How Italian citizenship opens doors to job opportunities in Italy for Americans

The cost of living in Italy: Photo of a street market in Naples
taly has long captivated the imagination of travelers and dreamers alike. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Milan, it offers a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, and history. But beyond its postcard-perfect charm, Italy is increasingly becoming a practical destination for expatriates and dual citizens.
Christmas in Italy: Photo of the holiday decorations on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan
Christmas in Italy, or Natale, is a cultural and religious experience that stretches across regions, generations, and centuries. From the solemnity of sacred traditions to the warmth of family gatherings and the indulgence of festive foods, Italian Christmas is a season of joy, reflection, and community.
Italian Constitutional Court upholds citizenship by descent: Photo of the city of Florence
The Italian Constitutional Court reaffirmed the legitimacy of citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) for individuals born outside Italy. The ruling, issued under Sentence No. 142/2025, rejected constitutional challenges raised by four ordinary courts—Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna—against the long-standing legal framework that allows descendants of Italian nationals to claim citizenship regardless of generational distance or territorial ties.
The best cities to live in Italy in 2025: Photo of the city of Milan
Italy conjures images of sun-drenched piazzas, Renaissance art, and plates of pasta that seem to defy culinary logic. But for those considering moving to the country—not just a vacation trip—the question shifts from “Where’s the most beautiful?” to “Where can I actually live well?”.
Exploring the Italian and American cultural differences: Photo of a classical Italian car in a mountain road
Culture is more than language, food, or fashion—it’s a way of life, a lens through which people interpret the world and define themselves. For Italian-Americans, navigating the space between Italian heritage and American identity often brings both pride and tension.
Italy’s 2026–2028 work visa decree: Photo of people working on markets in Rome
With the intention of addressing Italy’s labor shortages, the Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new decree on labor migration and work visas. Scheduled for implementation across the 2026–2028 period, the decree authorizes 497,550 legal entries for non-European Union workers with permanent or seasonal contracts—an increase from the previous allocation of 450,000 permits during the 2023–2025 cycle.
Learn how Italian citizenship opens job opportunities for Americans, the benefits of living in Italy, key sectors.
Summary

Italy offers a diverse and dynamic job market with various opportunities for both locals and foreigners. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle. It also has a robust economy with multiple sectors experiencing growth. Key industries include fashion, design, technology, and engineering, which are continually evolving and creating new job opportunities. 

Additionally, Italy’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has led to the emergence of green jobs and tech-driven roles. For foreigners, particularly Americans, Italy offers a unique blend of professional opportunities and an enriching cultural experience.

Benefits of Italian citizenship for Americans

Obtaining Italian citizenship provides Americans with significant advantages in the European job market. An Italian passport not only allows for visa-free travel within the European Union but also grants the right to live and work in any of the 27 member states. This freedom of movement eliminates the need for lengthy visa applications and work permits, making it easier to secure employment. Furthermore, holding an Italian passport can enhance one’s competitiveness in the job market, as many employers prefer candidates who already have the legal right to work in the EU. This advantage can be a game-changer, opening doors to a wider range of job opportunities across Europe.

Exploring the benefits of Italian citizenship

Key sectors with demand for American professionals

Several sectors in Italy have a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly those from the United States. The information technology sector is one such area, with a growing need for experts in software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Italy’s fashion and design industries are globally renowned, and American professionals with expertise in these fields can find exciting opportunities in cities like Milan and Florence. Engineering is another sector with significant demand, especially in areas like renewable energy, civil engineering, and automotive design.

Additionally, native English speakers are highly sought after in various roles, including teaching, translation, and content creation. International schools, language institutes, and multinational companies value the skills of native English speakers, offering numerous positions that cater to their expertise. This demand extends to business and marketing roles where fluency in English is a considerable asset.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

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Requirements to obtain Italian citizenship jus sanguinis

IOn 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.

This law is controversial, as it retroactively regulates past nationality claims, contradicting established legal principles that laws should only govern future events. In fact, the Italian Constitutional Court has ruled in past cases that retroactive restrictions must be proportionate and reasonable.

This suggests that, in the near future, applicants may increasingly turn to the judicial route to challenge unconstitutional changes in citizenship law. For further updates and insights, follow our channels to stay informed.

Applicants must provide birth, marriage, and—if necessary—death certificates, all of which must be authenticated with an apostille and translated into Italian. 

As of June 2025, the judicial route is the only available option for obtaining Italian citizenship. While all administrative applications will be centralized within a new governmental body in Italy, the specific procedures and operational framework have yet to be determined.

io.citizen has maintained a perfect track record of successful cases. One notable example is João Silva, who successfully obtained Italian citizenship with the guidance of io.citizen. Today, João proudly embraces his Italian identity.

It is important to highlight that, considering recent changes imposed by Law No. 74 of May 23, 2025, the outcome of constitutional challenges filed in court isn’t clear, therefore, we can’t ensure a positive outcome.

Challenges faced by Americans in the Italian job market

Despite the numerous opportunities, Americans may face certain challenges when entering the Italian job market. One of the primary barriers is language; while many Italians speak English, proficiency in Italian can be crucial for navigating daily life and professional environments. Cultural differences can also pose challenges, as workplace norms and communication styles in Italy may differ from those in the United States.

Bureaucracy and labor regulations in Italy can be another hurdle. The Italian labor market is known for its complex regulatory framework, and understanding the intricacies of contracts, taxes, and employment laws can be daunting. These challenges underscore the importance of preparation and adaptability for Americans looking to work in Italy.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.

The quote is quick, free, and without any commitment. We'll get back to you with more details within 24 hours.

How io.citizen can assist in obtaining Italian citizenship

Navigating the process of obtaining Italian citizenship can be complex, but specialized consultancy services like io.citizen can provide invaluable assistance. io.citizen offers comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from gathering necessary documents to legal representation in Italy. 

Our expertise ensures that all requirements are met, minimizing the risk of errors and delays.

The company’s services include personalized consultations, assistance with document collection and verification, and guidance through the judicial process for citizenship applications. By leveraging their experience and knowledge, applicants can enjoy a smoother and more efficient journey towards obtaining Italian citizenship.

or instance, João Silva achieved the highly sought-after Italian citizenship with io.citizen’s assistance. Today, João proudly considers himself Italian.

For Americans, working in Italy presents a unique opportunity to combine professional growth with personal enrichment. The benefits of Italian citizenship, including visa-free travel and the right to work within the EU, provide a significant competitive edge in the job market. 

While challenges such as language barriers and bureaucratic complexities exist, they can be mitigated with proper preparation and support.

B1 Test: A detailed overview of the italian language test

By exploring all legal options and seeking professional guidance, Americans can make informed decisions and successfully navigate the process of becoming Italian citizens. Ultimately, this opens doors to a wealth of job opportunities and a fulfilling life in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries.

Begin your journey to Italian citizenship

Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.