Italy is a top destination for those looking to make a move abroad, and with good reason; whether you’re in search of nightlife, culture, or natural beauty, Italy offers all that and more; à la Under The Tuscan Sun, when people visit Italy, they inevitably find a good number of enchanting reasons to move there. Enthralled by the natural beauty and abundance of art and history, travelers are often hooked by the time they say Ciao to this captivating country.
Italy’s Appeal:
History
Everywhere you look in the Italy, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of years of antiquity. A simple walk down the street can turn into an impromptu history lesson as you pass remarkable churches, homes, and even castles.
Culture
On top of the amazing saga that is Italy’s past, you’ll be on the doorstep of some of the top museums, best music, and even greatest sports teams in the world. Fashion, art, music, family and food, Italy is steeped in culture – and cultural norms that can be quite charming when you understand them and adapt.
Italians, both men and women, greet friends with a kiss on the cheeks: first left, then right. However, one doesn’t actually place one’s lips on the person’s skin; an “air kiss” close to the cheek is appropriate.
American women often find Italian men to be incredibly friendly with a trail of “ciao, Bella!” dancing on the wind behind them as they walk down the street; don’t let this confuse you, however. “Ciao” is an informal, intimate way of saying hello and goodbye, and is considered rude if used with someone you don’t know.
When greeting a stranger or mere acquaintance, and when greeting someone who is your elder, always use “salve” to say hello, and “arrivaderci” to say goodbye. If the other person uses “ciao” with you first, it can be taken as an invitation to do the same (but not with your elders, unless they are family). Otherwise, stay away from it until you know your relationship is close (and, ladies, ignore those rude boys on the street!).
Language
Unlike many expatriate destinations, you’ll find that in Italy, most people do not speak English. You’ll need to learn, but even the most minimal effort will be greeted with appreciation, encouragement, and patience.
Moving to Italy
When it becomes more than just an idealistic pull, and you’ve decided to take the plunge and move to Italy, there will be a number of things you ought to prepare for, before you pack up your belongings and apply for that Visa.
Red Tape
Americans seeking to move to Italy to live, study, or work, are most likely to apply for one of three types of visas: residency, student, or work. Different paperwork is required for each, and things tend to change periodically, so check with your local consulate or the Italian Embassy’s website on the latest requirements before you make an appointment. All visas will require a passport valid for at least three months past your application date.
Italy requires fingerprints for all non-European citizens who plan to stay for any length of time beyond the 90 days allowed for tourism or business related travel. U.S. and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa to enter Italy for up to 90 days, but for anything beyond that (without applying for permanent residency) you’ll need a Schengen.
Expatriates who are retired and can prove they have a resource of income, from a pension plan or social security, can apply for an elective residency visa, as can those who can afford to live in Italy without earning an income.
A family visa is applicable when the entire family is moving to Italy; in addition to the regular documentation needed for residential visas (of any kind) you’ll need proof of familial relations.
Cost of Living
It is true: Italy is expensive. Italy is also not the easiest place to earn a living, as the unemployment rate is extremely high, hovering around 12.7% as of February 2015, which means, of course, that the economy isn’t great either.
It is important to consider your financial situation carefully before making a decision to move to this beautiful country. Culture, romance and lovely weather you’ll find in abundance; opportunities to build a career or make money – not so much.
The one caveat to this less-than-stellar news is that healthcare in Italy is cheap and excellent. Healthcare is provided to all citizens and residents by a mixed public and private system. As of 2000, Italian healthcare was considered, by World Health Organization’s ranking, the second best in the world, after France.
If, however, you are financially set, have transferred to Italy for your job, or perhaps earn your living by working globally online, you’ll be fine, even on a limited budget, if you implement a few money saving tips into your lifestyle:
- Choose a residence outside of the city; there are a number of lovely Italian countryside villages to choose from and you’ll find that housing is considerably less expensive there.
- Instead of having dinner out, have lunch instead. Italian restaurants often have lunch specials and a charming meal in an outdoor piazza can be a wonderful experience.
- Electricity, water and Internet can be pricey so turn the lights out, enjoy winter fires in the grate, read a book instead of Facebooking, and turn the faucet off while brushing.
- Unlike in North America, where it seems there is a sale on every corner and on every weekend, Italian stores typically have sales twice a year, right after Christmas and in July. Take advantage and shop for shoes, clothes and household goods during sale time.
- Look for great deals on train travel between the larger cities in Italy; often people live outside the city and take the train in for shopping, dining, work or study; Trenitalia and NTV both offer some great deals now and then, and you’ll find the website information is in English too.
Making the move
Italian customs allows for household belongings to be imported duty free, so long as they arrive and are declared within 6 months of your entrance, and you have already registered as a resident. In addition to that, legal residents may also import a vehicle without paying duty, provided you have owned the vehicle for at least one year. Your shipping agent can streamline customs-free importation of your household goods.
Bringing your fury, four-legged family members
Animals from the USA and Canada may come into Italy with the following documentation and conditions:
- A valid veterinary certificate
- Valid rabies vaccines
- An ISO-11784 standard tattoo or a microchip
Keep in mind that if you plan to travel with your pet throughout Europe, you’ll need to get an EU Pet Passport from a local Italian vet. To learn more about bringing Fido or Fifi to Italy, visit the United States Department of Agriculture website.
Under The Tuscan Sun may be just a movie, but life under the Italian sun can be yours under the right circumstances and with the right amount of planning. After all, life is too short not to live the “dolce vita” under any part of the sun you wish.
Check out also 10 Great Reasons to Move to the UK