What Draws You to Italy?
The slower pace of life in a small Italian town, updates and reminders about the public healthcare system, a successful property purchase in Arezzo and more!
Looks Like We All Need to Slow Down a Bit 🛑
Bentornati or benvenuti! Whether you are an avid reader or this is your first time here, I’m thankful you’ve joined us for this week’s Italy Per Te. Before we dig in, I wanted to comment on last week’s poll. You were all asked to picture yourself in Italy and let us know what environment appeals to you the most. The vast majority of respondents said the laid-back pace of a small town.
At first, I was a bit surprised. After all, we’re always hearing about the amazing sights, sounds and culinary treasures found in some of Italy’s biggest cities, especially the “big 5”: Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice. But then I considered the fact that most of us are drawn to Italy for more than the tourist scene. Many of us want a change of pace — a respite from the constant demands on our time and attention. Italy’s quaint, small towns definitely provide opportunities to ease up, breathe a bit and appreciate life. When was the last time you pumped the brakes to smell the (figurative) flowers?
What’s unique about Italy, and what many of us love most, is that pursuing this slower pace doesn’t require isolation. We can find a charming, quiet location that is still within reasonable reach of a bigger town or city if we choose to have the best of both worlds. Furthermore, the coast or countryside is equally accessible. While not perfect, you can’t argue with the fact that Italy truly does have so much to offer.
That being said, my take-away from the poll results is that slowing down a bit is a good goal for the year. Maybe your circumstances don’t allow for a full slow-down at this point. If that’s the case, maybe a pause is in order — whatever it takes to appreciate our life, the world around us and the opportunities ahead. I hope a new life in Italy is one of those new opportunities, and, if so, we’re here to support you.
Now….Andiamo!
January is the Ideal Time to Sign up for Italian National Healthcare
When planning a new life in Italy, timing is everything. For example, there are more advantageous times to move for tax purposes (during the second half of the year). Also, if you don’t have a visa for extended stays, you must pay attention to the time you spend in Italy so you don’t violate tourist regulations. Additionally, if you want to enroll in Italy’s national healthcare system, January is the best time to sign up.
Why? Because the yearly fee covers the entire calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December. It is not pro-rated or refundable.
➡️ UPDATE ALERT - As part of Italy’s 2024 budget, non-Italian residents (EU or non-EU) must now pay a minimum enrollment fee to join the national healthcare system. This fee is based on your income and has been set as at least € 2000 per person. As typical of any new regulation, rollout of this new policy varies but it has been approved.
❗️Remember, some comuni require enrollment in the national healthcare program, others do not. Always check with your local municipality to avoid surprises.
❗️Private healthcare is always an option if you can avoid this mandatory enrollment fee. Keep in mind, if you have pre-existing conditions, this may not be the best option as they are not covered in the private pathway. You can, however, always jump into the public system at any time. January is just the most economical time to do so.
Do you have a question related to the new regulation or Italian healthcare in general? Leave a comment below. ⬇️
Off to Arezzo! Meet a Smart Move Italy Community Member 🏠🇮🇹✈️
Tara was always intrigued by her Italian heritage. After going through the citizenship recognition process, this intrigue turned into a passion — a passion that led to buying a property in the iconic Tuscan town of Arezzo. At the start of her journey, Tara and her husband weren’t sure where to start but once they found Smart Move Italy’s Property Purchase Assistance program, the path became much smoother. Here’s Tara story, in her own words.
Over the years, I visited Italy many times and was able to reestablish my Italian citizenship via jure sanginis five years ago. At this point, my husband and I started to think about buying a place in Italy. We followed various ‘buy Italian homes’ Instagram accounts, which whetted our appetite, but was not an effective means for finding the right place. It did however allow us to hone in our criteria. The search was daunting — until we found Smart Move Italy.
After engaging with SMI, it still took patience to find properties that might work for us, but our SMI representative, Ilaria, was diligent, thoughtful, and responsive. She helped us narrow our search, and when we finally found a property that seemed like it might be the one, she went there to provide us a live video tour. She helped us negotiate a better price, and when accepted, walked us efficiently through the countless steps and forms needed to bring the deal to a successful close. We really could NEVER have done it without Ilaria and the rest of the Smart Move team.
🏠 If you’re inspired by Tara’s story and want to take the next step in your property purchase journey, we’d love to help. Click the button ⬇️ to find out more about our Property Purchase Assistance program. Our team of local experts will take the stress and confusion out of the process. Make 2024 the year you take action! We’re here to help you start a new life in Italy.
Mark Your Calendar: An Explosively Colorful Festival 🎆🎇
If you look up Saint Sebastian, you’ll probably find an image of a lean man in a loin cloth, tied to a tree trunk (or a post of some sort), his body pierced with arrows. According to legend, Sebastian was shot with arrows by the Romans in the 3rd century because of his Christian beliefs. He did not, however, die from this brutal attack. Once recovered, he confronted the emperor Diocletian, condemning his persecution of Christians. This time, he wasn’t so fortunate as he was promptly beaten to death.
Saint Sebastian is now known as the patron saint of soldiers, archers, police, and athletes. He’s also one of the patron saints of Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily. Accordingly, he is celebrated both on 20 January and 10. This month, locals honor the Saint’s feast day, but the real party is during the summer, so mark your calendars now. During this colorful festival, the streets transform into a lively spectacle of religious devotion, cultural richness, and communal joy.
The town's festival begins with solemn religious ceremonies, including special masses held in the local churches. Devotees gather to participate in prayers, seeking the intercession of San Sebastiano for protection, healing, and strength.
Then, the real celebration begins! The highlight of the festival is the grand procession that winds its way through the historic streets of Acreide. A beautifully adorned statue of Saint Sebastian takes center stage, carried on the shoulders of devoted participants dressed in white and red. Explosions of colored paper, streamers, and confetti over the streets and the jubliant crowd as fireworks burst in the background. This town knows how to party!
The religious aspects of the festival are complemented by cultural events that showcase the unique heritage of Acreide. Traditional dances, music performances, and local cuisine play a significant role in the festivities. Italy is known for its festivals, but this one is over-the-top amazing.
Have you been fortunate enough to see this festival in person? Or maybe there’s another Italian festival on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
Location Spotlight: Todi, Umbria
✅ Well-connected
✅ Charming
✅ Rich in history
✅ Stunning landscapes
When searching for an Italian property or area to visit, we all have our must-haves checklist. If yours resembles the list above 🔼, Todi could be your ideal location.
Nestled in the heart of Umbria, Todi is a captivating hilltop town offering timeless architecture, quaint shops and picturesque views. It’s everything you’d image a medieval town would be, and then some.
Todi boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times, a legacy you can feel as you stroll through the cobblestone streets. Well-preserved medieval buildings mingle with cozy cafes, inviting visitors and residents to explore or find a quiet corner to enjoy an espresso and watch the world go by. There is a good mix of energy and tranquility here so there are opportunities to stay active, as well as relax.
The town hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, and local traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture, from the Todi Festival showcasing classical music to the Todi Arte Festival highlighting contemporary art.
Surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves, Todi offers breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. The town's elevated position provides a stunning panorama of rolling hills and valleys, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty without feeling isolated.
Todi's proximity to major cities like Rome and Perugia ensures convenient access to amenities and transportation networks. The town's well-preserved character, combined with its accessibility, positions it as an excellent choice for those seeking a balance between rustic charm and modern convenience.
Did you miss this incredible property featured in this week’s Vendita, our FREE, weekly property newsletter? It’s an independent home with a fenced yard, very close to the town center listed for € 229.000 (the price just dropped!). The outdoor space on this one is incredible, and rare so close to the center of town.
To receive our list of curated properties every Sunday, Be sure to subscribe via email, or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: I’d like to know more about the investor’s visa. I understand that the investment commitment is at least 2 years. What happens after that if I want to then pull my money out of the investment? Can I still maintain residency?
Dear Ted: Hi Ted. Well, I have good news. The Investor Visa is without a doubt the best and most flexible visa availabe and can open the doors to Italy for your whole family.
There are several things to consider, but the investment is obviously key. The thing to remember is that the investment can only be in one company (not a fund) and you must maintain the investment for the duration of your Visa.
This doesn't mean that you must keep it for 2 years and then another 3, (to coincide with your Permesso di Soggiorno) but rather the minute you divest your visa is cancelled and you will not be permitted to stay in Italy. You can divest at any time you like. Subsequently you can continue to renew your permesso for as long as you maintain the investment. If you decide to establish legal residency in Italy, after 5 years you can apply for your EU Long Term Permit or after 10, your Italian citizenship. We have a really good FAQ's on our website that can help.
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Thank you for being a subscriber. Exciting things are on the horizon so we hope you’ll stay tuned. Until next week, a presto!