When considering dual citizenship within the European Union, Irish and Italian citizenships are two popular options. Both offer significant benefits, but there are distinct characteristics that may make one more appealing depending on individual circumstances.
This article will compare Irish and Italian citizenships, focusing on freedom of movement and work within the EU, requirements for obtaining each citizenship, tax benefits, educational and professional opportunities, political rights, and consular services.
Freedom of movement and work within the european union
- Italian citizenship: italian citizens enjoy the right to live, work, and study in any EU country without the need for additional visas or permits. This freedom extends to the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, providing a broad range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Italy’s strategic location in Southern Europe also offers easy access to other Mediterranean countries, enhancing travel and business prospects.
- Irish citizenship: similarly, Irish citizens benefit from the right to live, work, and study across the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Ireland’s membership in the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK also allows for seamless movement between these two countries, which can be particularly advantageous for those with ties to both regions. However, the geographical location of Ireland may be less central compared to Italy, potentially impacting travel convenience within mainland Europe.
Requirements for obtaining each citizenship
- Italian citizenship: On March 28, 2025, Italy enacted Decree-Law No. 36/2025, introducing major restrictions on jus sanguinis citizenship. The approval of Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, solidified the new limitations proposed by Decree–Law No. 36/2025. Historically, Italian citizenship recognition had no generational limits, allowing great-grandchildren and further descendants to apply.
The new law restricts eligibility to individuals whose Italian parent(s) or grandparent(s) were born in Italy. If an individual’s parents—but not grandparents—resided in Italy for at least two consecutive years, they may still qualify for citizenship under the eligibility criteria. Additionally, the Italian ancestor must have held Italian citizenship exclusively at the time of their death. This means that if your Italian parent or grandparent naturalized as a citizen of another country, you would no longer be eligible for Italian citizenship.
- Irish citizenship: irish citizenship can be acquired through descent, marriage, or residency. Citizenship by descent is available to those with an Irish parent or grandparent. Citizenship by marriage requires three years of marriage and cohabitation with an Irish citizen, along with a period of residence in Ireland. Citizenship by residency generally requires five years of residence.
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Tax benefits
- Italian citizenship: italy offers several tax advantages for its citizens, particularly those living abroad. The country has agreements with many nations to avoid double taxation, ensuring that income is not taxed twice.
Additionally, Italy provides tax incentives for returning expatriates and new residents, such as the “res non-dom” regime, which offers significant tax reductions for foreign income.
- Irish citizenship: Ireland also has a favorable tax regime, with numerous double taxation agreements in place. The country is known for its competitive corporate tax rate, which can be beneficial for entrepreneurs and businesses. However, the personal tax rates can be higher compared to Italy, and there are fewer specific incentives for returning expatriates.
Educational and professional opportunities
- Italian citizenship: italian citizens have access to a wide range of educational institutions across the EU. Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, such as the University of Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome. The country also offers numerous scholarships and grants for EU citizens. Professionally, Italy’s diverse economy provides opportunities in various sectors, including fashion, automotive, and culinary arts.
- Irish citizenship: irish citizens can also take advantage of educational opportunities within the EU. Ireland boasts reputable institutions like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. The country is known for its strong tech industry, with many multinational companies establishing European headquarters in Ireland.
Political rights
- Italian citizenship: Italian citizens have the right to vote in national and EU elections, as well as run for office in Italy and the EU. This political engagement extends to referendums and local elections, providing a robust platform for civic participation. Italy’s active role in the EU also means that its citizens can influence significant policy decisions at the European level.
- Irish citizenship: Irish citizens enjoy similar political rights, including voting in national and EU elections and running for office. Ireland’s political system is known for its transparency and democratic values.
Consular services
- Italian citizenship: italian citizens benefit from extensive consular support worldwide. Italy has a large network of embassies and consulates that provide services such as emergency assistance, passport renewal, and legal support. The Italian government is known for its proactive approach in assisting citizens abroad, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Irish citizenship: irish citizens also receive strong consular support, with embassies and consulates providing similar services. Ireland’s diplomatic network is well-regarded for its efficiency and responsiveness. However, the smaller size of the network compared to Italy may impact the availability of services in certain regions.
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Cultural and heritage benefits
- Italian citizenship: being an Italian citizen means being part of a rich cultural heritage. Italy is renowned for its art, history, cuisine, and traditions. Italian citizens can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural scene, from world-famous festivals like Carnevale di Venezia to historical landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Vatican.This deep connection to cultural roots can be a significant advantage for those valuing heritage and tradition.
- Irish citizenship: irish citizenship also offers a strong cultural identity, with a rich history of literature, music, and folklore. Ireland’s cultural festivals, such as St. Patrick’s Day, are celebrated worldwide.
Seek your Italian citizenship
Both Irish and Italian citizenships provide substantial benefits, including freedom of movement within the EU, access to educational and professional opportunities, and robust consular support.
However, Italian citizenship stands out in several areas. The relatively straightforward process for obtaining citizenship by descent, and its broad eligibility, the diverse professional opportunities, and the rich cultural heritage make Italian citizenship particularly appealing. Additionally, Italy’s strategic location and extensive consular network further enhance its attractiveness.
While Irish citizenship offers unique advantages, especially in terms of tax benefits for entrepreneurs, the overall advantages of Italian citizenship may make it the preferred choice for many individuals seeking dual citizenship within the EU.
