Are you ready to take the next step?
Making decisions and enjoying the journey with answers and resources
Ciao, amici! Benvenuti a tutti. I hope you’re excited about this week’s Italy Per Te. This issue includes a new face, a practical tip to expedite your move to Italy journey, a seaside location spotlight, some Citizenship insight, and valuable info on 7% towns. Iniziamo.
Sharing the Journey 👋🏼 ➡️ 🇮🇹
We have something in common. You dream of a life in Italy. I do too.
Let me introduce myself. As the new editor of Italy Per Te, I’m excited to continue Smart Move Italy’s tradition of bringing you valuable, educational and entertaining information to inspire your dreams of Italy. And I know just where you’re coming from.
I have a plan for a life in Italy and I’m methodically working through the steps. I’m currently awaiting my consulate appointment for my citizenship recognition (for those of you trying to get appointments, I completely relate to the alarm going off every day at midnight Rome time so that you can log on and hope….) and have been taking Italian language classes for about two years. My husband and I have constant conversations about where to focus our property search and we’re always on the hunt for answers to our endless list of questions (taxes, anyone?).
Fortunately, I found Smart Move Italy. Samantha has compiled a rock star team that makes this journey so much easier…and enjoyable! The most important thing I’ve learned through Smart Move Italy is that the Italian dream IS possible.
We all have a unique path, but we all have a path. Along the way, we have similar questions, challenges, and victories. If you’re familiar with Samantha’s 7 Key Decisions to Make Before Moving to Italy guide, you know that the first step is to define your WHY.
My WHY is to reconnect with my heritage, embrace adventure, and enjoy a richer (yet simpler) life. Smart Move Italy has a plethora of resources to keep us all motivated and connected to our Italian dreams. Let’s continue to explore them together. But first, I’d love to get to know you. Tell me your WHY in the comments.
Dreams of Italy….must be organized.
Imagining your life in Italy is the easy part. Sometimes, keeping the dream alive can be derailed by all the work involved — but this doesn’t have to be the case. Whether your path involves pursuing citizenship or a visa, the best way to ensure success is to stay organized.
TIP ➡️ At the very start of your journey, dedicate a file to your pursuit (if you’ve already started, it’s never too late to get organized). Include in this file a checklist of all of the documents you need to acquire with space to write details such as “needs apostille,” “needs translation,” dates, contact information, etc… Even if you’re working with an outside service, it’s important to have your own record of the steps you’re taking.
TIP ➡️ For those who like to keep it digital, using a case management system like Trello is a great way to keep your files buttoned up (this is what I use!).
This checklist is your roadmap to a successful journey. As you mark your progress along the way, you’ll realize you’re one step closer to your goal! Celebrating little victories (like a birth certificate arriving from Italy or entering a wait-list with the consulate) will keep you motivated and connected to your new life in Italy.
Let me know how you are staying organized as you pursue your next step.
Location Spotlight: La Spezia, Liguria 🏖
La Spezia is a busy port city that’s right on the border between the regions of Liguria and Tuscany. It’s best known as the connection point before heading to Cinque Terre — 5 small, coastal villages filled with colorful homes and protected by UNESCO.
Finding property in the C5 (as the locals call it) can be difficult — most property owners prefer to rent out to tourists or keep their homes in the family —so nearby La Spezia is a great option to consider!
It’s just a 10-minute train ride away and also full of beautiful sights to see. Really, I’d happily head over to La Spezia to simply walk along their waterfront promenade and dine in as many cafes as possible. Not to mention, reserve a sunset boat tour.
While summers can get hot here, winters are mild. And thanks to the many tourists stopping on their way to the C5 or even further destinations — you’ll be able to find fellow English speakers while working. on your Italian. Not to mention, their public transport is great too.
So could you see yourself living here? Or visiting instead?
Live Affordably by the Sea 🏖️
If La Spezia piques your interest but intimidates your budget, there are plenty of affordable seaside options in Italy. Idealista just published an article on five coastal Italian cities that offer cost-effective properties that still deliver sandy beaches and sweet, salty breezes. These cities include:
Let me know which is your favorite in the comments.
We’re chatting about this article in the Retire in Italy Facebook group. Join the conversation.
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: Does this ERV lead to citizenship after 5+ years?
Dear Reader: The Elective Residency Visa is the key to unlock the door to Italy to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno. This is your permit to stay in Italy beyond 90 days. Typically this permit is valid for one year, and then you can renew it every year.
Once you have been a legal resident in Italy for five years, you can apply for an EU long-term permit, which is valid for 10 years. This is not the same as Citizenship.
The long-term permit allows certain rights, many of which overlap that of a citizen eg. free healthcare, and freedom of movement throughout the EU.
However, Citizenship is a different process. If you are not Italian by blood, you can apply for citizenship through Naturalization. This means that you are a legal resident for a certain number of years. For non-EU citizens, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization after 10 years of legal residency, if you are an EU citizen you can apply after 4 years, and if your parents or grandparents were Italian, but broke the line before you were born, you can apply after 3 years of legal residency. In all cases, you will need to also have a level B1 language proficiency.
The Inside Track …
Citizenship: Book a call ☎️
Getting Italian citizenship might just seem like a dream, but with the right team and resources by your side, it really is a possibility.
Italy has some of the most generous citizenship laws in the world. Meaning, your parent or grandparent doesn’t need to be Italian. Your Italian-born ancestor can date back even further and you could still qualify! 🕰
You’ll need to be able to prove your lineage, make sure the line wasn’t broken, and meet requirements custom to your case type.
I know it sounds like a lot. But, before you start having doubts, why not set up a FREE 15-minute Citizenship Discovery Call with us first? There’s no catch, really. The goal is to determine if you’re eligible and if you’d like our team to take the lead. ✨
If so, we’ll put together a proposal for you and get down to the nitty-gritty.
Here are the links to book a call and to explore our Citizenship site
Have you heard of the saying, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step? Well, that couldn’t be more true and we’re ready when you are to get started. 💛
Retire in Italy: Consider a 7% Town 📍
Did you know, that just about 4 years ago, Italy introduced a special tax regime allowing individuals receiving foreign government or private pensions to benefit from a flat 7% tax rate?! Either when buying or renting, this can be a great way to save.
This applies to select regions in southern Italy and specific towns in central Italy with under 20,000 residents, providing substantial tax savings. 📉
Sam talked about 7% towns in the recent Bootcamp (if you missed the Bootcamp, catch the replays on our YouTube Channel):
In order to qualify, you must not have been a resident in Italy for the past five years AND your current country of residence must have a double-tax treaty with Italy.
These towns can be found in several regions, including beautiful Puglia. Check out Sam’s book, A Guide to Puglia’s Best 7% Towns, if this coastal region is on your list.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve heard of this program before and if there’s a qualifying town that you’d like to move to! 🌅
Follow & Tell Me What You Need 🗣 ✅
Speaking of dreams, I’m all ears. This newsletter is all for YOU. So, if there’s something you want to get some feedback on or a certain topic you’d like covered, I really do encourage it!
Everyone’s path looks different and I’m confident that you can make it happen. Plus, if you want a helping hand, the SMI team is here for you.
P.S. Follow Samantha on Insta or Threads.
Ciao for now!