Few Americans are planning long vacations to Italy that mimic the hit HBO show “White Lotus.” Americans lounging at a beach resort or having dinners along the balconies is dwindling. However, they’re opting to get a second passport and make the big move to the Bel Paese. Some are buying property and renovating their homes to make a piece of Italy their own.
John Tarabini, a retired 62 year-old marketing executive, recently got his ticket to Italy - the red passport. In an interview with Fortune Magazine, he said he received his Italian citizenship in August of 2021 and his second passport arrived in November of the same year. Tarabini plans to stay in Italy for 2-3 months, while staying the rest of the year in the United States.
According to Tarabini, this gives me the flexibility he’s been searching for. He can travel the world and create a new home in Italy. It’s also an opportunity for his kids to travel to Rome and work remotely.
(Photo Credit: Italian Citizenship Assistance)
Like many Americans who yearn for dual citizenship, Tarabini acquired it through Italian Citizenship Assistance (ICA). They have seen a considerable increase in interest from Americans. When the ICA opened in 2012, they were seeing roughly one or two inquiries for dual citizenship per week. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re seeing approximately 800 applications per month.
Along with the amazing food and rich culture within Italy, the Italian passport is a gateway to travel throughout the European Union and rest of the world. The rising popularity of Italian citizenship comes with the rise of digital nomads who can work from home in any location.
(Photo Credit: italiandualcitizenship.net)
There are different ways to obtain Italian citizenship. You can acquire it through purchasing an investment property in Italy or investing in an Italian startup company. These “golden visas” can range between 250,000 to 1 million euros.
While a minority group of people can utilize the golden visa, most people apply for Italian citizenship based on the principle of jure sanguinis (right of blood) which is by descent, if they qualify. To apply through jure sanguinis, an American must have an ancestor who was, at one time, an Italian citizen. The increasing popularity to obtain Italian citizenship is a trend showing that Americans are looking to trade American culture for the sweet life in Italy.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.