6 Reasons You Might Like to Live in Italy

Have you ever dreamed of moving to Italy? So many inspiring movie scenes and beautiful virtual tours might have sparked your interest in relocating to this diverse and intriguing country. Maybe you have Italian ancestors or family in the EU who have told you about the Italian lifestyle and culture.

What Is It Like to Live in Italy?

Italy is a well-developed nation and a founding member of the EU or European Union. Many people move from the United States to Italy for business opportunities in the major cities or to enjoy their retirement in the Italian countryside. Why do these expats and new citizens choose Italy as their home?

1. Enjoying Real Italian Food

A typical Italian day is structured around food and meals made fresh. Italians love to talk about food and enjoy fresh ingredients from local markets. Most Italians shop for meals daily, and enjoy espresso, gelato, pizza, and pasta dishes every day of the year! While you may have enjoyed the American version of classic Italian dishes, there is no substitute for the cuisine of Italy itself.

2. Finding Business and Educational Opportunities

Business and career opportunities are available to EU citizens and those with Italian work visas, ranging from high-tech careers in the north of Italy to tourist-based businesses in the south. Italy has a national health insurance option with no out-of-pocket costs. Schools and universities are open to non-residents, although Italian citizens have even greater access to these amazing services.

3. Experiencing Italian Art and History

Living in Italy means being surrounded by some of the most famous and influential styles of art and architecture. Ancient Roman, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles are melded together in daily life. There is always something to see, learn about, and appreciate in any Italian city or small town. Destinations like the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Pantheon are pieces of history you can explore over and over again.

4. Exploring the Mediterannean Landscape

The Mediterranean climate features cool winters and hot, dry summers in most of Italy, with mountainous regions along the Alps in the north. The seasons bring fields of flowers, autumn colors, warm sandy beaches, and snowy mountains. Vineyards and farms are popular destinations for fresh foods and world-famous wines. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular scenic coastlines in the world.

5. Learning the Italian Language

Italian is a beautiful and historic language that is spoken across the region. Based on Latin, Italian is rich in vocabulary and emotional expression. Most visitors and immigrants to Italy find it melodic and charming, and not too difficult to learn because of its shared roots with French, Spanish, and English. If you don’t speak Italian yet, don’t worry; English is commonly spoken in most of the country.

6. Embracing the Italian Lifestyle

Nightclubs and fine dining destinations are open late, and the people often stay up to attend events or just socialize with fine wine and friends. Another Italian custom you might enjoy is the passeggiata, a leisurely evening stroll through the streets, sometimes eating gelato and always mingling with the community. Public transportation is convenient and living costs are relatively low.

Fashion and style are integral to the Italian lifestyle, and many famous brands originated in Italy, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, and others. Fine automobiles and luxury cars are classic Italian, and driving a Ferrari or Lamborghini up a winding highway to enjoy a regional wine tasting or just a fine espresso at a small village coffee bar is a way of life few other countries can offer.

Should You Become an Italian Citizen?

To be eligible for Italian citizenship, you will need to live in Italy for 10 years, unless you have Italian ancestors. Being a citizen offers many benefits over living in Italy on a visa:

• The right to purchase property in Italy or anywhere in the EU, with tax discounts
• Tax-free importing of high-value items such as vehicles and personal property
• The right to work or start a business in the EU with fewer restrictions and greater access
• Access to low- or no-cost education and medical care, and other economic and social benefits
• The ability to vote in Italian elections, run for office, and participate in EU elections
• The ability to travel under an Italian passport to 127 countries without work or travel visas

If you are descended from any Italian citizen, the time to apply may be reduced to four years, and if you have a parent, grandparent, or direct Italian ancestor who remained an Italian citizen, you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship today with our Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program.