Italy is an amazing country to live in, which is the reason why a large number of Americans aspire to get dual citizenship to the country. It opens a range of benefits for you, from the ability to reside, work and travel to Italy and other EU member states to the simplified purchase of property in the country, automatic Italian citizenship for your children and more. But with the benefits come some obligations that you have to fulfill to maintain the dual status. Here are the legal obligations you have to execute even when you love in another country.
Register and file AIRE
If you are a citizen of Italy but reside elsewhere, it is your responsibility to register with the Italian registry system. Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero (AIRE) requires the country’s citizens who reside abroad to register and file their residency and living abroad status so that the government can maintain their citizenship records. While it is an obligation, registration is vital as it ensures that you get the benefits that are available for the citizens of the country at the Italian consulate office. These include the renewal and replacement of the Italian passport. AIRE registration is a simple process. All you need to do is visit an Italian consulate office in the U.S.
Pay taxes in Italy
With dual citizenship, you have to pay taxes in the country even if you live abroad. However, the calculation of taxes due depends on your residence status and where the income is earned. Since taxes for people with Italian Dual Citizenship can get confusing, it is best to consult an expert. For instance, if you earn this income in Italy, but you reside in the U.S., you will have to pay your tax in Italy only on the income earned here, provided that you lived here for less than 183 days in the year. Conversely, you will have to pay tax on your entire income in Italy if you were here for more than 183 days, even if it was earned elsewhere.
Vote in Italian elections
Italian citizens with dual-status have the privilege to vote in the country’s elections, even if they reside abroad. Such people must exercise this right, either by being present in the country in-person or voting back home at the Italian consulate. Your residence in Italy or the U.S. decides which national elections and municipal elections you can cast a vote in.
Report for military duty on being called
Young men holding dual citizenship status and residing in the U.S. are required to register for the U.S. Selective Service. At the same time, they must also report for military duty in Italy if there is a national emergency in Italy and the government orders the country’s citizens to report for duty. Despite the obligation, it is notable that Italy has never recalled its citizens residing in other countries to report for military duty.
Abide the laws of both countries
Anyone holding an American-Italian dual citizenship status has to abide by the laws of both countries, regardless of where they reside at any time. For example, if there are some travel restrictions for some countries on U.S. citizens, you are obligated to adhere to them. The condition is applicable even if these travel restrictions do not apply to Italian citizenships, and the same works vice versa.
As a dual citizen, it is crucial to understand your responsibilities and obligations towards both countries. Following them protects your status and ensures that you get the applicable benefits.
