Italian Dual Citizenship in 2025: Myths vs Reality

Many Americans dream of holding Italian dual citizenship, often motivated by heritage, lifestyle, or access to Europe.
But as of 2025, new rules introduced by Law 74/2025 have changed the requirements and a lot of misinformation still circulates online.

Here, we debunk the 5 biggest myths about Italian citizenship by descent, marriage, and naturalization and explain what’s really true in 2025.

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Myth #1: “If my great-grandfather was Italian, I qualify automatically.”

Reality:
Until March 2025, many Americans applied for Italian citizenship by descent through great-grandparents.
But under Law 74/2025, this is no longer possible.

Today, you may only qualify if you are a child or grandchild (1st or 2nd generation) of an Italian citizen, provided that:

• Your Italian ancestor was exclusively Italian (not a dual citizen) at the time of birth or death
• The citizenship transmission chain was never broken

If your Italian ancestor is a great-grandparent or earlier, you cannot apply via descent.
Instead, you may consider Italian naturalization after residency.

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Myth #2: “Marriage gives automatic Italian citizenship.”

Reality:
There is no such thing as automatic citizenship anymore.

If you apply for Italian citizenship by marriage in 2025, the process requires:

• Marriage duration: 2 years (if living in Italy) or 3 years (if abroad)
• Halved if you have children together
• B1-level Italian language certificate
• FBI and state background checks, translated and apostilled
• €250 application fee
• Processing time: up to 36 months

Only after approval and an oath can citizenship be granted.

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Myth #3: “The Italian citizenship process only takes a few months.”

Reality:
Even the fastest cases take 2, 3 years. The timeline depends on the path:

• By descent (jure sanguinis): 24, 36 months (often longer due to U.S. consulate waitlists)
• By marriage: 2, 3 years after application
• By residency (naturalization): 3+ years, after meeting residence requirements

Consulates in the U.S. are often backlogged, with 1, 2 year waiting lists just to book an appointment.

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Myth #4: “If I become Italian, my kids will too.”

Reality:
Minor children don’t automatically become Italian citizens when a parent does.
Instead, you must:

• File a formal declaration by May 31, 2026 for children already born
• File within one year of birth for newborns
• Or prove the child has lived legally in Italy for 2 consecutive years

Children can still benefit from pre-2025 rules if their parent’s application was submitted before March 27, 2025, but only if finalized by May 31, 2026.

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Myth #5: “Italian dual citizenship means no U.S. taxes.”

Reality:
This is one of the most common misconceptions.

The U.S. requires its citizens to pay taxes on worldwide income, regardless of Italian citizenship.
However, the Italy, U.S. tax treaty helps prevent double taxation.

So yes you can enjoy the benefits of Italian citizenship, such as:

• An EU passport
• Healthcare access
• The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU

…but you’ll still need to file annual IRS tax returns.

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Quick Recap: Myths vs Facts

Myth

The Truth

Great-grandparent = eligible

❌ Only up to grandparent under Law 74/2025

Marriage gives instant citizenship

❌ Must apply, know Italian (B1), and wait up to 3 years

Fast process

❌ Most cases take 2, 3 years or more

Kids become citizens automatically

❌ Requires declaration or 2 years’ residence

No U.S. taxes with Italian passport

❌ U.S. taxes still apply worldwide

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FAQ Italian Citizenship Misconceptions

Can I apply through my great-grandfather in 2025?
No. After March 27, 2025, only children and grandchildren qualify by descent.

Is Italian dual citizenship legal in the U.S.?
Yes. Both countries recognize dual citizenship.

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship?
Between 2, 3 years, depending on the path and consulate workload.

Do I need to live in Italy to apply by descent?
No, you can apply at your local Italian consulate in the U.S., though timelines are often shorter if you move to Italy.

Is Italian citizenship by marriage still possible?
Yes, but only with the updated requirements: marriage length, B1 Italian, and formal application.

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Ready to Apply for Italian Citizenship?

The process may seem overwhelming especially with the 2025 legal changes.
But whether you’re applying by descent, marriage, or residency, professional guidance can make the difference between rejection and success.

Get expert help from an Italian citizenship consultant today.
Avoid costly errors, prepare the right documents, and fast-track your path to dual citizenship.

📩 Start now request a personalized eligibility review and document checklist.