29 de July, 2024
Since ancient times, Italy has always held a special allure for people from around the world. During the Renaissance, students and artists traveled from various parts of Europe to study in cities like Florence and Rome, drawn by the country’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Even today, living in Italy remains highly coveted due to its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and unparalleled gastronomy.
Although in the past it was difficult to fulfill the dream of living in Italy due to various limitations, today, with increasing global connectivity and modernization of transportation and communications, this desire has become much more accessible. Additionally, there are now specific visas that make it possible to achieve this dream legally, even for those who do not have Italian citizenship.
In this article, we will explore what it’s like to live in Italy, providing valuable information on how to live legally in the country, whether with European citizenship or a residence visa. We will also share testimonials from those who have experienced living there.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
We always repeat: do not go to Italy without Italian citizenship or an appropriate residence visa. Here’s how to live legally in the country.
If you have citizenship from another European country, living in Italy is relatively simple. No visa is required to reside in the country. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register at the Comune (municipality) where you intend to live. This is done at the Ufficio Anagrafe (Civil Registry Office).
Necessary Documents:
Certificate of Residence: After registering, you will receive a Certificato di Residenza (Certificate of Residence), confirming your legal residence in Italy.
Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): It is recommended to obtain a Codice Fiscale, which is a tax identification number needed for various activities, such as opening a bank account, renting property, etc. You can apply for this code at the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency).
As an EU citizen, you will have the right to work and study in Italy without additional authorizations.
For those who do not have Italian or another EU citizenship, it is necessary to obtain a residence visa. There are several types of visas, including work, study, and family reunion visas. The process can be complex and requires the submission of specific documents, proof of income, and, in some cases, a job offer.
Among the available visas in Italy, the most popular is the visa for digital nomads in Italy, whose most important rules are:
Another visa that has become popular is aimed at those with passive incomes, such as retirees. It is called Visto per residenza elettiva (category D). It is worth noting that Italy was considered the 11th best country to live as retirees in 2024, according to International Living.
Its main rules are:
The Permesso di Soggiorno is a residence permit for foreigners wishing to stay in Italy for an extended period. After arriving in the country with a visa, it is necessary to apply for this document to live legally. While the visa allows entry, the Permesso di Soggiorno allows prolonged stay, essential for studying, working, or residing in Italy.
To apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno, you must go to an Italian post office (Poste Italiane) and request the “kit giallo” (yellow kit). Fill out the kit form and submit it along with the following documents:
The validity of the Permesso di Soggiorno depends on the type of visa. For one-year validity, the cost is €70.46, and the issuance period is 1 to 3 months. The application receipt serves as proof of legal stay.
Read also: Top 5 Affordable Cities to Live in Italy
Did you know there are cities in Italy that pay you to live there? It sounds like a lie, but it’s true. This happens because the Italian government wants to attract new residents, especially in less populated and demographically declining areas, and economically revitalize these regions. It is estimated that the country has 6,000 abandoned villages. However, pay attention to some important details because there is usually a counterpart.
First of all, they will require you to settle for a predefined period, usually at least one year but it can be longer. Then, note that in many cases, you will have to undertake (start a business) in the city in question to boost the local economy. It is not allowed to purchase properties under this program to turn them into vacation rentals. Finally, the candidate must have a residence permit: Italian or another European citizenship.
Applications for benefits offered by the Italian government are always opening (and closing) in different areas.
The main incentives offered include:
Where to seek these incentives:
Italy has approximately 60 million inhabitants, distributed over a territory of 302,000 km². The most populous cities include Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin. The country is divided into 20 regions (divided into 5 groups) and 107 provinces. Each region has its own cultural and administrative characteristics.
According to the latest Eurostat data, the median age of inhabitants is about 48 years: it is the oldest country in the European Union. One in four residents is over 65 years old.
The climate in Italy varies greatly from north to south. In the north, the climate is temperate, with cold winters and hot summers. In the center, including Rome, the climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. In the south and the islands, such as Sicily and Sardinia, the climate is warmer and drier, ideal for those who prefer high temperatures all year round. In the alpine regions, the climate is alpine, with cool summers and harsh, snowy winters.
Italy is a parliamentary republic. The president is the head of state, while the prime minister is the head of government. The country has a bicameral legislative system, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The administrative division includes regions, provinces, and municipalities, each with different levels of autonomy.
The predominant religion in Italy is Christianity, with 70% of the population identifying as Catholic, according to ISTAT. The country hosts the Vatican, the seat of the Catholic Church, making it an important center of religious pilgrimage. There are also minorities of other religions, including Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.
Italy’s economy is one of the largest in Europe, with a diversified GDP. Italy’s GDP per capita, at 34,400 EUR, is very close to the EU average (35,500 EUR). It represents 12.3% of the EU’s total GDP. The most important sectors include manufacturing, fashion, automotive, tourism, and agriculture. Italy is famous for its luxury brands and high-quality products, such as sports cars, clothing, and gourmet foods.
Italian is the official language of Italy, spoken by the entire population. There are also regional dialects, which vary considerably in different parts of the country. A dialect is a regional variant of the language, often with significant differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation compared to standard Italian. There are about 34 main dialect groups in the country, reflecting an impressive linguistic diversity. Notable dialects include Lombard in the north, Tuscan in the center (the basis of standard Italian), and Sicilian and Neapolitan in the south. Each region has its own particularities, such as Venetian in Venice and Calabrian in Calabria. While learning a dialect is not necessary for living in Italy, it can enrich the cultural experience and facilitate local communication.
We spoke with the Italo-Brazilian publicist and entrepreneur Felipe Havok, 39, about his experience living for four years in Florence, Italy. At the turn of 2016 to 2017, he decided to explore his ancestry and immerse himself in Italian gastronomy in Tuscany, motivated by a childhood passion for the region’s cuisine and wines. He admits that he faced significant challenges with Italian bureaucracy to obtain his Italian citizenship and recognized that specialized support could have facilitated his experience. After returning to Brazil, motivated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Felipe used the knowledge he gained to create a specialized gastronomy portal, Muito Gourmet. Felipe Havok shared with us his experience, motivations, and challenges during those four years living on Italian soil.
How was the process of adapting to Italian culture?
The cultural differences are notable, from simple customs, like the habit in some small towns of hanging clothes out the window, to more complex ones like the absence of Carnival. For a “soteropolitano” at heart, this was a cultural shock! But with humor and openness, I adapted well to the Italian lifestyle.
What were the biggest difficulties and happiest moments?
The first winter was brutal, with temperatures reaching -6°C, a shock for someone from a tropical climate. But happy moments abounded; every winery and “cantina” visited, every museum, and the friends I made enriched my life in ways that will stay with me forever.
Daily Life in Italy
I shared an apartment in Firenze with a local, who became a lifelong friend, allowing me to live like a local for about €450 per month, including all expenses. Daily life involved a lot of culinary exploration, which for a food lover, is a true paradise.
How do Italians relate to foreigners?
In general, southern Italians are warmer, but my experience in Florence, in the center-north, was extremely positive. I was welcomed with open arms, which greatly facilitated my adaptation and the creation of bonds.
What are your main tips for those thinking of moving to Italy?
Definitely seek specialized help to deal with bureaucracy. This can smooth out many initial challenges and make the transition to Italian life much smoother and more secure.
What is your message to those dreaming of living in Italy?
Life in Italy may not be a fairy tale every day, but it is certainly one of the most charming places to live. If you dream of this, it’s worth every effort to make that dream come true. The beauty, culture, and cuisine are unmatched and provide a profoundly rich and rewarding life experience.
Absolutely! Italy is known for its cultural and geographical diversity. With a history dating back to the Roman Empire, the country is an open-air museum, full of historical monuments, works of art, and impressive architecture. This will be a memorable experience, even if it’s just a temporary phase, as mentioned above. Moreover, Italian gastronomy is incredible, with its spectacular pastas, cheeses, and wines.
Another curious aspect is the importance given to family within Italian society, which is seen as a fundamental pillar. This little detail has an interesting impact on the way of life in the country. They also value leisure time, social relationships, and quality of life. Is this the dolce vita of your dreams? Then talk to Atlantic Bridge! We help you pursue your Italian citizenship.
Author:
Silvia Resende
