Living in Italy
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Italy.
Italian bureaucracy: What is a SPID and how do you get one?
If you’re looking for a way to get more of your Italian admin done online, setting up your SPID electronic identity will be the first step.
What's the difference between Italian residency and citizenship?
As a foreigner in Italy you enter a complicated world of bureaucracy, but one question we’re asked a lot is the difference in status between residency and citizenship. Here's an overview.
How international health insurance saved a South American adventure
Picture the scene: you are on horseback, riding along narrow trails through lush, verdant greenery. Majestic hills rise in the distance, behind a shimmering heat haze. The air is filled with the exotic fragrance of flowers that you’ve never encountered before.
EXPLAINED: How to change your registered address in Italy
Once you're an Italian resident, you should notify local authorities every time you move. Here's how to update your 'indirizzo'.
Six things foreigners should expect if they live in Rome
Rome attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. But what's it like to live there as a resident?
What are my rights in Italy if a flight is cancelled or delayed?
Disruption to a planned flight can ruin a holiday or business trip and cause a lot of stress, but you are legally entitled to assistance and even compensation in many cases.
Five questions to ask before buying a second home in Italy
Owning a second home in Italy is a dream for many – but there are some key things you should consider before you dive into the Italian property market.
How to plan ahead for retiring to Italy
If your dream is to retire to Italy, there are things you can do now to prepare for the move and make sure all goes smoothly in your new life.
What are the rules for installing air conditioning in your Italian home?
Air conditioning doesn’t come as standard in Italian homes, so if you want it this summer, you may have to install it yourself. Here's what you need to know about the process.
How to organise your language test for Italian citizenship
People applying for Italian citizenship by residency or marriage need to prove proficiency in the Italian language by taking a test. But where can you take it and how can you book it?
EXPLAINED: Italy's new rules for short-term lets in 2025
The rules on running Airbnb and other short-term tourist rentals in Italy are constantly changing, and vary by region. Here are the latest updates for hosts this year.
Second-home owners: What are the options for healthcare in Italy?
Regular visitors who spend extended periods of time in Italy, own property in the country, or have dual citizenship are sometimes unsure of their healthcare rights or the type of policy they’ll need. Here's a look at the available options.
'Gelato for lunch': Italy's official advice for keeping cool in summer
As the temperatures soar in Italy, the health ministry offers some advice on keeping cool - including on the importance of food and drink.
Moving to Italy: Registering with the anagrafe and your responsibilities as a resident
In this week's Moving to Italy newsletter, we look at how to register your residency with the Italian ‘anagrafe’ office and the key responsibilities foreign residents need to keep on top of.
What you need to know about installing a swimming pool at your Italian property
Relaxing in a private pool by your Italian home may be a lifelong dream of yours – but before you get your inflatable mattress out, there are some things you need to consider.
What kind of DIY work are you allowed to do on your Italian property?
Taking on a DIY renovation project can be tempting, especially if you’ve just purchased a fixer-upper that requires a little work to reach its full potential. However, Italian law places strict limits on what you can legally do without professional involvement.
What should you do if you lose your Italian residency permit card?
An Italian residency permit card is the best proof you have of your legal status as a non-EU citizen in Italy. So what should you do in the unfortunate event that it is lost or stolen?
Five things EU nationals should know before moving to Italy
Moving to Italy is relatively easy if you’re from an EU country, but there are still some things you’ll need to be prepared for.
Five expert tips for getting your Italian elective residency visa approved
Here are the main things you should know if you want to succeed first time round when applying for Italy's popular - but elusive - elective residency visa.
The bumper Italian tax guide for 2025
From filing deadlines to rules on foreign income, bank accounts and second homes, here's what you need to know about Italy's tax system in 2025.
Six key things to consider before you sell your home in Italy
If you're planning to sell your house or apartment in Italy, it's always a good idea to prepare well in advance. Here are six things you should consider if you want to make a sale.
EXPLAINED: How to register as a resident in Italy
Registering as a resident is one of the very first things you'll have to do after moving to Italy as a foreign national. Here’s what to expect when dealing with the country's registry office, or 'anagrafe'.
How hard is it to move to Italy from the US in 2025?
As more Americans are looking at a possible move to Italy, is the country now making the process more difficult? Here’s what recent law changes mean for relocation plans.