Welcome to our regular look at everything you need to know about life in Italy for The Local’s readers from the US. This newsletter is published monthly and you can receive it directly to your inbox before we publish by going to newsletter preferences in ‘My Account’ or following the instructions in the newsletter box below.
With its enviable climate and world-class culture and cuisine, Italy is an increasingly popular destination for Americans looking to start a new life abroad.
If you’re lucky enough to hold dual Italian-US citizenship, you’ll be able to sidestep much of the red tape faced by non-EU citizens hoping to become Italian residents.
But most US nationals will need to overcome a number of obstacles before they can call Italy home – from attending consular appointments to securing certified translations of official documents.
And even if you don’t have to worry about visas and residency permits, you may still need to navigate Italy’s rental market, which can be deeply confusing for outsiders.
Here are some of the challenges you can expect to face when relocating from the US to Italy, as well as some advice on how to handle them.
EXPLAINED: What are the biggest challenges for Americans moving to Italy?
Italy’s elective residency visa, or ERV, is one of the most popular options for American retirees wanting to move to Italy.
The ERV is aimed at people who can support themselves on a passive income (as well as meeting other requirements relating to accommodation and healthcare), making it a natural choice for pensioners who don’t need to work.
For married couples making a joint application, the minimum income threshold is significantly lower than for two individuals applying separately.
But what are the rules for non-married couples who want to apply to move to Italy together on the ERV?
We asked an Italian immigration lawyer to weigh in on what people in this situation should expect.
Can unmarried couples jointly apply for Italy’s elective residency visa?
The US and Italy currently have no reciprocal agreement in place when it comes to driving licences (and it could be a while before they do).
Unfortunately for US licence holders, that means retaking your test within 12 months of becoming an Italian resident if you want to continue driving on Italy’s roads.
So what are the major differences when it comes to taking your driving test in Italy versus the US?
For one thing, you’ll have to brush up on your Italian before taking your test, as unlike some other EU countries, Italy doesn’t allow you to sit either the theory or practical exam in English.
But there are other ways in which the US and Italian systems differ when it comes to getting your licence.
The differences between getting your driving licence in Italy and the US
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You can find more information about moving to or living in Italy as an American in our Americans in Italy section.
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