Exploring Your Italian Roots
What have you discovered about your LIRA? Hunting for the perfect 7% town, gluten-free eating in Italy, and so much more.
Exploring Your Roots 🌳 🇮🇹
Benvenuti to another issue of Italy Per Te. We’re so glad you’re here!
Question for you: Why do you love Italy so much? The reasons are varied, but for some, it all comes down to roots. If you can trace your bloodlines back to the Bel Paese, your ancestral roots are probably a source of pride and perhaps your ticket to a new life in Italy.
The growing popularity of genealogy services in recent years makes exploring your roots easier than ever before. But it’s not just about filling in blank spaces on the family tree. It’s also about the stories you discover along the way. While this is true for anyone willing to put the time into genealogy research, for ancestral Italians, it also means a possible path to citizenship.
The legitimacy of this path hinges on one person: your LIRA, or Last Italy Registered Ancestor. Depending on how far back you need to go to find your LIRA, doing so can be like living in a mystery novel. There are so many stories to uncover. This week, I’ll share one of the stories I discovered about my LIRA.
If you need help or support in your citizenship journey, Smart Move Italy is always here to help with their full in-house team of dual citizenship experts. Don’t know where to start? Here’s a quick quiz to see if you’re eligible for citizenship. ⬇️
Who is your LIRA?
There are several paths to citizenship, among them is the jure sanguinis, or by blood, path. If this is your route to recognition, you’re most likely familiar with the term LIRA, Last Italy Registered Ancestor. While many of us have several ancestors who were born and/or registered in Italy, the jure sanguinis application hinges on just one, typically whoever provides the simplest path to recognition.
The citizenship process can be complex and extremely detailed. It often requires dedication, organization, and a deep dive into your family tree. This deep dive provides more than just necessary documentation — it’s also an opportunity to learn more about your LIRA. For many, this is a gift from the past.
Through my citizenship process, I’ve learned more about my LIRA, my dear nonno, Carmine. The memories I have of him are precious. He was humble and strong, kind and quiet, resourceful, and a very hard worker. As a child, I would watch him eat in amazement at how fast his food disappeared from his plate. Before pursuing citizenship, I was familiar with his life as an Italian immigrant living in the U.S., but didn’t know much about his life in Abruzzo.
He didn’t have much formal education and he worked hard in a brick factory before being drafted in World War II. When the armistice was signed in 1943, he was serving in Greece. Soon after, he and his compatriots were marched, on foot, from Athens to Berlin. He remained there in a labor camp until the end of the war. At that point, he voluntarily walked back to Abruzzo.
He never talked about this time in his life. Understandably.
Back at home, he tried to find work but jobs were hard to come by and opportunities were slim — a common story. It was this reality that led him to a decision that would change the course of his family forever. Leaving his mother and two younger brothers behind, he traveled to Naples to catch a ship that would take him to Ellis Island.
And so, a new chapter began.
This is just a snapshot of the discoveries I’ve made. With them, I’ve gained a new perspective on my family tree, the sacrifices made over the years, and my Italian roots. Yes, the citizenship journey can be difficult but the silver lining, for me, is learning more about my nonno’s legacy. What a gift. 🎁
If you’re on the same journey, who is your LIRA and what have you learned about him/her? Share your story in the comments.
Property Purchase Assistance 🏡 🔑
The real estate climate in Italy is ever-changing and complex. From starting the search to getting the keys, there are many steps along the way and each presents a unique set of challenges. If you’re dreaming of owning property, you’re probably wondering if you need support and, if so, what that entails.
Most foreigners need help through the search and buying process. Here are some important questions to ask:
🤷♂️ Do I have a dedicated property advisor?
🤷♀️ Do you have access to off-market properties?
🤷♂️ Will you negotiate the best possible price on my behalf?
🤷♀️ Can you help me determine which tax schemes may apply to my situation?
🤷♂️ Can you provide live/virtual tours of properties that interest me?
🤷♀️ Can you help with banking and currency transfers?
The best time to get started is when you’re actually ready to purchase — generally, after you’ve narrowed down your location and have the funds available.
Paying commission to a real estate buyer’s agent is typical for transactions in Italy, and the standard is between 3% - 4% + VAT (22%). However, this is the only commission you pay. You do not pay a commission to the listing agency.
Searching for your Italian home should be FUN, not a headache. Having professional assistance on your side can smooth the path between you and your dream property and make your purchase much safer.
If you’re interested in learning more about our purchase assistance, click here. ⬇️
On the Hunt for the Perfect 7% Town
Over the past few years, the 7% flat tax scheme has exploded in popularity. Expats looking to benefit from this scheme have to meet certain qualifications but the most crucial piece to the puzzle is finding a qualifying town… that you also want to call home.
This is a decision not to be taken lightly, as it is difficult to transfer your residency from one town to another once you’ve officially picked a town to call home. Further, you could forfeit your ability to claim the 7% benefit if you move outside of a qualifying town.
There are so many charming areas that qualify as 7% towns, so how do you narrow it down? Researching online can be a great place to start, but it can also send you down a deep rabbit hole. Truly, nothing beats putting your feet on the ground and doing some in-person sleuthing. Just imagine strolling through the winding streets of a small town in Puglia and suddenly, it hits you. THIS is it! You just can’t do that online.
If you’re an explorer at heart, heading to southern Italy on an unguided scouting trip may sound like an adventure…and it certainly could be. There’s plenty to learn by wandering, especially if you have the time. But for those who prefer a more structured process, there are organized trips focused on finding your ideal 7% town.
Smart Move Italy offers tours specifically designed to help people just like you explore southern Italy with one purpose: to zero in on the best 7% town for you. Chat with local experts, discover unique locations, indulge in local culinary delights, and get advice from expat communities, all while searching for a place to call home. If you’re interested in small group tours, with our local expert guides, join the waitlist for the 2024 Discovery Tours click the link. ⬇️
Location Spotlight - Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige 🏔️🎄
If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland, this is the perfect time of year to visit Trento, the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige. Nestled in an expansive glacial valley and bordered by the Dolomites and the Adige River, this area was formerly part of Austria and Austria-Hungary but was annexed by Italy in 1919. It’s a stunningly beautiful city that presents itself like a delicate jewel box full of colorful treasures.
If you’re accustomed to the architecture of central and southern Italy, stepping into Trento may feel like another world. The colorful buildings dotted with charming wooden balconies reflect both Italian Renaissance and Germanic influences. Some can’t-miss landmarks include the Castello del Buonconsiglio, a perfectly preserved 13th-century castle that will transport you back in time, Orrido di Ponte Alto where you’ll find two spectacular waterfalls plunging into a deep ravine, and the Museo della Scienza di Trento, a world-renowned nature and science museum.
The city offers a mix of modern conveniences and traditional landscapes, many with a very European flavor. Its manageable size makes it easy to navigate on foot while providing many opportunities to explore, indulge, and enjoy. Right now is a great time to grab a warm cup of cioccolato caldo and stroll under the lights through the Christmas markets found at Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti. Both locations are bustling with vendors selling everything from local food, artisan gifts, clothes, wine, festive decor, jewelry, and anything else you need for the holidays.
If you love nature and the great outdoors, Trento and the surrounding areas offer countless options for those who love staying active. From hiking and biking to skiing and horseback riding, this slice of Italy is truly worth checking out. The Trentini take their sporting traditions seriously. Two of the most popular events are the Giro al Sas, a road race through the streets of Trento that started in 1907, and the Giro del Trentino, a cycling race that began in 1963.
As you know, the cost of living in the north of Italy is typically a bit more than the rest of the country, and Trento is no exception. While not as pricey as places like Milan and Venice, the costs of everyday items in Trento are close to what you would find in, for example, Nottingham, U.K., as indicated by this comparison chart:
Imagine morning coffee on this terrace in Trento. ⬇️ This amazing rental property was featured in last Sunday’s Vendita free newsletter. Did you miss it? Be sure to subscribe via email, or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
How do you feel about Trento? 🍷🏰 Let me know in the comments.
💬 Keep the Convo Going! Smart Move Italy Property’s Facebook Page 🏡
Does all this talk about Italian property leave you wanting more? I have good news: Smart Move Italy Property has a Facebook page dedicated to all things related to your property search.
Here you’ll find the weekly Vendita post, insights from Samantha (our Chief Dream Maker), a community of like-minded enthusiasts, and a plethora of information to keep you inspired to find your Italian property.
Click here to join the conversation. ⬇️ We can’t wait to see you there!
Gluten-free in Italy? Yes, please! 🍞🍝
Are you sensitive or allergic to gluten? When you’re planning your move to the country of pizza and pasta, you may be wondering what in the world you’re going to eat!
I say ‘sensitive’ because the food in Italy tends to sit better with people than food from countries with more preservatives. Of course, we’re not comparing a cheeseburger and fries to a salad, but even having a burger in the U.S. vs Italy, can have a different effect. Ask around, or take a minute on Google, and you’ll see it’s common that there are people who avoided food like bread and pasta before moving, and now enjoy it daily. If you haven’t been diagnosed and don’t have severe reactions, it’s worth a try before committing to a new eating plan.
Even though about 1% of the country is celiac, those who have been tested at least, there’s an Italian law that requires schools, hospitals, and certain public places to offer gluten-free options.
Not only is it possible to order without a special menu, but the country (currently) even offers assistance to celiacs. Really! If you get tested, and find you have this sensitivity, the Italian national health system will send you a monthly stipend to spend on special products in restaurants and stores. These products can be more expensive than others so this thoughtful incentive is really helpful when it’s time to pay. Stipends can be as high as €140 per month.
In bigger cities, there are healthy cafés and restaurants just for celiacs, vegetarians, vegans, etc. Many pizzerias offer gluten-free pizza, like Mister Pizza in Florence and Mestre. The company says, “We believe that eating Pizza is a Universal Right.” You can also ask around for gluten-free pasta or look for restaurants with the AIC certification; Italian Celiac Association.
If you can’t find one of these spots, remember Italians are big on the Mediterranean diet, so there are endless dishes with healthy fats, fresh fish, meat, vegetables, rice, polenta, etc. The best news of all… traditional gelato is gluten-free! Unless it’s a cookie flavor or in a cone, you’re good to go. There’s a delicious gelateria chain, called Grom, that’s found in 23 cities in Italy. Everything there is gluten-free, including the cones.
More good news: you’ll be able to easily remember two important words in Italian when it comes to ordering since they’re so similar to English, like glutine for gluten and celiaco/a for celiac. If learning a new language was always this easy, but hearing it every day, you’ll be sure to learn it! Many gluten-free brands are international, so you won’t have to translate often.
Here are more words to review…
May contain, possono contenere
Wheat, grano
Barley, orzo
Rye, segale
Oats, avena
Soon it’ll be time to order a dish that’s perfect for you and get gelato on the way back home, without rushing to book your celiac test.
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: As a dual citizen (US/Italy), I understand that I can work while in Italy, How will employment laws be applied to my wife, who is not a dual citizen (only US) but has strong Italian language skills? Could she also work?
Dear Vincent: As an Italian you can obviously work in Italy and the good news is that your spouse can also work when she gets her permesso di soggiorno. In fact, your spouse will have all of the same rights as you, as long as you are both residents in Italy and she has a permit of stay.
Italy Per Te is REALLY Per Te 👉🇮🇹😏
When it comes to Italy Per Te, I like to think of myself as the middle (wo)man. On one hand, there’s Italy. On the other, there’s you, the reader. Through this newsletter, I hope to deliver information, tips, and insights that leave you running to your inbox every Thursday in search of your Italy fix.
While I have a pretty good idea of the content you appreciate (sometimes based on metrics, but more often based on the fact that I can relate to you as a fellow lover of Italy), it’s always nice to get some feedback. That being said, the door is always open…and by door, I mean, the comment button. ⬇️
Don’t be afraid to use it. 😉 We read every single comment and take your feedback to heart. 🫶🏼
Thanks for reading and for being part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!