Italian and U.S. Dual Citizenship:
The Rules
Both countries let you keep both citizenships. Here is what that means for passports, taxes, travel and your family line.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Short answer (as of November 2026)
Yes, you can be a citizen of Italy and the United States at the same time. U.S. law does not make you choose, and being recognized as Italian does not cost you your U.S. citizenship. Italy has let its citizens hold other citizenships since its current citizenship law took effect on August 16, 1992. Use your U.S. passport to leave and enter the U.S., and your Italian passport in the EU.
- The U.S. allows dual citizenship and does not require you to choose
- Italy has allowed its citizens to hold other citizenships since August 16, 1992
- Use your U.S. passport to leave and enter the U.S.; use your Italian passport in the EU
- The U.S. taxes its citizens wherever they live; Italy taxes based on residence
- Since 2025, whether a parent or grandparent was also a citizen of another country can decide if you qualify
What U.S. law says
The U.S. State Department explains that U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one citizenship. A U.S. citizen can acquire another nationality without risk to their U.S. citizenship, which is lost only by voluntarily giving it up. Dual nationals owe allegiance to both countries and must obey the laws of both.
Recognition by descent is not a naturalization. Italy confirms a citizenship you are treated as having held from birth, so there is no new oath of allegiance.
What Italian law says
Under Law 91/1992, in force since August 16, 1992, an Italian citizen who holds or acquires another citizenship keeps Italian citizenship. They may renounce it if they live abroad.
Before that date the rule was different. Under Law 555/1912, an adult Italian who voluntarily became a citizen of another country generally lost Italian citizenship. That is why the date your ancestor became a U.S. citizen matters so much: see did your ancestor's naturalization break the line?
Why dual citizenship matters for your claim
Since March 28, 2025, a person born abroad who holds another citizenship is generally recognized only if a parent or grandparent held exclusively Italian citizenship, or a parent lived in Italy for two years as a citizen before the person's birth. Cases started by March 27, 2025 follow the old rules. In other words, it is now your ancestors' dual status, not yours, that can close the door. Our Law 74/2025 guide explains the test.
Which passport to use
| Leg of the trip | Show this passport |
|---|---|
| Leaving the U.S. | U.S. passport (required by U.S. law) |
| Arriving in Italy or another EU country | Italian passport |
| Leaving the EU | Italian passport |
| Returning to the U.S. | U.S. passport |
Carry both on every trip. If your names differ between the two passports, for example because of a middle name, keep both handy at check-in. Details on getting yours are in how to get an Italian passport.
Taxes
- The U.S. taxes its citizens on their worldwide income wherever they live. Becoming Italian does not change your U.S. filing obligations
- Italy taxes based on tax residence. While you live in the U.S., Italy generally taxes you only on income from Italian sources
- If you move to Italy, you may become an Italian tax resident while still filing U.S. returns. The U.S.–Italy income tax treaty and U.S. foreign tax credits are designed to prevent double taxation. Get advice from a professional who knows both systems
Each country treats you as its own citizen
In Italy you are an Italian citizen, and in the U.S. you are a U.S. citizen. The State Department notes that dual nationals must obey the laws of both countries, and either country can enforce its laws on you while you are on its territory.
Check before you apply
- U.S. security clearance. If you hold or are applying for one, talk to your security officer first. Foreign citizenship and foreign passports have to be reported and are reviewed case by case
- A third citizenship. If you also hold another citizenship, check that country's rules on dual nationality
Giving up a citizenship
You can renounce Italian citizenship through your consulate if you hold another citizenship and live abroad. Renouncing U.S. citizenship is a separate formal process before a U.S. consular officer abroad, with lasting legal and tax consequences. Neither is needed to hold both.
Does your line still qualify?
We'll check your ancestors' dates against the 2025 rules.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State: dual nationality
- Law 91/1992 on Italian citizenship (Normattiva)
- Decree-Law 36/2025 as converted by Law 74/2025 (Normattiva)
- IRS: United States income tax treaties A to Z
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and consulate practice change; check the official sources or ask us before acting.
Dual citizenship questions
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