you.
Entry and visa regulations
EU students do not need a visa to study in Italy.
EU students do, however, need to apply for a residence permit by registering with the local police within three months of arrival.
Students apply to Italian universities via the Italian consulate in their home country. They should contact their university of choice to find out about entry requirements and application deadlines before applying. Cut-off dates vary, but it is likely students will need to have their applications in between January and April for regular academic year programmes.
Funding your study
At state universities, fees are about 680-800 euros per year for EU students. Private universities are about 6000-20000 euros per year. Other charges may apply as well.
Unlike many other European countries, scholarships and student loans/grants are available to EU students on the same basis as Italian students, although eligibility is usually merit-based or means-tested and all students aren’t necessarily able to access financial assistance. More information on this can be found at the DSU office (although the site is mostly in Italian). Many university websites also have some information about financial aid on their sites.
EU students can work in Italy without any additional permission; however, with employment at such high levels, jobs are unlikely to be easy to come by, particularly for those without Italian language skills.
I would like to share my thought. Keep writing because your words are really helpful. Thanks!
It’s interesting to know that having Italian citizenship can expose a person to a lot of professional opportunities. This may be useful to my cousin, who is considering life and career overseas.
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