Relocating to Italy? Don’t Ask These Questions on The Internet
Since I started assisting foreigners to move to Italy over three decades ago, my goal with both my corporate and individual clients has always been to provide them with the best personalized information possible so that they could thrive during the time they spent in Italy. This could have been a few years as an intra-company transfer or someone who had decided to make Italy their home for life.
With the advent of the internet, groups and forums for foreigners began to spring up like there was no tomorrow, and while such places are great places to meet people, many of the questions that the members asked there, in my opinion, will not really help them to survive and thrive, especially long-term in Italy.
Based on the thousands of posts that I have seen through the years; I have put together ten questions that I feel will not really benefit someone who is thinking about moving to Italy when they are asked on the internet. Let’s check them out.
1. Where do you think I should live in Italy? This is such a loaded question and is probably the most subjective of them all, as it really depends on what someone is looking for. No two relocations are the same, and I dive into greater detail about this in another article that you can find here, which explains why everyone has their own unique relocation. Asking where you think you should live in Italy will bring a plethora of information that may confuse you more. While it’s fine to get some general feedback, nothing will take the place of a look-see trip where you can get up close to the destination that you have in mind. Also keep in mind that you may get very negative feedback from people who are not happy with their decision, and this can affect your decision if it really influences you.
2. How much tax will I pay in Italy? While someone can give you some general percentages, taxation in Italy, like most other countries, is extremely case-specific, and there are many variables to consider. Therefore, the only way to truly know what your taxation level will be in Italy is to speak with an Italian tax expert.
3. How do I get a visa for Italy? Again, while some general information can be shared, immigration, like taxation, is extremely case-specific, and how one person obtained a visa may not apply to you. Very often, this is a matter that needs to be addressed with an immigration specialist to get the correct information.
4. I have a problem with my landlord. What should I do? Unless you are speaking with someone who was involved in the renting process with you, no one really knows what the case is. Therefore, once more, the information that you will get will probably be all over the road, and very often, the advice given could put you in a legal quagmire.
5. I am getting a divorce, and I want to leave Italy with my children. What should I do? This is such a delicate issue that I am surprised that the question is asked of a general audience that does not know the person asking for guidance and most likely is not prepared professionally to answer such a question. If there was ever something that needed to be discussed with the appropriate expert, this is it!
6. I have a medical issue. What do you think it could be? Again, asking questions about your health, which is paramount, should not be done with strangers. This is a matter that needs to be discussed with the proper medical professional. Please do not put your health at risk by getting diagnosed online by people you do not know.
7. I would like to remain in Italy illegally. What do you think? Some people answer by saying that the person should do this because it’s Italy and no one will know! Sadly, these people do not realize that it is not 1995 anymore and that Italy’s immigration is directly connected to many other European countries. Therefore, even if you are not caught in Italy, you could well be napped in Amsterdam, Madrid, or Zurich while changing flights.
8. I am buying a property in Italy, so what should I know? While the answers to this question can give some general, useful feedback, this is also an area that requires speaking with an expert. As Italy follows the civil law system, some feedback can come from foreigners who are more used to the common law system. Buying a property in Italy, especially if you have linguistic challenges, should never be left to chance, and especially should not be carried out based on advice that you get from strangers on the internet.
9. I am looking for a workaround for taking the Italian driving license test because I don’t speak Italian very well. What do you suggest? There’s not a day that goes by that a foreigner does not post in an expat online group or forum asking for a workaround regarding Italy’s laws, rules, and regulations. The problem with this approach is that precious time gets lost that could be dedicated to finding and pursuing the real solution. Unfortunately, when it comes to doing things legally in Italy, there are no quick workarounds. If you are working with a professional who has your best interest at heart, they will always make this clear right from the start, as it is vital to understand this so that you can avoid very unpleasant situations further down the line.
10. I have heard I can go to San Marino to stay out of Schengen for ninety days. Is this true? Unfortunately, I have seen answers where the person was told that they could. San Marino is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area. However, it has an open border with Italy. Given that San Marino is only accessible via Italy, arriving there is not possible without first entering the Schengen Area; therefore, Schengen visa rules apply de facto. Simply put, this means that the 90- or 180-day rule applies to San Marino just like it applies to full members of Schengen, and one cannot go there for up to 90 days believing they will be outside the Schengen area. Currently, one of the nearest non-Schengen countries to Italy is Serbia. Again, for all immigration issues, please speak with an immigration expert.
In conclusion, the internet is a treasure trove of information, but when it comes to making life-changing decisions such as moving to Italy, it’s crucial to seek tailored, expert advice. The complexities of immigration, taxation, legal matters, and health cannot be adequately addressed through online forums and casual advice. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and what works for one may not work for another. As a professional dedicated to assisting foreigners in their Italian journey, I cannot stress enough the importance of consulting with specialists in their respective fields. Remember, thriving in Italy — or any new country — requires more than just answers to questions; it requires a comprehensive understanding and careful planning that is best achieved with the guidance of experienced professionals.
If you require any case-specific assistance, please feel free to contact me www.damienofarrell.com
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for Italian immigration news, real estate insights, and valuable relocation tips. Just click this link for the latest information from Italy.
Grab your copy of my eBook’ 10 Must-Knows For Moving To Italy’ today and open the doors to a new chapter of your life in the heart of this captivating country. To get your copy, please follow this link for the PDF version or this link for the Kindle version.
If you would like to receive high-quality information related to immigration, real estate, and many other aspects of relocating to Italy, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, ‘Ultimate Italy’. Just click here to sign up, and you will receive my cheat sheet, ‘Italian Immigration Overview for EU & Non-EU Citizens’, absolutely free!
