Key facts
| Italian-Americans | Around 16–17 million people report Italian ancestry. |
|---|---|
| Entering Italy | Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. |
| ETIAS | No confirmed start date yet (the EU postponed it; expected in 2027). |
| Apostille | State documents: the Secretary of State of the issuing state. Federal documents (FBI check, USCIS): US Department of State. |
| Italian consulates | Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, plus the Embassy in Washington. |
| Social security | The US–Italy totalization agreement lets you combine contributions for pension eligibility. |
| Driving licence | No conversion agreement: after becoming resident you'll need an Italian licence (theory and practical test). |
| Taxes | The US taxes citizens on worldwide income; the US–Italy tax treaty helps avoid double taxation. |
Italian citizenship by descent in 2026
Since 28 March 2025 (Decree-Law 36/2025, Law 74/2025), people born abroad who hold another citizenship only qualify by descent if:
- their application or court case was filed by 27 March 2025; or
- a parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship; or
- an Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years after becoming a citizen and before the applicant's birth.
In 2026 the Constitutional Court upheld the reform (judgment 63/2026) and then referred questions to the EU Court of Justice (order 147/2026), so litigation continues.
The minor issue is resolved
Many Italian immigrants naturalised as US citizens while their children were minors. For years this was used to deny claims. In July 2026 the Court of Cassation (Joint Sections, judgment 24045/2026) ruled that a minor born in a jus soli country like the US kept Italian citizenship when the parent naturalised. This is decisive for cases filed before the 2025 cut-off.
If you don't qualify by descent
- Elective residence visa: popular with retirees living on pensions, Social Security, rentals or investments (Consulates usually look for more than about €31,000 a year per person).
- Digital nomad visa: for skilled remote workers earning at least around €28,000 a year from non-Italian clients or employers.
- Investor visa: for significant investments in Italian companies, startups or government bonds.
- Student visa, EU Blue Card and work permits.
- Citizenship by residence: if a parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth, you can apply after just 2 years of legal residence, with B1 Italian.
Taxes: plan before you move
As a US citizen you keep filing US taxes (including FBAR/FATCA reporting) even after moving. Living in Italy over 183 days a year usually makes you an Italian tax resident too. Italy offers a 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners who move to small towns (up to 20,000 inhabitants) in southern regions, including Calabria. We coordinate with cross-border tax advisers.
US documents: where to get them
| Document | Where |
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage and death certificates | State or county vital records office (long-form copies) |
| Naturalisation records / proof of non-naturalisation | USCIS Genealogy Program, NARA and federal or state courts |
| Criminal record | FBI Identity History Summary |
| Apostille | Secretary of State (state documents) or US Department of State (federal documents) |
| Translations | Into Italian, often sworn (asseverazione) in Italy or certified by the Consulate |
Frequently asked questions
My great-grandfather was Italian. Can I still apply?
Under current law, generally not, unless you filed before 27 March 2025. If your parent or grandparent was born Italian and never naturalised, you may still qualify.
My ancestor naturalised when my grandfather was a minor. Is that a problem?
After the 2026 Court of Cassation ruling (24045/2026), a minor born in the US generally kept Italian citizenship. We review your documents to confirm.
Can I work remotely for my US employer while living in Italy?
Yes, with the digital nomad visa if you meet the requirements. The elective residence visa generally does not allow work.
Can I use my US driving licence in Italy?
As a visitor, yes (with an International Driving Permit). After one year of residence you need an Italian licence, as there's no conversion agreement.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.