Moving to Italy is a quite a big step and for many people, the language barrier and general uncertainty can prove rather daunting. At the same time, the prospect of living in Italy should really be no more intimidating than anywhere else in Europe and each process is relatively straightforward.
Besides, you have likely made the decision already and reading this article to find the best local Italian resources online. With this in mind, let’s jump straight into the meat and potatoes, and help you get a few of the most important things sorted for your upcoming move to Italy.
1. Registration – About Registering as an Italian Resident
When you first move to Italy, you will need to register as a resident. For people outside of the EU, you will need the right documents to stay longer than the 90-day visa. In this sense, you must contact your local Italian consulate in your home country and obtain the visa before travel.
As for EU-citizens, you can simply register as a local resident in the local town hall. With this in mind, you are fully entitled to work and live in Italy but you must register within the first 90-days. Keep in mind, if you do not have a job or proof of sufficient funding, this may cause complications.
Click here for more information on visas for moving to Italy.
2. Codices Fiscal – How to Get Your Tax ID Number
In case you might be asking yourself, Codices Fiscal refers to your tax code in Italy. Every resident has a specific tax identification number and this is very much the same as a social services number in any other country.
But why might you need this number?
Well, you need the codices fiscal to open a bank account, register a phone number and register for the healthcare system in Italy. Needless to say, life could be very complicated in Italy without any of these services.
If you wish to get a head start, you can apply for this tax code from your home country by getting in touch with the local consulate. Alternatively, you can download the form online or submit an application in person at the revenue office when you arrive in Italy.
As there are many websites for revenue agencies in Italy, you can use this email address for help:
E-mail: dp.iroma@agenziaentrate.it
3. How to Find Apartment in the Most Convenient Way Possible
Finding a place to live in Italy is one of the most challenging tasks you should encounter. You have two options for this search with the first being a private agency and the second being an independent search online.
Although you will pay for the services of an agency, this can be a very convenient way to get settled and the fee can seem insignificant if they happen to find you the right place. It’s not just the language barrier either but rather the bureaucracy and paperwork that can often make this a frustrating process. What’s more, you should find that an agency will always get a better price and the reason for this is mostly down to local knowledge and experience.
Just so you know, agencies usually require a fee of 12% each year but they will negotiate every aspect of the contract on your behalf as well as any problems which may arise.
On the other hand, maybe you like the sound of a challenge and want to take on this search alone. For the most part, the process is really no different to anywhere else and it’s really just a case of crawling through various rental and property websites online. Kijiji is one that you may know already but here are some of the most popular rental sites that you should check when moving to Italy:
Note – There is also this article with more information about apartment hunting in Italy.
4. Registering Your Car and Attaining a Local Driving License
If you take a foreign car into Italy, you must register this vehicle with the Italian authorities. Now, this does not need to happen right away but law states that you must take this step within one year. It can also take time so try not to leave things until the last minute and just so you know, the cost is also quite steep at €800 per vehicle. In terms of insurance, there should be no real drama but you should know that many insurance companies are quite stringent on right-hand drive vehicles.
After one year of moving to Italy, you will also need to take a local driving test. It’s recommended that you learn Italian for this test as there is no English or German or French version available. Click here for information on how to become an Italian Citizen.
As a rule, the best thing to do is contact a nearby driving school and have them provide you with the necessary manuals for the test. That way, you have more time to be prepared and familiarize yourself with this strangely worded material!
For more information about an Italian driving license, you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (Motorizzazione Civile).
5. Learn Italian in Your Own Time with Duolingo
Sooner or later, you will want to start learning some of the local lingo and this will certainly help you settle a bit easier in any part of Italy. While tutors and classes are available, let’s assume you want to keep things frugal and in which case Duolingo is an extremely useful app.
Featuring smart, short lessons and multiple games, this is also quite a fun way to learn Italian. You can also learn at your own pace and even ten to fifteen minutes per day should be enough to get you striking up basic conversation within a month or two.
While the app is quite simple at first, Duolingo is a comprehensive app and there is much more to these courses than asking directions, ordering a meal or communicating with the shop assistant.
Final Thoughts
While there is inevitably so much to organize when moving to Italy, these are some of the most important things that you can get out of the way. You may be in need of Italian dual citizenship services and cost. If so, contact our team to discuss your situation and we’ll be sure to assist you. As you know, productivity also brings confidence and having these basics sorted on arrival is likely to make life an awful lot easier when you finally make the move to Italy.
