How to move to Italy and become a citizen?

Moving to Italy: new opportunities and challenges

Moving to Italy can be motivated by various reasons, each associated with certain challenges. Finding housing becomes one of the most important issues for those who decide to change their place of residence. From misunderstanding local practices to bureaucratic complexities, all of this hinders the adaptation process in a new country.

Knowledge of the Italian language: the key to successful adaptation

Knowledge of the Italian language is an important aspect when moving to Italy. It helps to ease everyday tasks, communicate with locals, and immerse oneself in a new culture.

Natalia Gavryushina's experience: from studying to a work visa

Natalia Gavryushina shares her experience of moving to Italy. More than six years ago, she started her life in this country, moving to the south and later to the north. Natalia had a clear plan - to start studying, establish herself in Italy, and obtain a work visa. This way, she was able to realize her dream of living in this sunny and beautiful country.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on life in Italy

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the lifestyle of Italians, forcing many to switch to remote work. The traditional characteristics of the northern and southern regions of the country remain, but they have been altered due to changes in the environment.

Results: new horizons and overcoming challenges

Thus, moving to Italy opens up new horizons, but it also comes with many challenges that need to be overcome. It is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, despite all the difficulties that one will have to face.

Differences between moving and legalization in Italy

The task before us is to understand the main differences between the relocation and legalization processes in Italy, which is a key element of the immigration strategy in this country.

Moving

The move begins with the mandatory acquisition of a type D visa, followed by the process of obtaining temporary (residence permit) and permanent (residence permit) residency permits, paving the way for the possibility of naturalization. This journey requires constant patience as well as strategic planning to successfully complete all stages.

Legalization

On the other hand, legalization concerns those people who are already present in Italy, possibly with a tourist visa, and are seeking legal ways to obtain official residency and apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP). It is important to note that Italy does not provide a direct mechanism for legalization through naturalization, as may be the case in other countries. It is also worth remembering that obtaining any type of visa is only possible through Italy's diplomatic representations abroad.

Main ways to move to Italy

Admission to Italian university

One of the most accessible options is enrolling in an Italian university. This is a great way to start your journey towards residency, opening up the possibility of legalization based on education.

Blue Card of the European Union

For highly qualified specialists, there is the possibility of obtaining a "Blue Card" from the European Union; however, this requires an official job offer from an employer in Italy, which can be a challenging task in the current local labor market.

Opening of the company's representative office in Italy

Another option is to open a representative office in Italy, a member country of the World Trade Organization. World Trade Organization. Although this requires a significant investment, such a step may be promising in the long term. in the long term.

Opening a sole proprietorship

For those who prefer to work as freelancers, opening a sole proprietorship is also a possible way to obtain a residence permit in Italy.

Investment residency

The investment residence permit is another interesting option that requires an investment of €250,000 or more in the Italian economy. 000 in the Italian economy.

Obtaining a residence permit based on income

Based on the income earned in your home country, it is also possible to consider the option of obtaining a residence permit in Italy.

Obtaining permanent residency in Italy

Finally, a question about obtaining permanent residency in Italy. Usually, this is only possible after 5 years of legal residence in the country. However, there are exceptions; for example, students need to convert their residence permit into a work or family permit.

Conclusion

The choice between moving and legalization depends on your situation and goals. If you plan to stay in Italy long-term and are prepared for the necessary formalities and temporary difficulties, the moving strategy may be the most suitable. On the other hand, legalization might be a more preferable option if you are already in the country and looking for legal ways to stay.

In recent years, Italy has made it much easier for foreigners to work and live in Italy. Finding a place to rent in Italy is a non-trivial task, no matter what region you choose. When I arrived in Salerno in September 2016, I faced quite a few difficulties in the adaptation process. The first year, The first year without my family was particularly difficult and very different from my normal life.

AdaptationIn a new culture and society, this is a natural process that is often accompanied by culture shock and difficulty in adapting to local customs. Some people adjust quickly, while for others it becomes a real challenge. Some immigrants, realizing that Italy is not suitable for long-term living, decide to return home.

Housing search

One of the most challenging problems for me has been finding housing. At first, I temporarily stayed with friends in Amalfi, but then I started actively looking for an apartment to rent in Salerno, preferably closer to the university.

When I found a suitable housing option, I encountered issues related to local legislation that protects tenants' rights. It's difficult for a landlord to evict a non-paying tenant, especially if they have children. Because of this, many landlords prefer to sell their property rather than rent it out.

Cost of housing

The rental prices in Italy vary, but on average they are around 10 euros per square meter. However, it is often difficult to find housing of the desired size due to an oversupply of large apartments on the market.

In tourist cities like Amalfi, housing prices are significantly higher due to high demand and limited supply. Real estate in Italy often features historic architecture, especially in the southern part of the country, which adds a unique charm to the region.

In contrast, in the province of Trento, one can find both old and modern buildings and apartments, often with no problems with heating and other utilities. without problems with heating and other utilities.

In conclusion, despite the difficulties and challenges associated with adapting and finding housing in Italy, the country offers a variety of cultural and lifestyle opportunities for foreign citizens who are willing to invest time and effort into embracing a new way of life.

Housing in Italy: features and prices

Housing in Italy can be expensive due to several factors. Firstly, many apartments lack proper ventilation, which can lead to mold issues. Secondly, the tourism industry plays a significant role in pricing. For example, in the town of Riva del Garda, housing prices are significantly higher due to the large influx of tourists. According to statistics, 85% of the available housing here is used for tourism, making it difficult for residents moving here for permanent residence to find accommodation.

Italian real estate market: features

The Italian real estate market is known for its conservatism, which is why even during the pandemic, property prices did not decrease; on the contrary, they increased. It is typical for locals to sell their homes a few years after purchase without lowering the price. The share of foreign buyers from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine in the real estate market is small and does not affect prices.

Important aspects to consider when choosing housing in Italy

It is important to note that in Italy, the real estate market is more of a seller than a buyer. Local real estate agents real estate agents do not actively seek to attract buyers and show different housing options. Therefore the best option would be to find a professional realtor who speaks Russian and has a license.

Housing prices in different regions of Italy

When it comes to housing prices in Italy, it's important to understand that each region has its own prices, level, and quality of life. In major cities likeMilan, Rome, and Florence, the cost of housing will be higher.

Entrepreneurial activity in Italy

I am an entrepreneur in Italy using a simplified tax system. For the first five years, my tax rate is 5% of my income, and about 27% goes towards social and pension insurance. My experience shows that being a businessman here is not as scary as many people think.

Healthcare in Italy

Medicine in Italy has its pros and cons. Basic medical services are evaluated differently, and access to specialists can be hindered by long waiting times. For a quicker resolution, one can book a paid appointment.

I personally haven't faced any serious medical issues, but I know that all expenses are covered by national insurance. When paying taxes in Italy, I will take advantage of these benefits for free. Students can purchase insurance for 150 euros a year.

Opening of bank accounts

One of the problems for newcomers, including migrants from other countries, is opening bank accounts due to sanctions. It is necessary to visit several banks with documents, which will help find an operator to open an account.

Life and climate in Italy

“If everything needs to be done legally, it’s better to choose another country,” was said when considering moving to Italy. I had two main motivations: to live by the sea and the climate. Right now, I live by a lake, but the climate here is pleasant thanks to the body of water.

Attitude towards age

I love the attitude towards life in Italy, especially regarding age. Here, age doesn't matter; local universities accept students of any age. In Italy, life is valued in all its forms.

I believe that the problems faced by immigrants in Italy may be related to language barriers and the lack of competence among local specialists. People who do not speak Italian are forced to rely on translators even for the simplest tasks, such as opening a bank account or obtaining health insurance. Sometimes, even knowing English does not help to avoid the issues that arise.

Moreover, one of the issues is that many specialists do not always keep up with changes in legislation and regulations, which often leads them to stick to outdated habits. This can complicate communication with them and make it more difficult to resolve arising issues.

It is also important to be prepared for the peculiarities of children's education and leisure. Technology is advancing faster in other countries, but the pandemic has prompted Italy to move closer to digitalization.

Italy has many interesting activities for all tastes, many of which are related to sports and active lifestyle. active lifestyle. Italians are mentally very diverse, especially in the south of the country, where they are often more open and less punctual.

In general, life in the northern part of Italy may be more comfortable for immigrants. At the same time, it's important to remember that each region of the country has its own characteristics and nuances that should be taken into account when moving or living in Italy.

What are the ways to move to Italy?

Moving to Italy can happen in several ways:

• Admission to an Italian university.
• Obtaining an EU Blue Card for highly skilled or highly specialized workers.
• Opening a representative office of a company located in a WTO (World Trade Organization) member country.
• Opening a sole proprietorship (freelancing).
• Obtaining an investment residency permit (investments starting from €250,000).
• The design based on the chosen place of residence is a residence permit based on high passive income in the home country.

What challenges will you face when looking for a home?

Finding housing in Italy can be somewhat challenging. Even in large cities, there can be difficulties in finding accommodation, especially if you are looking for a place to stay initially. Some landlords may require a guarantee in the form of a deposit, which can range from one to three months' rent, indicating a significant amount. Additionally, there are many insurance and tax obligations in Italy that you will need to fulfill in order to rent a property. It is also important to consider that housing prices in Italy can vary greatly depending on the area and your budget.

Why is it extremely desirable to know Italian?

The Italian language is an important aspect of life in Italy. Most Italians speak only Italian, especially in small towns and villages. Knowing the language will make it easier for you to communicate with the locals and help you culturally adapt to a new environment. Additionally, knowing Italian will make it easier for you to find a job. Many positions require knowledge of the language, especially if you work as a translator or teacher.

Pandemic and remote work in Italy

As in other countries, the pandemic also affected Italy and led to a massive shift to telecommuting. Many Italians are now choosing to work from home, and this in turn has helped them to better organize their time and make their lives easier. At the same time, telecommuting has led to a change in the way in many Italians' attitudes to life. They can now spend more time on themselves, their families and their hobbies, so they can work better and more efficiently.

What distinguishes the north and south of Italy?

Northern and Southern Italy differ not only in culture but also in lifestyle. Northern Italy is more industrially developed, with its economy based on the production of high-tech goods, machinery, and tourism. Southern Italy is more rural, with its economy relying on the oil refining, chemical, and agricultural industries. Additionally, strong tea or coffee is favored in the southern regions of Italy, while espresso is more popular in the north.

Conclusions

Moving to Italy is an exciting journey that requires careful preparation. It's important to choose your motivation for the move in advance and decide on the method of relocation and obtaining a residence permit. Knowing the Italian language is crucial, as it will facilitate your communication with the locals and help you successfully integrate into their culture. Italy is a unique country with diverse regions and a culture that varies from the south to the north. And regardless of the challenges, a new life in Italy can be an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant impressions and amazing discoveries.