Can you keep your Italy citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Since 16 August 1992, Italian citizens who voluntarily acquire another citizenship (such as U.S. citizenship) generally keep Italian citizenship, but some treaties with certain states can still cause automatic loss.
What the law says
- Law 91 of 1992 allows possession of multiple citizenships, reversing the prior prohibition for Italians acquiring a new citizenship.
- The allowance is not applicable in all cases: Italy maintains treaties with some states under which an Italian naturalising there could lose Italian citizenship automatically (article 26).
- Multiple citizenship is explicitly permitted under certain conditions if acquired on or after 16 August 1992.
- Those who acquired another citizenship between 16 August 1992 and 23 January 2001 had three months to inform their local records office or Italian consulate; failure carried a fine.
- Those acquiring another citizenship on or after 23 January 2001 could send an auto-declaration by post; on or after 31 March 2001, notification of any kind is no longer necessary.
“law 91 of 1992 allows the possession of multiple citizenships”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Italy lets you keep yours.
Source: Italian nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Italy embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
Getting ready for your citizenship interview?
Practice all 128 civics questions and the full interview with an AI officer. Free to start.
Start practicing free