13 Must-Know Benefits of Becoming an EU Citizen

An EU passport offers the most flexibility of any identification document in the world. It allows you to travel, work in, and access a range of services in most European countries. Many United States citizens of European descent may be eligible for dual citizenship in an EU country and can take advantage of these benefits of an EU passport:

1. Travel Europe Without a Visa

As an EU citizen, you can travel to and from the 27 member countries visa-free, with no restrictions on activities. You can travel, live, work, and retire in Europe without time limitations in every EU country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Some limitations exist in certain countries regarding your ability to be financially self-sustaining.

2. Excellent Education with Free or Reduced Tuition

Not only are there many reputable universities in the EU, but some of the top ones are free or are accessible via reduced tuition costs. EU nationals can earn subsidized degrees in business administration, social sciences, IT, journalism, and law without a student visa.

3. Universal Health Care Across the EU

As a European citizen, you can receive medical treatment at no cost in any EU member country. This applies whether you need medical services while traveling, studying abroad, or residing in a different state. Each country has its own system, but a European health insurance card ensures you coverage for health care across the region.

4. Tax Incentives In EU Member States

There are no-double-taxation agreements between over 60 countries in the EU to prevent double taxation. Dual citizens who live in the U.S. will not need to pay taxes in the EU unless they earn money there. Residents of Italy, for example, will pay taxes on all of their income, but will not be double taxed on U.S. income. In many countries, you may even get favorable foreign income tax structures in your first years as a citizen.

5. Find Work Anywhere in the EU

If you have a European passport, dual citizenship allows you to work in any EU member country. Employers often look for internationally experienced candidates who are mobile, bilingual, and culturally aware. Hiring a dual citizen also allows employers to avoid dealing with the complex permit or work visa process. Even if your legal residence is in Italy, you could work for a company based in Germany or vice versa.

6. Consular Protection When Outside the EU

If you are a U.S. citizen, you have the right to turn to a U.S. embassy or consulate if you need diplomatic services in another country. One of the benefits of becoming an EU citizen is that you can turn to the EU Consulate for help as well. This consular protection can be life-saving if your passport is stolen, you experience an illness or accident while traveling, or you need to be evacuated from a dangerous situation.

7. Own Property and Establish Permanent Residency

Citizenship law allows you to own property in any EU country, and you won’t need additional permits to do so. This is favorable to investors in European real estate and gives them an opportunity to diversify their portfolios. It also allows dual EU citizens to establish residency in the EU nation of their choice.

8. Exercise EU Voting Rights or Run for Public Office

With EU citizenship, you can vote in the EU country you reside in. You can even stand as a candidate in local elections or the European Parliament. You can also be recruited to work in a public service position under the same conditions as nationals. These lucrative positions are not available to non-citizens.

9. Increased Privacy of Your Personal Data

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced by the EU places restrictions on data collection, storage, and usage. The EU has put in place strong protections for individuals that allow them to better control their personal data. You can safely move personal data from one provider to another, and privacy regarding taxation is tight as well.

10. Consumer Rights to Food and Product Safety

The EU has some of the strictest food and product safety regulations in the world. A regional alert system helps protect citizens when dangerous products are found. Consumers have the right to return unwanted products and receive refunds if their booked travel is canceled or seriously delayed.

11. Starting Your Own Business in a European Country

EU citizens have access to programs that support small businesses and startups. Fees to set up a new company are low, and the process can be completed in days for most applicants. Funding is readily available through investment platforms and small business loans.

12. Keeping Emergency Options Open

As a dual citizen, you and your family have additional options in an emergency situation. You might choose to travel under your U.S. or EU passport depending on where you are and what the local political establishment prefers. You have two embassies or consulates to assist you when traveling, and you could potentially move to another country without waiting for a visa that might be denied based on changing political circumstances.

13. Reconnecting with Your Heritage and Family History

Living in the land of your ancestors can reignite your family connections to each other and your unique history. You might reconnect with relatives or visit historic sites to better understand the culture and influence of those who came before you. Purchasing property in Italy or another EU country will let you re-establish your own cultural  identity and make meaningful connections with your community.

Can You Apply for Dual Citizenship Today?

Are you eligible to receive an EU passport? You will need to become a citizen of an EU country like Italy in order to take advantage of these benefits. It is possible to gain EU citizenship by investment if you have hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest. You might also move to the EU on a work visa and follow immigration channels and guidelines to earn the right to citizenship.

If you are of Italian ancestry and live in the United States, it is quite possible that you are already eligible for Italian dual citizenship. You can find out more today by contacting us at the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program. A simple quiz will help us determine if you qualify, and we offer a free consultation to get you started on the path to EU citizenship and all the benefits it has to offer.