Benefits of Italian Dual Citizenship

“What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” – Erica Jong

“For us to go to Italy and to penetrate into Italy is like a most fascinating act of self-discovery” – D.H. Lawrence

“The Creator made Italy from designs by Michaelangelo.” — Mark Twain, American writer.

Italian dual citizenship can create incredible opportunities and foster wonderful cultural exchanges. The main benefits Dual Italian Citizens enjoy are:

  • The ability to work, reside and study in Italy and across the 27 EU member states (e.g. Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands etc.) without the need of a Visa. EU citizens are often prioritized over people from outside the EU for many professional and educational opportunities.
  • Simplified and more cost-effective process to purchase properties in Italy.
  • Tax-Free import of vehicles (car, trucks etc.) directly from the US to Italy
  • You will have access to public medical care and high-quality public education as available to EU citizens.
  • You will have the right to vote for the Italian Parliament representative in your region.
  • You will be able to transfer Italian citizenship to all children under 18 years old automatically.
  • You will be able to establish a firm identity with your Italian heritage.

Italian dual citizenship gives you the freedom to relocate to Italy or anywhere across the European Union.

Another advantage of having EU citizenship is the ability to study and work legally across the whole European Union in countries such as Germany, France, Spain, The Netherlands and so on. The ability to do so comes without the need of going through long and expensive visa applications or requests for special permissions. EU citizens often receive priority over those seeking employment from outside of the EU for professional opportunities and also some educational positions.

Also, because of Italy’s membership in The European Union (EU), citizens of Italy (and all other member states) are able to benefit from a wide variety of programs that are offered to its citizens. Many of these programs are for cultural exchanges and experiences which can also be for educational and economic exchanges such as Erasmus and projects by The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Purchasing property in Italy as a citizen of Italy is made much easier with regard to the requirements and the transactions themselves being more cost-effective.  Many non-citizens (depending on their country of origin) may have extra hurdles and processes to go through and may even need to acquire extra documentation whereas Italian citizens have a much more straightforward process. Also, Italian citizens residing abroad who decide to purchase their first home in Italy will enjoy tax discounts.

Being a citizen of Italy whether you reside in Italy or abroad, entitles you to vote in Italian elections. Depending on your residence, you may be able to vote in local, national, and EU elections. You have the option to be as active within the Italian civic and political system as you would like to be.  The possibility is there for you. If you are interested in taking a more active role in politics or to even hold a public office or political position one day, you certainly would not be held back from doing this. If you are a citizen, this means you are to be treated equally as all other citizens of Italy with all the same rights to be an active member of Italian society.

Any minor children that you may have at the time of your recognition as an Italian citizen will also automatically be recognized as Italian citizens. If you and your partner are planning on starting a family, any children you have after your recognition will be born with the status of being a citizen of Italy. Their recognition of citizenship, as well as petitions for all family members, can be made at the same time giving you the opportunity to celebrate together once your whole family are all Italian passport holders.

Of course,  there is an emotional benefit for many; namely, the ability to reside indefinitely in Italy and/or the EU, having the freedom to come and go as you please to the country of your ancestors; a beautiful country full of rich history and vibrant cultures that have survived the test of time, that are still alive and thriving today as a unified nation. Many choose to come to Italy to explore more of their roots so that they can get to know more about their heritage and connect with long lost family members. With everything that Italy has to offer from the Alpine winter wonderland in the north of the country to the Mediterranean beaches of the most southern tips of Sicily and everything in between, the authentic experiences, cuisines and landscapes are waiting to be explored and rediscovered.

European Union Benefits

According to Article 20 par.1 of the EU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, “Every person holding the nationality of a Member State shall be a citizen of the Union.” Like all European nationals with recognition of Italian citizenship, you will gain the basic set of rights all EU national is entitled to. The right to be able to live, work and vote in your European Country and since 2008 the right to freedom of movement and subsequent benefits in most European countries that participate in the Schengen Agreement.

Retiring in another EU Nation is also an option for any citizen of Italy without the need for a reason other than that’s what you want.

Additional Consular Protection and Human Rights Safeguard

Dual citizens feel more secure when traveling abroad. When traveling in a region without representation of the Italian government, EU citizens are able to enter into the embassy of any EU member state to request assistance. While one is within the borders of the EU, protection is guaranteed by The European Convention on Human Rights which further defines and takes steps towards enforcing many of the rights contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens of EU nations are also protected by rights in regards to privacy which has recently been outlined by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which contains some of the strictest privacy laws in the world.

Social Welfare Benefits

As a citizen of Italy, you will be able to enjoy all of the rights, benefits and privileges offered by your EU country of residence.  This may include healthcare, education, unemployment programs, and pensions.

Affordable High-Quality Healthcare:
Italy has a completely different approach to health care than other countries. In Article 32 of the Italian constitution, healthcare is defined as “a fundamental right of the individual”. If you are an Italian citizen you can obtain high quality affordable medical treatments. This could save your life and save you from bankruptcy. According to the United Nations’ World Health Organization, Italy’s healthcare system is one of the top 3 in the world. Not only is Italy’s healthcare system one of the top in the world but Italians are also considered to be some of the healthiest people in the world, according to the Bloomberg Healthiest Country index of 2019.

Many services offered by the National and Local Healthcare Service are free or low cost. For example, ambulance rides in Italy are free, whereas in the USA an ambulance ride can cost hundreds and in extreme cases even thousands of dollars. Emergency room visits can be free under certain circumstances and in some regions the maximum charge (including x-rays and/or medication) can be as little as €15. Visits to your local general practitioner and their services (consultations, prescriptions etc.) are also included at no extra costs on the public system.  Citizens of European nations that carry their European Health Insurance Card with them during a temporary stay abroad in another EU nation are entitled to any immediate medical treatment that can’t wait until you get home.

High-Quality Low-Cost Higher Education:
In Article 33 of the Italian constitution it states that “The Republic guarantees the freedom of the arts and sciences, which may be freely taught…” and in Article 34 it states,  “Schools are open to everyone” and that primary education is free of tuition and that “Capable and deserving pupils, including those lacking financial resources, have the right to attain the highest levels of education.” Education in Italy is one of the best in Europe and all around the globe. Italy has some of the oldest universities in the world– among which are the University of Bologna, established in 1088 and the University of Padua established in 1222.
In comparison with American higher education which can cost tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, in Italy and across Europe many universities offer citizens of Europe free schooling or some offer discounts.  It can cost as little as a few hundred to a few thousand euros per year and yes, even top universities like Bocconi University in Milan offer comparable educations to Ivy League institutions in the US but at a fraction of the Cost. Many schools also offer extra incentives to prospective students born abroad as well.

Employment and Financial Benefits

Employers see the advantages of employees with dual citizenship. International companies look for mobile, bilingual, professionals who are culturally aware “global citizens” with experience in foreign environments as an asset. Dual citizenship may be able to help you to further your career and financial prospects. By being a citizen of Italy, you’ll be able to take part in the many social security systems in place around Europe wherever you decide to reside.   This means that if you’re unable to work due to a disability, inability to find work or because of an illness,  you’ll have the security of knowing that you’ll be able to claim benefits if necessary. Also, if you are unfairly dismissed from your job, you will be able to make a claim for compensation.
For entrepreneurs, dual citizenship eases the process of starting a new business which can be quite complex.  You benefit from the shared currency and single economic zone that characterizes the European Union without facing the restrictions applied by non-EU citizens.
For Investors: the Italian passport will allow you to purchase foreign securities without the restrictions that apply to non-EU citizens, including Eurobonds, unit trusts, investment funds and real estate.

Cultural Benefits

Italy has a rich cultural history that you can truly become acquainted with and learn about in a new way once you are living in the country. Vacations may show you one side of Italy, but having the ability to stay in the country long term or permanently can open new windows for you to peer through and to gain a new perspective. Having “your boots on the ground” so to speak, gives you a greater ability to become part of the experience.  This can help you to assimilate “the Italian way of life” into your own life; a life that you may have heard about through the stories handed down to you and experiences you may have had on vacation. With your new freedom of being recognized as an Italian citizen, you are able to spend time in Italy and experience life as it is today and create your own stories.
As an Italian citizen, you will also have the right to vote on Italian issues in elections.  Being in Italy and knowing that you have the right to vote and the ability to exercise that right can promote a greater willingness to learn, care and be proactive about what is currently happening in the land of your ancestors.

 

Spending time in Italy as a dual-citizen can also help foster a better understanding of the Italian culture and how it may have influenced an individual. The Italian diaspora has spread the Italian people across the globe. The members of our families who left Italy long ago and even those who left more recently internalized their experiences abroad in their new country while helping to shape the communities around them with the culture they carried/carry with them. Many dual nationals report a new enhanced understanding of what their ancestors or more closely related family members went through in their new country and gain a new level of appreciation for having the ability to return to the land of their forefathers. This new level of understanding can help to better appreciate one’s own Italian heritage and to see how that heritage shaped you and the influence that the Italian culture, your culture, may have had on the destination your ancestors chose, ultimately helping you to become a dual citizen promoting cultural exchange, understanding and acceptance.

SOME BENEFITS OF HAVING AN ITALIAN PASSPORT

When traveling in and out of Europe with an Italian Passport you will be able to take advantage of fast track passport control lines reserved for EU Nationals making international travel much easier by avoiding the longer “Other Countries” line. Italy has one of the most powerful passports in the world with bearers being able to travel visa-free to 127 countries visa-free (as of early 2019).

Italian citizenship gives you the rights and privileges to freely roam around the EU without limitations. It can also help to encourage and allow access to new adventures, opportunities for travel and business, and allow for more interactions with other members of the European community.

Considering the possible changes in laws surrounding Italian citizenship and immigration, being the proud bearer of an Italian passport gives you tangible proof which helps prove and secure your status as an Italian citizen leaving no questions for the future.

………and these are only just some of the many benefits to Dual Italian Citizenship. Contact us for more information!