Jimmy Kimmel recently revealed that he holds an Italian passport obtained through citizenship by descent, giving him the right to live, work, and travel anywhere in the European Union. The move illustrates how a second nationality can serve as a “plan B” for individuals who want greater flexibility in response to political, tax or lifestyle changes in their home country.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Italian citizenship
- Ancestral link – Kimmel’s maternal great‑grandparents emigrated from Naples to New York after the 1883 earthquake that devastated their hometown.
- Citizenship by descent – Italy allows individuals to claim citizenship if they can trace an unbroken line to an Italian ancestor, historically without a generational limit. Kimmel secured his passport before recent rule changes tightened eligibility.
- EU benefits – As an Italian citizen, Kimmel can reside, work, or travel freely across the 27 EU member states, even if he never intends to live in Italy.
Why a second passport can be valuable
- Mobility – A non‑U.S. passport can ease entry into countries that impose restrictions on U.S. travelers, as seen during the COVID‑19 pandemic when some nations limited arrivals from the United States.
- Tax planning – Certain jurisdictions (e.g., Portugal, Poland, Greece, Switzerland) offer favorable tax regimes for residents or non‑residents holding local citizenship or long‑term visas.
- Lifestyle options – A second nationality provides the freedom to relocate to a country that aligns better with personal values, climate preferences, or cost of living, without renouncing original citizenship.
- Asset protection – Holding a passport from a country with robust banking secrecy or favorable legal frameworks can simplify the opening of offshore accounts and the structuring of international investments.
Main pathways to a second nationality
| Method | Typical requirements | Example jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by descent (ancestry) | Proof of lineage to a citizen of the target country; documentation of birth, marriage, and death records. | Italy, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, many Latin American nations. |
| Citizenship by investment | Significant financial contribution (donation, real‑estate purchase, or government‑approved investment) ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars. | Caribbean states (St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda), Turkey, several African nations, South Pacific islands. |
| Golden‑visa residency programs | Investment in real estate or business, plus a minimum stay requirement; may lead to citizenship after several years. | Portugal, Spain, Greece, Malta. |
| Digital‑nomad visas | Proof of remote employment or freelance income; usually short‑term (up to 2 years) and does not confer citizenship. | Estonia, Barbados, Costa Rica. |
| Citizenship by merit | Creation of jobs, significant economic contribution, or exceptional talent in fields such as science, arts, or sports. | Various EU countries, some Caribbean programs. |
Practical considerations
- Eligibility windows can close – Italy has recently restricted how far back applicants can trace ancestry, meaning those who qualified a few years ago may no longer be eligible.
- Residency vs. citizenship – Holding a passport does not obligate you to reside in that country; many expatriates live elsewhere while retaining the benefits of their second nationality.
- Tax obligations – U.S. citizens remain subject to U.S. tax filing requirements regardless of additional passports, though foreign residency can affect the amount of tax owed.
- Legal compliance – Ensure that any investment‑based citizenship program complies with anti‑money‑laundering regulations and that the source of funds is well documented.
- Long‑term value – Multiple passports multiply access: an EU passport covers roughly 30 countries, a Caribbean passport about 6, and a Southern African passport (e.g., Botswana) about 16. The combined effect can dramatically expand travel and business opportunities.
Jimmy Kimmel’s case shows that a second passport can be obtained relatively quickly when ancestry is clear, and it can serve as a strategic asset even if the holder never intends to relocate permanently. For anyone concerned about political volatility, high taxes, or limited mobility, exploring citizenship‑by‑descent, investment, or residency options may provide a valuable safety net.
