Live La Dolce Vita! Your FAQs about Applying for Italian Citizenship by Establishing Residency in Italy Answered

Dreaming of sipping espresso in charming piazzas, exploring historic cobblestone streets, and soaking up the Italian sun? Well, obtaining Italian citizenship could make that dream a reality!

But before you hop on a plane, there are some crucial questions we need to answer. Is applying in Italy right for you? What if you have dietary restrictions? Can you work remotely while soaking up the culture? How much should you pack?

Don’t worry, this blog is your one-stop shop for all the frequently asked questions clients have before embarking on their Italian citizenship journey in Italy. We’ll cover everything from eligibility and residency requirements to navigating daily life with allergies, cell phone service and even working remotely. Let’s dive in!

Who should apply in Italy?

Clients who are ready to begin living la Dolce Vita.

Who should not apply in Italy?

If you’re not sure that living in Italy is right for you at this time because of family or professional commitments, applying in Italy may not be the best choice.

Recognition is going to require a time commitment of living in Italy for six + months. This means during that time you’re going to be establishing residency you’re going to be attending a series of appointments and be getting your Italian life which is fantastic but if you have professional or personal responsibilities, back at home, applying in Italy, may not be the best option for you, and may, in fact create more stress.

What does it mean to establish residency?

According to Italian Law, in addition to the formal registration with the town hall, residency is based on two fundamental elements:

1. The first element is the physical presence in Italy, it must be regular and continuous, as opposed to sporadic and occasional. If an individual spends time both in Italy and in another country, the periods of presence outside of Italy are compared with the periods of presence in Italy in order to see which one is prevalent.

2. The second element is subjective; based on an individual’s intention to stay and live in Italy for the foreseeable future. In order to determine an individual’s intention to live in Italy on a regular basis, reference is made to numerous aspects, including but not limited to an individual’s conduct, social and personal habits, working relationships, family relationships, business and personal activities.

I have allergy or dietary restrictions, will it be hard to live in Italy?

Italy is a very food-centric culture, so it can be challenging for people with allergies or dietary restrictions to live there. However, there are a few things you can do to make it easier:

• Learn some basic Italian food vocabulary. This will help you to communicate your allergies and dietary restrictions to restaurant staff and grocery store clerks.

• Cook at home more often. This will give you more control over what ingredients you use in your food.

• Shop at specialty food stores. There are many specialty food stores in Italy that sell products that are suitable for people with allergies and dietary restrictions.

How much walking should I expect?

Italy is a very walkable country. Many cities and towns have historic centers that are closed to traffic, so you will need to walk to get around. However, there are also public transportation options available, such as buses and trains.

Will my cell phone work in Italy?

Your cell phone will most likely work in Italy, but you may need to check with your carrier to see if they have roaming agreements with Italian carriers. You will also want to make sure that your phone is unlocked. You may also want to consider purchasing a local SIM card, which will give you better cell phone service and data speeds at a fraction of the cost of similar US carrier plans. 

I would like to work remotely while in Italy?

It is possible to work remotely while in Italy during your recognition process thanks to a new law in 2020. However, you will need to make sure that you have converted your permesso di soggiorno correctly. Check out last week's blog for more information

What is the Wifi connection strength?

The wifi connection strength in Italy varies depending on the location. In general, the wifi connection strength is generally strong with towns offering fiber and 5g service. Also, there are many public places in Italy that offer free wifi, such as cafes, restaurants, and libraries.

How much is Wifi?

The price of wifi varies depending on the provider. However, you can typically expect to pay around 20€ per month for an unlimited data package. 

How much is cell service?

The price of cell service varies depending on the provider. However, you can typically expect to pay around €20 per month for basic cell service.

What should I pack?

• Clothing: Pack comfortable clothing that is suitable for all types of weather.

• Toiletries: Pack your essential toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and deodorant.

• Household: Pack any household items that you will need, such as towels, bed sheets, and a pillow.

• Electronics: Pack any electronics that you will need, such as a laptop, cell phone, and camera.

• Banking: Pack your credit cards and debit cards. You may also want to consider opening an Italian bank account after residency is established. 

Transportation:

• Driving license: If you plan on driving in Italy, you will need to have a valid international driver's license. This is $2o your local AAA plus a passport sized photo. 

• Planes: There are many international flights to Italy. You can fly into major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.

• Trains: The train system in Italy is very efficient. You can travel to all major cities and towns by train.

• Automobiles: You can rent a car in Italy. However, be aware that the roads in Italy can be narrow and winding. Manual transmissions are the norm, automatics are available but limited and considerably more expensive. 

• Buying: You can buy a car in Italy after residency is established. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming.

• Renting, Short Term vs Long Term: You can rent a car in Italy on a short-term or long-term basis. Short-term rentals are typically less expensive than long term.

• Buses: There are many bus companies that operate in Italy. You can travel to all major cities and towns by bus.

• Uber/Taxi: Uber and taxis are available in major Italian cities. However, they can be expensive and limited. 

• Private Drivers: You can hire a private driver in Italy. This is a good option if you want to travel to multiple cities.