How to Move to Italy: A Detailed Guide

Living in the UAE is definitely all that it’s made up to be. From the souks in Deira to fine living and skyscrapers in Dubai, not to talk of the absolutely zero income taxes, it’s almost paradise on earth.

However, sometimes, you just need to get away from all of that and experience a quieter and slower life. This is where European countries like Italy come in. Whether you want to spend your days lounging in open-air cafes in the cities watching regular people walking past in high fashion pieces, or you would prefer to live in the more rural towns, Italy is the place for you.

But, the thing is, moving to a new country can be as daunting as it is exciting. So, if you’re planning to move, there’s no doubt that there’s a lot on your mind that you have to figure out. So, it’s advisable to structure everything with the help of professionals like the Garant Service, who already have vast experience with the processes involved.

Anyway, in this guide, we have brought together most of the key steps that you need to take to make your move to Italy as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Your very first assignment is to research the details of your intended Italian locality – really get into the legal, social, and cultural intricacies of the place, to get a sense of how it would feel to live there.

Moving to Italy is a whole different ball game from being just a tourist. While it’s possible to tolerate unfavorable living costs or local crime as a tourist, it’s infinitely more difficult to navigate issues like these as a resident.

One way to get around to this is to engage with fellow expatriates who have already made the leap. They can provide unique insights into the community and tips on navigating potential challenges.

Get Your Documents in Order

As it always is, moving countries always involves a ton of paperwork. Unfortunately, as much as we may hate all the bureaucracy associated with immigration, these documents are typically necessary for security. But that doesn’t make them less of a hassle.

So, when you begin contemplating a move to Italy, you need to get started with putting your documents in order. Firstly, ensure that your passport has a minimum of six months validity beyond your intended arrival date in Italy. Also, decide what type of visa you would need – work, student, family reunification, or talent visa. Then, find out what the requirements are for your preferred visa class, and get them in order.

Another essential part of the puzzle is the ‘permesso di soggiorno’ or permit of stay. You are required to apply for this within eight days of touching Italian soil. This permit legally allows you to reside in Italy, so you probably should get familiar with the application process ahead of time.

Explore Employment and Business Opportunities

Thanks to today’s remote work possibilities, many who move to Italy already have jobs. Many others also move to Italy to take up job offers. But for what is probably the larger percentage, it is a blind leap of faith. If you fall in this category, you needn’t fear, you just need to begin your job hunt as soon as possible.

Kick-start your journey by scanning the job market for openings that align with your skillset. Send cold emails and messages on LinkedIn, putting your CV out there, and waiting to see who will bite.

Your horizon isn’t limited to traditional employment. Italy also rolls out the red carpet for foreign entrepreneurs, with special visas and a helping hand offered for those looking to establish start-ups. Just ensure that whatever job or business you choose aligns with the visa type you’re applying for. You should also learn about income taxes in Italy.

Find the Perfect Home

Well, your journey of moving to Italy cannot be complete without finding a place to stay. The typical thing to do is to engage a professional property agent who knows the local landscape. Their insights on neighborhoods, prices, and potential pitfalls can prove invaluable. Also, they usually have incredibly reliable networks that can help make the whole process of finding an apartment even smoother.

Another option is to tap into an existing community of friends, family, or fellow expatriates; especially if you’re looking to avoid paying huge agency fees.

Remember to consider practicalities such as proximity to your workplace, safety standards, and accessibility to amenities like shopping centers, schools, and hospitals.

Understand the Italian Healthcare System

The Italian healthcare system is pretty different from the UAE, and you need to quickly learn how it works, as you transition.

Upon becoming an official resident in Italy, you earn access to the same healthcare rights as an Italian citizen. Italy’s National Health Service (The Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), provides both citizens and residents with free or low-cost healthcare, covering most general and specialist medical treatments.

However, it’s worth noting that registration with the SSN can take a while, so it’s a good idea to begin the process as soon as you have your residence permit in place. While many expatriates rely on the public healthcare system, some opt for private healthcare insurance to bypass the potentially long wait times associated with public healthcare.

Master the Italian Language

The English Language is spoken around the world, even in Italy; so, you may probably get by speaking only English. However, Italian is the primary language and lingua franca in Italy, so, it’s advisable to get acquainted with it; especially if you’re going to be living in the more rural areas, and also if you expect to attain citizenship in the near future. So, at the very least, learn the basic things, like asking for directions, asking for help, saying “please” and “thank you”, etc.

Conclusion

Moving from the UAE to the more picturesque landscapes of Italy might initially feel like a gargantuan task, but it is very achievable with careful preparation, diligence, and a dash of the la dolce vita Italian spirit. So, as you take these steps, remember to savor every moment, take in every detail, and relish the beauty that awaits you in your new life in Italy. In bocca al lupo!