Get yourself to Italy!
Italian citizenship hit a dead-end? There may be other options. Plus, a successful 1948 case, coffee culture, an off-the-beaten-path location spotlight, and clarification of often-confused terms.
Welcome to another great month at Italy Per Te. I had an amazing time chatting with one of our inspiring community members in preparation for this issue, which got me thinking…everyone I speak with for our success stories is genuinely thrilled with their experience. Maybe it’s the exceptional service provided by Smart Move Italy 😉 or maybe it’s the joy they find in the pursuit of something special (I’m pretty sure it’s a combo).
Chasing an Italian dream is an exceptional journey. Not everyone has it in them, but those who do are passionate and committed. I have a feeling you know what I’m talking about. Whether you just love learning about Italian culture or you’re all in on a big move, we all have something in common here — and that’s special in itself.
With that said, let’s dive in. Cominciamo!
Community Success Story - Lisa’s 1948 Case 🇮🇹
Growing up in San Francisco, Lisa Test was always interested in pursuing Italian citizenship. She spent countless hours researching, hoping to find a path through her grandfather’s ancestral line. Eventually, she discovered that he naturalized before her father’s birth — an insurmountable roadblock. Determined and not ready to give up, Lisa scheduled a consultation with Smart Move Italy and, as a result, discovered that she was eligible through another option — a 1948 case.
“I didn’t know about 1948 cases before talking to Samantha,” recalls Lisa. “I was trying to pursue other options but she opened this door for me and we started the process.”
Like most citizenship cases, Lisa ran into a few snags (Covid being one of them), especially when it came to acquiring essential documents from her very small ancestral comune, but Smart Move Italy was able to able to help with every aspect.
“The entire process was so seamless,” she says. “Everything was organized and there was so much guidance. When I had to acquire documents, they told me who to contact, what to say, and what to do once I got the paperwork.”
Lisa has been working with Smart Move Italy for quite a long time and has seen the community grow tremendously over the years. Our famiglia is richer with Lisa in it and we’re thrilled that she’s realized her dreams of citizenship. Next stop? Property purchase. “I hope to buy a house there soon,” she says. “Once I solidify my ‘where,’ I’ll be using the Property Purchase Assistance service.”
Our team can’t wait to support Lisa as she pursues yet another dream. Her journey started with an easy consultation. If you’re interested in possibly following in Lisa’s footsteps, book a 15-minute citizenship discovery call today.
Italian Citizenship Hit a Dead End? Perhaps Not All is Lost. 🇪🇺
Many people who pursue Italian citizenship hit a dead end. One of the most common roadblocks is an inability to prove an unbroken line of citizenship. It’s one thing to trace your ancestry back to Italy, but if an unfortunate naturalization date results in a broken citizenship line, your dreams of an Italian passport could be shattered — but don’t give up hope. There could be another way.
EU citizens can live, study, and work in any EU country without having to jump through the visa hoops that non-EU citizens must. So, perhaps your ancestral line can open doors you haven’t yet considered. Below is a map of EU citizenship by descent requirements. Some countries, like Iceland, France, and Germany, only allow citizenship to be passed to the next generation. Do you have a parent who was born in one of these countries? You may have a shot. Other countries, such as Slovakia and Bulgaria, allow you to go back three generations.
One of the great things about Italian citizenship by blood (jure sanguinis) is that, at least right now, you can go back as many generations as it takes as long as you can prove an unbroken line. Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Luxembourg, and Hungary also allow citizenship to be passed through multiple generations beyond the third. In some cases, obtaining citizenship in another country is probably easier than going the Italian route, which is notoriously difficult and cumbersome. For example, for Hungarian citizenship, “You are only required to provide proof of your ancestry, and pass a basic language test. The process is called simplified naturalization, and it takes only a few months.”
It may be worth doing some research to see if your family tree holds the key to your new life in Italy. Could this be an option for you? Let us know in the comments.
Un caffè, per favore
Coffee (caffè) in Italy is similar to its straightforward communication style. Once you order a few times you’ll find the menu to be pretty simple. The most important thing to know is that their coffee drinks are made with espresso, so if you order a caffè you’ll get an espresso which is stronger than ‘regular coffee’.
So strong that ordering a doppio (double shot of espresso) is pretty uncommon. Typical orders include…
Ristretto - more concentrated, less water
Lungo - less concentrated, more water
Macchiato - regular, topped with foamed milk
The shakerato will be your new favorite drink when the weather warms up and you need a pick-me-up. All it is is espresso shaken with sugar and ice - very refreshing and energizing! A nice, longer sip to enjoy while taking a shopping break in a nearby piazza. When asking around for a coffee shop, remember that they’re referred to as bars in Italy. But many bars have caffè in their name which makes it even easier to spot, and there’s no shortage of them if you happen to pass a few by accident.
You’ll notice people sitting, chatting with one another over drinks and sweets. It’s like the saying “Il dolce far niente” meaning the sweetness of doing nothing. People also drink at the counter where a caffè is usually cheaper than at a table. You might hear ‘al banco’, meaning at the counter.
In most restaurants, if you don’t ask for the bill they won’t bring it to you. The intent is not to pressure you to leave. You can continue your conversation unrushed, and ‘do as the Romans do’ by ordering a caffè. Try a caffè corretto if you’re stuck deciding between liquor or coffee. It’s a shot of espresso with a little grappa or sambuca added depending on the area. You’ll hear people gently saying, “Il conto, per favore!” meaning the bill, please!
If you order a latte, you’ll get milk and only milk. You may be asked if you meant caffè latte! And speaking of milk, you won’t be denied service but there’s an unspoken rule to not order a cappuccino after 11 AM. Milk-based drinks are super popular in the morning but are considered too heavy, or even too sweet, the rest of the day. If you want to stick to this rule, order a macchiato instead.
At home, most people use Moka pots rather than the fancy machines you see at bars. The steps to using it seem simple but ask an Italian or barista about making the perfect caffè and they’ll describe it like a science. Simply put, you begin by twisting off the top of the Moka, then removing the filter and filling the base with water to line up with the steam opening. Then, put the filter back in and fill it with the grounds. After, you’ll twist on the top and place the Moka on the stove. You’ll hear it when it starts brewing! Check that it’s almost full with caffè before removing.
If you’re craving traditional American coffee, we’ve got you covered! Ask for a caffè Americano which is made by diluting one or two shots of espresso with hot water, and add a little milk and sugar if you’d like. Since it’s still different from drip-coffee, try finding a brunch spot in a touristy area to feed your craving.
Location Spotlight - Campobasso, Molise
When planning a trip to Italy, Molise may not be on the radar of newbies but seasoned Italiaphiles know that this region is full of unexpected charm and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Formerly unified with its neighbor to the north, Abruzzo, Molise is the youngest Italian region and is still trying to find its tourist game…or maybe not. The lack of crowds and a palpable authenticity may be its superpower.
At the very heart of Molise is the regional and provincial capital, Campobasso. Just 3 hours south of Rome, Campobasso is easy to get to and, once you’re there, you may not want to leave. Surrounded by mountains, the weather here is surprisingly cool for the South, ideal for exploring, shopping, eating, and maybe even property hunting.
The Samnites, ancient settlers in this region, were widely known for their craftsmanship and creation of weaponry, specifically blades. Interestingly, they were able to stave off the Roman empire for an impressive half a century. They eventually fell to Rome but this area maintained a tradition of crafting cutlery and is still known for producing exceptional scissors and knives. ✂ 🔪
Culinarily speaking, this area of Italy is known for simplicity, but sometimes (most of the time) simple equates to DELICIOUS. From local cheeses such as caciocavallo and scamorza to savory dishes like Cavatelli alla Molisana (pasta with meat sauce) and Agnello alla Campobassana (Campobasso-style lamb), Campobasso offers a wide range of options that will not disappoint.
TIP 👉🏼 Tintilia is a very special grape variety native to this area of Italy. It’s not as well-known as the Sangiovese or the Montepulciano but equally deserving of recognition. Don’t pass up a taste when visiting Campobasso. 🍷
Check out this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom recently renovated apartment 🔽 in Campobasso, featured in this week’s Vendita, Smart Move Italy’s free property newsletter. It’s light, bright, close to services…and the listing price is an affordable € 78.000!!!
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! What’s your favorite property searching tool? Let me know in the comments.
How an Italian Citizen Doesn’t Pay Taxes in Italy 💶
When it comes to pursuing a life in Italy, two terms frequently get confused: citizenship and residency. Here’s some insight from Sam on the topic:
To clarify, citizenship means you hold a passport from Italy, you can vote in elections, and come and go as you please without the need for a visa (a great perk!). It does not mean you must pay taxes in Italy, unless….you are also a resident.
Residency means you have declared yourself a resident of a specific comune in Italy (or have remained in Italy for more than 183 days of a calendar year). You now have access to many benefits including the ability to open a bank account, buy a car, get an Italian driver’s license, enter the healthcare system, etc… You are also subject to Italian taxes. Citizenship alone does not avail you of these benefits.
Hopefully that clears up any confusion. Still have questions? Drop them in the comments.
Italy Per Te Plus ➕
We’re here for the feedback. 📣
⁉️ What are you doing this month to connect with your Italian dreams? I’m practicing new recipes, searching for property, and, of course, watching the Sanremo Music Festival on RAI.
One of the great things about this community is the ability to share our thoughts, tips, and questions. Whether it’s through Facebook, Instagram, the A New Life in Italy group, or here at Italy Per Te, the door is always open. Feel free to jump right in. We’re all here for the journey.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!