8 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 and living in Italy full-time. Maybe you have Italian ancestors or family in the EU who have told you about the Italian lifestyle and culture. So what is it like to live in Italy and what are the advantages of living abroad?

What Is It Like to Live in Italy?

Italy is a well-developed nation and a founding member of the European Union (EU). Many people move to Italy for business opportunities in the major cities or to enjoy their retirement in Italy. Why do these expats and new citizens choose life in Italy when they decide to move to a new country?

1. Enjoying Real Italian Food

When living in Italy, 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 food, there is no substitute for the Mediterranean cuisine of Italy itself.

2. Finding New Business 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. If you wish to work and live in Italy, you will need a residence permit or to become a citizen in Italy.

3. Enrolling in Low-Cost International Schools

Italian schools and universities provide low-cost education system opportunities to Italian citizens. College tuition ranges from €500 to €4,000 each year, which is a small fraction of the cost of tuition in the US. Classes will be taught by Italian speakers, so learning to speak Italian will be your first step. Non-residents may attend Italian schools but will pay higher fees.

4. Accessing Cheap and Affordable Healthcare

One reason to move to Italy and apply for citizenship is to gain access to Italy’s healthcare system. Given the high cost of private insurance, this access to quality healthcare can make living in Italy more affordable than you might expect.

5. Experiencing Italian Art and History

Living in Italy means being surrounded by some of the most famous and influential styles of art and architecture in the world. Ancient Roman, renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles are melded together in Italy’s historic buildings and iconic cities. Take a passeggiata (leisurely stroll) across the Ponte Vecchio in Florence to experience Italy like a local.

Cities to visit in Italy include Rome and Venice to see famous artworks and frescos. Tourist destinations like the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Pantheon are pieces of history you can explore over and over again when you live in Italy.

6. Exploring the Mediterranean 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 weather in Italy is beautiful, and the seasons bring fields of flowers, autumn colors, warm sandy beaches, and snowy mountains.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular scenic coastlines in the world. Vineyards, farms, and the tranquil countryside are popular places in Italy for fresh foods and world-famous wines. The cost of living is lower in rural areas, and buying property here is a popular choice for those who move to Italy to retire.

7. Learning to Speak Italian

Italian is a beautiful and historic language that is spoken across the region. Italian speakers have a rich vocabulary and emotional expression, and speaking Italian will help you immerse yourself in the culture. The Italian language is based on Latin and is easy to learn because of its shared roots with French, Spanish, and English. Most native speakers also speak English, so you can learn from them until you begin to speak fluent Italian in daily life.

8. Embracing the Italian Lifestyle

The Italian nightlife is vibrant and exciting, with street concerts, clubs and bars that stay open late. People often stay up late to attend events, enjoy the local nightlife, or just socialize with fine wine and friends. Dressing for the occasion is half the fun as fashion and style are integral to life in Italy, and many famous brands originated here, 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. If you intend to live in Italy on a budget, public transportation is available almost everywhere.

Is Living in Italy the Right Choice for You?

It can be expensive to live in Italy, especially if you are not an Italian citizen. You might face unemployment because hiring preference is given to EU citizens in most cases. You will need to overcome some culture shock and the language barrier to feel truly at home in Italy.

However, most Italian cities are well maintained and orderly, and you won’t have to put up with overcrowding or dirty streets in most parts of Italy. Italy’s vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes continue to make moving to Italy a realistic dream for many of us.

Should You Apply for Italian Citizenship?

To obtain citizenship, you will need to live in Italy for 10 years to meet the residency requirements before you can apply for citizenship. Until then you will need a residence visa, work visa, or a residence permit to live in Italy.

If you have Italian ancestors, there may be a faster path to becoming a citizen in Italy. You might qualify for Italian citizenship by descent, or you might gain citizenship by marriage to an Italian citizen.

Being a citizen offers many benefits over living in Italy on a visa:

• The right to buy property in Italy or anywhere in the EU, with tax discounts
• It is easier to open a bank account, obtain a debit card or credit card, and obtain lower interest rates as an EU citizen looking to buy a house in Italy when moving abroad
• The availability of tax-free importing of high-value items such as vehicles and personal property when you move to Italy
• The right to work or start a business in the EU with fewer restrictions and greater access
• Access to a free or low-cost education system and medical care, making the most of limited resources when living in Italy
• 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 to visit or travel with friends and family

You can find out if you qualify for Italian dual citizenship with a free phone consultation from the Italian American Citizenship Assistance Program. We can help you prepare your application and submit it to the Italian consulate in your area. Don’t wait to establish resident status and claim the benefits of Italian citizenship if you are eligible. Find out today with a simple quiz and gain access to the resources you need to move to Italy as an Italian citizen.