🇮🇹 YOU can do hard things...in Italy.
A service provider should give you the tools you need to succeed in Italy. Plus, amazing Abruzzese arrosticini, a new policy that may impact upcoming travel to the EU, and more!
Spread Your Wings and FLY🪽
Italy’s popularity with retirees, investors and those just wanting a fresh start in an amazing location has exploded in recent years. As thousands of people search for ways to (legally) call Italy home, most will realize they need help, but this reality can also create a bit of a crutch if you lean too much on someone else.
What do we mean by this? Well, whoever you ask for help, you can expect them to walk you through whatever journey you’re on (whether it be the visa process, purchasing a property, pursuing citizenship, etc..). You may quickly realize that life is a lot easier when someone is helping you along, so much so that when you’ve reached your goal, it’s tempting to keep them on speed-dial to answer every single question that comes up over the life of your relationship with Italy.
Before going further, know that we say this with love. 💕 Your life in Italy will be much richer and full if you take the reins at some point and tackle the obstacles you face on your own. This is really how you integrate into a community and embrace the culture. The goal is to get help opening the door, get the guidance, support and tools you need to overcome a specific challenge and then break free and fly into your new life with the tools you need to succeed.
At Smart Move Italy, we have helped thousands of people start their new lives in Italy, giving them the safety net they need and we treasure our community and love it when we see the joy you all experience when that ERV arrives in the mail, or you get the keys to your new apartment or finally take a selfie with your Italian passport. We also love it when you have the knowledge and confidence to truly call this new Italian life your own and we celebrate your successes every day!
Podcast Corner - The Steps to A New Life in Italy
For some, starting a new life in Italy will always be just a dream, but others make it happen. What’s the difference? In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," Sam takes a deep dive into the must-know steps and key considerations for anyone truly dedicated to making the big move to Italy.
The first big question Sam asks is WHY do you want to move — because knowing your motivations is the first step to creating a life that truly lights you up. Then, she explores how to choose the perfect location that aligns with your lifestyle (because, let's face it, Italy has so much to offer, and finding your ideal spot is everything!).
That, of course, is not the end of the journey — on the contrary! Between the often-tricky visa process, budgeting for Italy's cost of living, and unpacking the ins and outs of healthcare options, there is plenty to unravel and Sam addresses it all. Plus, she shares practical advice on how to truly integrate into your new community and why having a long-term plan is non-negotiable for a smooth transition.
Of course, no podcast episode would be complete without our popular Listener Questions segment. This time, Sam answers questions about renting with pets, the steps to apply for residency if you're a non-citizen married to an Italian, and whether it's worth touring different areas before settling down. This episode👇🏽is all about laying the groundwork for a successful move to Italy. Thorough research and planning are your friends!
When you’re done listening to Sam’s latest podcast, be sure to check out the latest episode of our YouTube series where you’ll meet Michael and Carole, originally from the US but now from Umbria. They took a leap and moved to Italy, and it’s been the best decision they’ve ever made.
In this video, we share their journey of starting a new life in Italy, living in the heart of wine country, and how it’s transformed their relationship and daily routine. From the beauty of Italian culture to the peace of rural living, they explain why they love their new life and how they made the move happen. If you’ve ever wondered how to move to Italy, or if life in Italy could be right for you, we’ve got tips, insights, and personal stories that might just inspire you to take the plunge.
Amazing Arrosticini
Each of the 20 regions of Italy has its own unique personality, which is reflected in its landscapes, people, and food. In the south of Italy on the Adriatic coast, Abruzzo is a region rich in history and deep-rooted tradition — one of the most delicious is arrosticini.
These thin skewers of lamb, traditionally grilled over an open flame or charcoal, can be found at most Abruzzese restaurants and festivals. The meat is cut into small, bite-sized cubes and threaded onto skewers, then perfectly cooked so the outside is crispy and the inside is tender and full of flavor. The preparation is simple but it showcases the high-quality (often pasture-raised) local lamb, which gives the skewers a distinct taste.
Part of what makes arrosticini so delicious is that it’s typically cooked on a special grill called a canaletta which drains fat away. Can’t wait for your trip to Abruzzo to enjoy these tasty skewers? We understand. Making arrosticini is totally doable with high-quality lamb, simple seasoning, and a hot charcoal grill. Before you dig in, grab some friends to join you…and don’t forget to pair them with a robust wine (an Abruzzese variety, of course!) and fresh bread. Buon appetito!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Send your questions to tiernan@smartmoveitlay.com.
Dear Samantha: We’d like to start looking for properties in the Marche region soon but I’m a bit unsure of where to start.
Dear Nick: First, Marche is a beautiful region and often called the “other Tuscany” because of the rolling hills and lifestyle but with significantly less tourists. It offers an incredible lifestyle close to the Adriatic with 20-30% less cost. It's a great choice! One of my favorite places is a town called Fano. The best place to start is with your budget. Decide how much you want to spend and then start doing some research. Use search engines like www.idealista.it or www.immobiliare.it to see what value you can get for your budget. When you are ready you can do one of two things. You can contact each agent from the ads you see directly and work with them to learn more, or you can use a buyers agency to do the leg work and provide the expertise to guide you. Once you've found a property you love, the negotiations and buying process can take several months to finalize. Be careful that you are properly represented and fully understand the property and the process. Buying in Italy is a great idea and investment and can be a ton of fun! Good luck!
Location Spotlight - Murlo, Tuscany
Oh, so charming! That’s probably what you’ll say when you visit the village of Murlo in the province of Siena. You’ll find this Etruscan treasure perched on a picturesque hilltop about 70 km south of Florence. There is a debate on whether the name Murlo came from the Latin word murulus (walled place) or mus (mouse). Either way, if you dream of being just off the main tourist routes surrounded by culture, history, and stunning natural beauty, add Murlo to your list of places to visit.
Murlo may be tiny but her huge spirit can be felt in the grand magnitude of the historic landmarks, local restaurants and traditional festivals. Take, for example, the BluEtrusco festival which takes place every summer. Murlo takes this event very seriously, basically transforming into a working Etruscan town. On the landmark side, Castello di Murlo is a classic medieval fortress with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Living in Murlo offers a relaxed lifestyle with a reasonable cost of living and being just 20 km from Siena means a wide range of amenities are easily accessible.
Ready for your own “castle” in Murlo? We love this👇🏽detached farmhouse that’s been recently renovated with high-quality materials, finishes and features. There are 3 bedrooms, an impressive terrace and room for a pool, and the asking price is €485,000 Euro.
Want to see all the details? Don’t forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
Traveling to Italy on a non-EU Passport? ✈️
Travel days are always hectic and, starting this fall, if you’re traveling to Italy (or other Schengen country) on a non-EU passport, you’ll probably be adding an extra step to your journey. According to the European Commission, a new Entry/Exit System (EES) will launch on 10 November in an effort to increase safety measures and monitor how long non-EU citizens stay in the Schengen zone.
The logistics are yet to be confirmed but as of now it looks like entry will require a pre-registration form including biometric data (fingerprints and a facial scan), which will be kept on file for up to three years. Note, there are several groups who will be exempt from this requirement, including non-EU nationals with residency permits and long-stay visas in an EU country. We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out but it’s worth putting on your radar for upcoming travel dates.
Thanks for Joining Us! 🙏
We are just wrapping up our FREE 3-day bootcamp and want to say GRAZIE MILLE to everyone who joined us (don’t forget, you can always catch the replay). You know we only do this once a year so if you missed it, look for it again around this time in 2025.
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!