Turin's American settlers face uncertainty as Italy tightens citizenship rules

American families who relocated to Turin in recent years to pursue Italian citizenship have found themselves caught between the country they left and new restrictions on the path they chose. Business Insider reported this week on the experience of a 38-year-old American who moved from Arizona to Turin with her family in 2024, seeking to establish residency and eventually claim citizenship through Italian ancestry. The family's plans have been complicated by recent changes to Italy's citizenship and residency requirements, leaving them uncertain whether they can remain in the city or must relocate again.

The story reflects a broader pattern: Turin, as Italy's industrial capital and a gateway to Alpine Europe, has attracted American professionals and families drawn by lower living costs, proximity to EU markets, and the possibility of EU residency. The appeal intensified after 2020, when remote work became widespread and American families began exploring relocation options. Italy's relatively accessible citizenship-by-descent rules—which allow people with Italian ancestry to claim citizenship—made Turin a logical destination for families with Italian heritage seeking a foothold in Europe.