What does jure sanguinis mean?

It is Latin for “by the right of blood.” In this case, it means the right to citizenship through one’s bloodline or ancestry.

Will Italian citizenship jure sanguinis affect my current citizenship?

According to the principle of jure sanguinis, you have actually been an Italian citizen since birth (if you qualify). Obtaining dual citizenship through ancestry is much different than obtaining it through naturalization, which in many cases can result in the loss of your native citizenship. In Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom, being recognized as an Italian citizen jure sanguinis will not affect your current citizenship. If you are a citizen of any other country, we recommend you verify this with the nearest Italian authority.

Can I acquire citizenship with other members of my family at the same time?

Certainly! Applying with siblings and/or first cousins requires very little additional work and is a great way to divide up costs. Another benefit of applying with other members of your family is that you need only ONE set of certificates for your entire family’s application.

If I work in Italy do I have to pay taxes in both my native country and Italy?

The United States is one of the few countries in the world that taxes its citizens no matter where they live. However, you can qualify for a tax exclusion for all income earned in Italy or elsewhere in the European Union up to $70,000 USD per year. This is called the “70,000 exclusion,” and in order to qualify for it you must establish a tax home outside of the US and pass either the “physical-presence test” or the “foreign-residence test.” The “physical-presence test” is the more objective and straightforward of the two. To pass, you must be outside the US for at least 330 days over a consecutive twelve month period. The “foreign-residence test” is more subjective and probably easier for most Americans to pass. You must convince the IRS that you have been a bona fide resident of Italy or other EU country for an entire taxable year and that you plan to live there indefinitely. The IRS considers a number of factors to determine whether or not you pass this test. Being an Italian citizen and living in Europe will certainly work in your favor. Remember that you need to pass only one of these two tests to qualify for the “$70,000 exclusion.” You must file IRS forms 1040 and 2555 or 2555-EZ to claim your exclusion!
If you are an American who doesn’t qualify for the “$70,000 exclusion” or who earns more than $70,000 USD per year, don’t worry! Italy and the United States have tax treaties to protect their citizens from dual taxation. The general rule is that you don’t pay US tax on foreign-earned income if the foreign tax rate is higher than the US rate. If the foreign rate is lower, you will have to pay US taxes on the difference between these rates. In any case, be sure to file your tax returns every year even if all your income is earned outside of the US!
If you are not a US citizen, it is likely you won’t be taxed for any income earned abroad. Check with the nearest Italian authority or a tax attorney for more information.
If you are not sure contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Can I vote in Italy without losing my native citizenship?

Yes. Voting is one of your rights as an Italian citizen.

How will I know when I’ve obtained Italian citizenship?

You will be contacted by the Italian consulate through which you submitted your application for citizenship.
What is A.I.R.E.?

In every city in Italy, there is a general registry office or anagrafe that keeps track of the changes in citizenship status, address, marriage, birth and death of Italian citizens. Italians living abroad are registered in a special anagrafe called A.I.R.E. By law, all Italian citizens, whether living in Italy or abroad, must notify their anagrafe concerning any change in their status. Italians abroad do so through the consular office in whose jurisdiction they reside.It is Latin for “by the right of blood.” In this case, it means the right to citizenship through one’s bloodline or ancestry.

According to the principle of jure sanguinis, you have actually been an Italian citizen since birth (if you qualify). Obtaining dual citizenship through ancestry is much different than obtaining it through naturalization, which in many cases can result in the loss of your native citizenship. In Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom, being recognized as an Italian citizen jure sanguinis will not affect your current citizenship. If you are a citizen of any other country, we recommend you verify this with the nearest Italian authority.

Certainly! Applying with siblings and/or first cousins requires very little additional work and is a great way to divide up costs. Another benefit of applying with other members of your family is that you need only ONE set of certificates for your entire family’s application.